Former UFC fighter and Bellator champion Ben Askren is critically ill due to pneumonia. After his wife Amy Askren shared a message on social media, it became clear that Askren developed severe pneumonia suddenly. She stated, “You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something. He developed severe pneumonia which came on very suddenly. He’s currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time. We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace.”

Former fighter Chael Sonnen commented on social media, saying, “Ben is alive and prayers are wanted. The family is choosing privacy at this time.” Askren’s family reassured fans that he is “definitely still fighting” and emphasized that rumors of his death are false.

Askren, 40, won the welterweight title in 2010 and successfully defended it four times in Bellator. After a stint with ONE FC, he joined UFC, winning a match against Robbie Lawler but eventually retiring following losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. He later boxed Jake Paul in 2021, losing in the first round.

Askren and Amy share three children.