BREAKING: Olympic Wrestler Ben Askren Awake and Talking After Near-Fatal Health Scare
In what can only be described as a miracle comeback worthy of the octagon itself, former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren is reportedly conscious and communicating with medical staff after surviving what appears to be a serious health emergency.
The news comes as a massive relief to the MMA community, which has been holding its collective breath since reports first emerged about Askren’s condition.
Funky’s Fighting Spirit Shines Through
Ben “Funky” Askren has never been one to go down easily. The former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight king, who famously represented Team USA in wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is now facing perhaps his toughest battle outside the cage.
While details remain limited at this time, the image of Askren in what appears to be a hospital setting tells part of the story. The 39-year-old fighter, known for his incredible wrestling pedigree and unorthodox style, is reportedly responsive and communicating—a positive sign that has fans worldwide breathing a sigh of relief.
Insert image of Ben Askren competing in UFC here
Career Defined By Resilience
This wouldn’t be the first time Askren has demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Throughout his 19-2 professional MMA career, Askren built a reputation as one of the most dominant wrestlers in the sport’s history before joining the UFC in 2019.
I’ve followed Askren’s career since his Bellator days, and what always stood out was his mental toughness. This is a guy who bounced back from the fastest knockout in UFC history against Jorge Masvidal to face Demian Maia in a Fight of the Night performance just months later.
That same fighting spirit appears to be serving him well in this current health battle.
Ben Askren’s MMA Career Highlights
| Organization | Title Status | Record | Notable Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellator | Welterweight Champion | 9-0 | Douglas Lima, Andrey Koreshkov |
| ONE Championship | Welterweight Champion | 7-0 | Zebaztian Kadestam, Shinya Aoki |
| UFC | N/A | 1-2 | Robbie Lawler |
Community Rallies Around Askren
The MMA world has quickly rallied around Askren, with fighters, coaches, and fans sending messages of support across social media. Former opponents and teammates alike have put rivalries aside to wish for his full recovery.
This outpouring of support demonstrates the tight-knit nature of the combat sports community, especially when one of their own faces adversity outside the competitive arena.
What Happened to Ben Askren?
While official details regarding the nature of Askren’s medical emergency have not been fully disclosed, the situation appears serious given the hospital setting visible in the image. His family has requested privacy during this challenging time, though they expressed gratitude for the supportive messages flooding in.
The timing is particularly poignant as Askren has remained active in combat sports as a commentator and analyst since his retirement from active competition in 2019, becoming a respected voice in the wrestling and MMA communities.
A Champion Beyond the Cage
Since retiring from MMA, Askren has focused on coaching wrestling, cryptocurrency investments, and even ventured into the world of professional boxing with his high-profile match against Jake Paul in 2021.
His impact on combat sports extends far beyond his own competitive accomplishments, as he’s helped mentor the next generation of wrestlers and fighters while maintaining his characteristic outspoken personality.
You might remember Askren for his undefeated streak, his funky hairstyle, or his memorable UFC bouts, but those who know him best speak of his intelligence, dedication to wrestling, and unwavering confidence.
What’s Next For Funky?
The road to recovery for any serious health issue is rarely quick or easy, even for elite athletes. However, if anyone has the mental fortitude to overcome such challenges, it’s Ben Askren.
As more information becomes available, we’ll continue to provide updates on Askren’s condition and recovery progress. For now, the MMA community continues to send positive energy to one of the sport’s most unique and accomplished figures.
In the meantime, fans can support Askren by sending messages through his social media accounts, where his team is likely to provide official updates as appropriate.
Send Your Support
Have a favorite Ben Askren moment or message of support? Share it in the comments below or on social media with #GetWellFunky to join the worldwide community rallying behind this combat sports legend during his recovery.
We’re all in your corner, Ben.
Source: Fortune