Ben Askren Still Alive: Daniel Cormier Shuts Down Death Rumors About Former UFC Fighter
In the wild world of MMA where rumors spread faster than a Jon Jones eye poke controversy, sometimes we need a reality check. Today’s rumor-squashing comes courtesy of Daniel Cormier, who felt compelled to address bizarre speculation about his podcast co-host and friend Ben Askren.
Yes, folks, Ben Askren is very much alive and well, despite what you might have heard on the darker corners of social media.
DC Confirms: Funky Is Fine
Daniel Cormier, the former two-division UFC champion and Askren’s co-host on their popular YouTube podcast, recently addressed the strange rumors circulating about Askren’s supposed demise. The NCAA wrestling legend turned MMA fighter has apparently been the subject of death hoaxes that gained enough traction to warrant a public denial.
“I don’t know how these things start,” Cormier reportedly said during a recent appearance. “Ben was literally just texting me about next week’s show topics. Unless his ghost has learned to use a phone, I can confirm he’s doing just fine.”
Not The First MMA Death Hoax
This isn’t the first time the MMA community has had to deal with false death reports. Fighters from Conor McGregor to Khabib Nurmagomedov have all been “killed off” by internet rumors at some point in their careers.
What makes these hoaxes particularly troubling is how quickly they can spread through social media and even make their way to concerned family members before being debunked.
Why Do MMA Death Hoaxes Happen?
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of celebrity death hoaxes:
- Click-bait websites looking for easy traffic
- Social media algorithms that reward shocking content
- The insular nature of MMA fandom where rumors travel quickly
- Lack of immediate verification from official sources
Askren’s Current Projects
For those curious about what the very-much-alive Askren is actually doing these days, he’s keeping busy. After retiring from competition following his UFC stint, the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight king has:
- Co-hosted a successful podcast with Daniel Cormier
- Remained active in the wrestling community
- Made occasional appearances as an MMA analyst
- Embraced his role as one of the sport’s most outspoken personalities
I’ve always appreciated Askren’s unfiltered approach to the fight game. Even when he was on the receiving end of the fastest knockout in UFC history courtesy of Jorge Masvidal, Funky Ben never lost his distinctive voice in the sport.
The Impact of False News in Combat Sports
While we can laugh about this particular rumor now, false reports about fighters can have real consequences. From affecting betting markets to causing emotional distress for family members, these hoaxes aren’t just harmless internet fun.
The MMA community would be better served by waiting for confirmation from reliable sources before spreading potentially harmful information – something I try to remind my readers about regularly.
How To Spot Fake MMA News
| Warning Sign | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Unknown website source | Check major MMA outlets for confirmation |
| No quotes from credible sources | Look for statements from the fighter, team, or promotion |
| Sensational headline with few details | Wait for more information before sharing |
| No timestamp or publication date | Verify if the story is current or recycled old news |
The Bottom Line
Ben Askren is alive and well. The former UFC fighter, Olympic wrestler, and current podcaster continues to share his unfiltered opinions on the sport we all love.
Next time you see a shocking headline about your favorite fighter, take a moment to verify before hitting that share button. In the meantime, you can look forward to more episodes of Askren and DC breaking down the fight game – very much in the land of the living.
What’s your take on celebrity death hoaxes in MMA? Drop a comment below with your thoughts!
Source: Vox Media