Latest news with #FunkyandtheChamp
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
‘I'm praying for a miracle' – Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star might need lung transplant after battling pneumonia
Ex-MMA ace remains in hospital on a ventilator as partner thanks fans for support FIGHTING ON 'I'm praying for a miracle' – Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star might need lung transplant after battling pneumonia Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEN ASKREN'S wife is "praying for a miracle" as the former UFC star might need a lung transplant. Askren is in hospital on a ventilator fighting pneumonia following a staph (bacterial) infection. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Wife Amy Askren hopes her husband won't need a transplant Credit: Getty 3 The 44-year-old was briefly 'unresponsive' in hospital Credit: GETTY His partner Amy said she "never could have expected" such an "awful situation" as her 40-year-old husband is "the healthiest guy I know". She issued an update on his condition via Facebook after he was moved from a hospital in Vegas to Wisconsin. Amy explained Ben's "critical" condition has seen so many ups and downs that doctors have begun the "evaluation process" for a lung transplant. She praised the support he's had from the MMA world and beyond. Amy also said: "I'm still praying for a miracle with his current lungs. "I know transplants are such a blessing and I'm overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. "No one would take better care of that gift than Ben. She also asked fans of her partner - aka "Funky" - to join her in praying for him. Amy added: "Thank you for every message and all of the support. "Despite this awful situation, I'm feeling so blessed by the community we're surrounded by." Ben Askren says Jake Paul is 'better than all of us anticipated' And she urged everyone to appreciate their health - but also be prepared for anything that could happen. Amy said: "Give your loved ones a hug today. "And make sure you're prepared [for] situations like this. "Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this." The ex-welterweight fighter was taken to hospital earlier this month after developing a lung problem and pneumonia following an infection. He was briefly "unresponsive" and has since been on a ventilator as well as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which is like an artificial lung. Askren's friend, former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier, has spoken emotionally about his podcast host. He said: 'Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy. 3 Amy asked fans to join in prayers for her husband Ben Credit: Getty "We are constantly thinking about him every single day. 'I cannot wait for the next 'Funky and the Champ' because we'll talk about that so much more.' Last week Amy had to shut down unwelcome false rumours on social media that her husband had died She stressed to TMZ he was "definitely still fighting". Askren retired from MMA in 2019 after one win and two defeats. However, two years later he returned to ring action for a boxing match with YouTuber Jake Paul which he lost on a first-round KO.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘I'm praying for a miracle' – Ben Askren's wife reveals ex-UFC star might need lung transplant after battling pneumonia
BEN ASKREN'S wife is "praying for a miracle" as the former UFC star might need a lung transplant. Advertisement 3 Wife Amy Askren hopes her husband won't need a transplant Credit: Getty 3 The 44-year-old was briefly 'unresponsive' in hospital Credit: GETTY His partner She issued an update on his condition via Facebook after he was moved from a hospital in Vegas to Wisconsin. Amy explained Ben's "critical" condition has seen so many ups and downs that doctors have begun the "evaluation process" for a lung transplant. She praised the support he's had from the MMA world and beyond. Advertisement READ MORE ON BEN ASKREN Amy also said: "I'm still praying for a miracle with his current lungs. "I know transplants are such a blessing and I'm overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. "No one would take better care of that gift than Ben. She also asked fans of her partner - aka "Funky" - to join her in praying for him. Advertisement Most read in MMA Warning Amy added: "Thank you for every message and all of the support. "Despite this awful situation, I'm feeling so blessed by the community we're surrounded by." Ben Askren says Jake Paul is 'better than all of us anticipated' And she urged everyone to appreciate their health - but also be prepared for anything that could happen. Amy said: "Give your loved ones a hug today. Advertisement "And make sure you're prepared [for] situations like this. "Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this." The ex-welterweight fighter was taken to hospital earlier this month after developing a lung problem and pneumonia following an infection. He was briefly "unresponsive" and has since been on a ventilator as well as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which is like an artificial lung. Advertisement Askren's friend, former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier, has spoken emotionally about his podcast host. He said: 'Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy. 3 Amy asked fans to join in prayers for her husband Ben Credit: Getty "We are constantly thinking about him every single day. Advertisement 'I cannot wait for the next 'Funky and the Champ' because we'll talk about that so much more.' Last week Amy had to She stressed to Askren retired from MMA in 2019 after one win and two defeats. Advertisement However, two years later he returned to ring action for a boxing match with YouTuber
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Former UFC Star Ben Askren Being Prepared for Lung Transplant, Says Wife
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Bellator and UFC star Ben Askren continues to fight for his life in the hospital. There were rumors that he died, which were immediately shot down by his wife, Amy Askren. Read more: Former UFC Star is 'Fighting for Life' As Wife Shoots Down Death Rumors Amy has updated fans as much as possible via her personal Facebook page. Initially, she stated that Ben was dealing with severe pneumonia and that he was still hospitalized. Now, she has revealed a far more harrowing update, as Ben is currently on sedation and is being prepped to receive a lung transplant. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 02: Robbie Lawler (R) and Ben Askren trade punches during their welterweight bout during UFC 235 at T-Mobile Arena on March 02, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 02: Robbie Lawler (R) and Ben Askren trade punches during their welterweight bout during UFC 235 at T-Mobile Arena on March 02, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada."I haven't shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share. I've had some media people contact me that they are going to share an update and I would rather it come from me. Her post on Facebook reads: "Ben is still on a ventilator and ecmo to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can't handle coming off sedation too much yet. I'm still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant. "Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily. I know transplants are such a blessing and I'm overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. No one would take better care of that gift than Ben. "Thank you for every message and all of the support. Despite this awful situation, I'm feeling so blessed by the community we're surrounded by. Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you're prepared situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this." Though the update offers some hope in the form of Ben being weaned off sedation, the aspect of his potentially needing a lung transplant is very worrisome. The hope is Ben can recover fully, or is able to find a transplant should his lungs stop working due to whatever medical issue he is going through. The entire MMA community has been shouting out Ben, including his podcast co-host and former UFC champion Daniel Cormier. Cormier co-hosts the "Funky and the Champ" podcast with Ben. For more on the UFC, head to Newsweek Sports.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Ben Askren major health update after false reports fighter had died
The American was rushed to hospital earlier this month after suffering from pneumonia - but a major update on his current condition has been revealed Former UFC star Ben Askren is showing some responsiveness and is can 'open his eyes and 'squeeze hands', according to reports. Earlier this month, the American was rushed to hospital coming down with a severe case of pneumonia, which was brought on by a staph infection. Rumours of his death began to circulate online last week - which forced Askren's wife Amy to clear up the claims, stating that he is 'alive' but is still 'fighting.' According to a report from wrestling journalist Pat Mineo on Monday evening, Askren is still expected to need a lung transplant, but his levels are improving. In a post uploaded to X - formerly known as Twitter - he posted: "Update: All the prayers and medical support Ben Askren has been receiving is working! "He was able to open his eyes and squeeze hands, showing some responsiveness. He is still expected to need a lung transplant, but some of his levels are improving and he is fighting like a Champ! Keep praying for Ben Askren." Last week, Askren's good friend Daniel Cormier revealed that the American was moved to a different hospital. The former two-division UFC champion said of his podcast host: 'Ben Askren, our good friend from 'Funky and the Champ', is having a hard time. That night that we did the last episode of 'Funky and the Champ', Ben was complaining about some issues. He had some infections. He had a really tough time when he went to that convention in Vegas, he was stuck there for a while. 'I want to report to you guys that he's now back home in Wisconsin. He's with his family, his beautiful wife, Amy. Everybody is just kind of praying that Ben gets better and we can start moving forward with life for Ben. It's so sad. I don't know how things like this happen to someone who is so good because Ben Askren is a good guy. 'Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy. We are constantly thinking about him every single day. I cannot wait for the next 'Funky and the Champ' because we'll talk about that so much more.' Cormier's update came just hours after Askren's wife Amy was forced to deny social media rumours that her husband had passed away. She told TMZ her other half is "definitely still fighting". During the peak of his powers, the American was considered one of the top welterweights in the sport after he won titles in both Bellator and ONE Championship. He eventually joined the UFC in 2019 and submitted former champion Robbie Lawler on his promotional debut. However, he would then go on to lose back-to-back fights against Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. Just a few weeks after the Maia fight, Askren announced his retirement from MMA, but it was not long before he eventually returned to combat sports after agreeing to fight Jake Paul in the boxing ring. The 40-year old would go on to suffer a knockout defeat in the first round in what was his only fight inside the squared-circle.
Scottish Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fresh Ben Askren health update issued as wife denies wild rumours former UFC star has died
Shock social media reports claimed the former UFC star had passed away 'TOUGH TIME' Fresh Ben Askren health update issued as wife denies wild rumours former UFC star has died Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEN ASKREN is recovering in a Wisconsin hospital following his hospitalisation. The former UFC welterweight was hospitalised last week after coming down with a severe case of pneumonia, which was brought on by a staph infection. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren was hospitalised last week with pneumonia Credit: GETTY 4 The 44-year-old was briefly 'unresponsive' in a Las Vegas hospital Credit: GETTY 4 Pal Daniel Cormier has revealed his podcast host is now in a hospital in Wisconsin Credit: GETTY Askren was in a critical condition and "unresponsive" in a Vegas hospital, according to his wife Amy. But according to the 40-year-old's good friend, Daniel Cormier, he's now been moved to a different hospital. The former two-division UFC champion said of his podcast host: 'Ben Askren, our good friend from 'Funky and the Champ', is having a hard time. 'That night that we did the last episode of 'Funky and the Champ', Ben was complaining about some issues. "He had some infections. He had a really tough time when he went to that convention in Vegas, he was stuck there for a while. 'I wanna report to you guys that he's now back home in Wisconsin. He's with his family, his beautiful wife, Amy. 'Everybody is just kind of praying that Ben gets better and we can start moving forward with life for Ben. 'It's so sad. I don't know how things like this happen to someone who is so good because Ben Askren is a good guy. 4 Ben Askren's wife, Amy, was forced to deny rumours that her husband had passed away Credit: GETTY 'Pray for Amy, guys. Pray for the kids. Ben, we love you, buddy. We are constantly thinking about him every single day. 'I cannot wait for the next 'Funky and the Champ' because we'll talk about that so much more.' Ben Askren says he will not be back again after knockout loss to Jake Paul Cormier's update came just hours after Amy was forced to deny swirling social media rumours that her husband had passed away. She told TMZ her other half is "definitely still fighting". Askren retired from mixed martial arts in November 2019 after going 1-2 in his three fights in the promotion. But he briefly ended his combat sports retirement in April 2021 for a lucrative boxing match against Jake Paul, which he lost via first-round KO.
