Ben Askren Hospitalized: MMA Star Battles Staph Infection Turned Severe Pneumonia

Ben Askren, the Olympic wrestler turned MMA champion and UFC fan favorite, is currently fighting the biggest battle of his life—and this time, it’s not in the cage. The 40-year-old athlete has been hospitalized in Wisconsin and is in critical condition, battling a life-threatening case of pneumonia that developed from a serious staph infection.

Askren’s wife, Amy, issued a heartfelt update this week, revealing that while Ben is still alive, he remains unable to respond and continues to fight for his life. The Askren family is asking for prayers and privacy as they try to protect their three young children from the severity of the situation.

What Is a Staph Infection—and Could It Have Been Prevented?

For those unfamiliar, staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium commonly found on the skin or in the nose. While usually harmless on the surface, if the bacteria enter the body—especially through cuts, abrasions, or surgical wounds—they can cause serious complications.

In athletes, particularly in high-contact sports like wrestling and MMA, staph infections are unfortunately common. The constant skin-to-skin contact, sweaty environments, and frequent mat use create a breeding ground for infection. Prevention includes:

• Practicing good hygiene
• Keeping wounds clean and covered
• Disinfecting training gear and surfaces regularly
• Avoiding shared personal items (like towels or razors)

Despite these measures, even elite athletes can fall victim. In Askren’s case, it appears that what started as a manageable infection escalated quickly into something far more dangerous.

A Look Back at Ben Askren’s Career

Ben “Funky” Askren isn’t just known for his curly hair and quirky personality—he’s a combat sports legend.

• 🥇 Wrestling Background: Askren was a two-time NCAA wrestling champion and a 2008 U.S. Olympian.
• MMA Champion: He went 19-2 (1 NC) in his MMA career, capturing welterweight titles in both Bellator and ONE Championship. His dominance came from his elite wrestling, relentless pace, and unorthodox style.
• UFC Run: Askren joined the UFC in 2019, famously debuting with a wild win over Robbie Lawler. But his UFC stint was short-lived, marked by a record-setting five-second KO loss to Jorge Masvidal and a submission loss to Demian Maia before retiring later that year.
• Boxing with Jake Paul: Askren returned to the spotlight in 2021 for a crossover boxing match with YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul. He lost via first-round TKO but took it all in stride, as expected from someone who’s always brought humor and humility to the fight game.
• Post-Fighting Career: Recently, Askren was involved in wrestling commentary and podcasting, co-hosting “Funky & the Champ” and staying active in the combat sports scene. He had also signed with Real American Wrestling shortly before his hospitalization.

Outpouring of Support

The MMA and wrestling communities have rallied around Askren. UFC legends like Daniel Cormier, Chael Sonnen, Henry Cejudo, and Chris Weidman have posted messages of encouragement. Fans, fighters, and even rivals have expressed their support across social media.

Final Thoughts

Ben Askren has faced down some of the most dangerous fighters in the world—and now, he’s facing an invisible but deadly opponent. The hope is that his tenacity, grit, and champion’s mindset will pull him through. While the road to recovery may be long, the entire MMA world is in his corner.

For now, we can only send strength and prayers to Ben, Amy, and their family.

Stay tuned for more updates on Askren’s condition, and if you’re in the combat sports community—take hygiene seriously. Sometimes, the biggest fights don’t happen in the ring.