### Former UFC Star Ben Askren Hospitalized in Critical Condition

Former mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Ben Askren has been hospitalized and is currently in critical condition. Known for his championship reigns in Bellator and ONE Championship, Askren transitioned to UFC in 2018 and concluded his MMA career in 2019. The 40-year-old North American athlete has faced significant health complications, including a severe staph infection and pneumonia.

Pat Mineo from The Wrestling Room was among the first to report Askren's hospitalization on Saturday. "Wrestling community, we need to pray for and rally around @BenAskren who is in critical condition and battling a severe staph infection," Mineo wrote on X, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "He is also battling severe pneumonia, prayers needed!!!"

Further highlighting the severity of Askren's condition, former UFC competitor Chael Sonnen also took to social media, stating, "Ben is alive and prayers are wanted. Family choosing privacy at this time."

Adding to the concern, Ben Askren’s wife, Amy, provided an emotional update on Facebook. "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,” she said. She also requested prayers and support for their family, specifically mentioning their efforts to maintain normalcy for their children during this challenging time.

Askren, beloved within both the MMA and wrestling communities, retired after a career that saw him face some of the sport’s toughest competitors, including Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal, and Demian Maia. His last professional bout was a boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021, where he suffered a TKO defeat. His contribution as a coach, father, and husband has left a significant impact on many, and the call for communal support reflects the high regard in which he is held.