A positive update on the health status of Ben Askren has been issued after his wife was forced to deny a sick rumour about the former UFC fighter.
Last week, Askren's wife Amy revealed that he had contracted "severe pneumonia very suddenly" and was suffering from other serious illnesses in hospital.
In a statement issued, Amy confirmed that Askren was "unable to respond" and called "all prayers for healing and for peace" during the tough situation.
A false rumour spread that 'Funky' had deteriorated and passed away from health issues but that was swiftly denied by Amy, who told TMZ: "He is alive and any rumour he has died is completely false. [He is] definitely still fighting."
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But after kind thoughts and prayers from fans and fighters alike, including rival Dillon Danis, there has been some encouraging news regarding the 40-year-old. According to @MrPatMineo, who has been covering the situation, Askren has shown signs of response - opening his eyes and squeezing hands.
Update on Ben Askren's health given by insider
He is still likely to require a lung transplant but there is much more positivity after the recent development.
"All the prayers and medical support Ben Askren has been receiving is working!" the account posted on Monday.
"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."
UFC legend Daniel Cormier was forced to clarify a comment he made on Askren, saying he "should have been more clear" with an earlier post which fans took as him leaving a hospital in Wisconsin.
A member of the 2008 US Olympic team, Askren debuted in MMA in 2009 and later went on to capture the Bellator welterweight championship before winning the title at the same weight with One Championship.
He made the move to UFC in 2018 as part of a huge trade with saw Demetrious Johnson head in the opposite direction.
Askren beat Robbie Lawler in his debut to remain undefeated but suffered back-to-back defeats to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia.
Having retired from MMA in 2019, he made his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul in 2021, suffering a first round TKO loss.
Topics: Ben Askren, MMA, UFC
Josh Lawless