Ben Askren's wife Amy issues health update on UFC fighter as she prays for 'miracle' over transplant

Ben Askren's wife Amy has issued a fresh update on the UFC fighter after being admitted to hospital with 'severe pneumonia'.

The 40-year-old was hospitalised in Las Vegas earlier this month after developing the severe infection, which 'came on very suddenly'.

His wife confirmed that Askren was 'unable to respond' following his hospitalisation, before he was moved to a facility in his home state of Wisconsin.

In an update on Monday, it was revealed that he had been able to show 'some responsiveness' by opening his eyes and squeezing hands.

However, it was added that Askren would still be expected to need a lung transplant as a result of the effects of severe pneumonia.

Amy has now posted a new update, in which she confirmed that hospital staff are now 'starting the evaluation process for a lung transplant' - though she is 'praying for a miracle' that such a procedure will not be necessary.

She added: "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."

Askren remains on a ventilator and is receiving ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) treatment.

ECMO is a life support treatment and provides temporary support when a patient's lungs are unable to function properly.

He also has 'good days and bad', with Amy stating that the 'good days' mean that doctors can reduce sedation to allow him to open his eyes.

The statement concludes: "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 for situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I could never have expected this."

The MMA and UFC communities have sent their well-wishes to Askren, with Saturday's UFC 315 broadcast interrupted for a special video package.

Commentator Brandon Fitzgerald said: "Ben Askren is currently in a serious battle in a Wisconsin hospital after developing severe pneumonia.

"The MMA community has rallied around the Askren family, urging prayers for Amy and their three children.

"We here at the UFC certainly join in sending all our support to Ben, his wife Amy, and their kids as they stay strong through this difficult fight."