Dillon Danis speaks out on rival Ben Askren after former UFC fighter rushed to hospital with 'severe' health problem

Dillon Danis has spoken out on Ben Askren after he was rushed to hospital with a 'severe' health problem.

Askren has been hospitalised after being struck down by pneumonia, according to the ex-UFC fighter's wife, Amy.

The MMA community rallied around the 40-year-old after the concerning report emerged last weekend.

Ahead of UFC 316, Ariel Helwani said: "Wanted to send positive thoughts to Ben Askren, who is currently hospitalized battling serious health issues. Askren developed pneumonia very recently, according to his wife, in addition to other serious illnesses. He’s battling right now.

"Hang in there, @Benaskren. You got this."

Danis, a long-time rival of Askren, also took to social media to share a heartfelt message.

He put his beef aside and underlined the seriousness of his condition.

On X, he wrote: "I heard the news before it hit the media about Ben Askren. It’s a lot more serious than people think. No matter how bad our beef might’ve been, he’s a great coach and a family man. Praying he pulls through this."

Ben Askren was considered one of the best welterweights in MMA at the peak of his career. Image: Getty

Ben Askren's wife revealed that he is currently 'unresponsive' following a statement

Amy shared a statement about her husband on Facebook as she revealed he is unresponsive in hospital.

"You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something," she posted on social media.

"He developed severe pneumonia which came on very suddenly.

"He's currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time.

"We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace.

"We are trying to keep life as normal as possible for our children currently and doing our best to support them thoughtfully so please refrain from discussing it with them for now."

Askren had three fights in the UFC after making his name in Bellator, where he reigned as the promotion's welterweight champion.

He joined ONE FC in 2013 and picked up their welterweight belt.

In 2018, Askren was involved in an MMA trade, swapping places with Demetrious Johnson.

The decorated American wrestler went 1-2 in the UFC, losing to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia before calling time on his career.

But he came out of retirement to face Jake Paul in a boxing match.