‘Keep praying’ – Ben Askren’s wife shares update with ex-UFC star fighting for his life in hospital

BEN ASKREN’s wife has given a fresh update on the former MMA world champion’s condition following his hospitalisation.

The 44-year-old was hospitalised last week after coming down with a severe case of pneumonia, which was brought on by a staph infection.

Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren was hospitalised last weekGETTY

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Askren is suffering from severe pneumonia stemming from a staph infection[/caption]

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Asken’s wife, Amy, has asked for continued prayers for the 44-year-old[/caption]

Askren was in a critical condition and “unresponsive” according to a heartbreaking social media post from his wife, Amy.

And she’s urged her loved ones and fight fans to continue praying for her husband in her latest Facebook post.

She wrote: “Feeling so incredibly thankful for our friends and community.

“It’s times like this that remind you how truly blessed you are.

“I feel God moving through the love and support we have received.

“I’m sorry if I haven’t had the chance to respond to you, but know I’ve seen your messages, and each one has meant so much to me.

“Please keep praying for Ben.”

The MMA community were quick to send their well-wishes to Askren after learning of his hospitalisation.

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Ben Askren retired from mixed martial arts in November 2019[/caption]

Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo wrote on X: “Pray for Ben Askren.”

Ex-middleweight king Chris Weidman said: “Prayers out to Ben Askren and his family!!”

Lightweight star Terrance McKinney said: “Prayers for Ben Askren.”

Dillon Danis wrote: “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.”

Askren announced his retirement from MMA in 2019 after just over a year in the UFC, where he won three of his fights in the promotion.

He ended his combat sports retirement in April 2021 for a crossover clash with Jake Paul, who knocked him out in the first round of their Covid clash.