MMA legend Ben Askren is hospitalized and “unresponsive” after being struck down by severe pneumonia.
The former MMA and wrestling standout famously came out of retirement to face Jake Paul in a boxing match in 2021.
Askren, an Olympic athlete, competed in MMA for over a decade.
News of his hospitalization emerged during UFC 316 on Saturday night in New Jersey.
Askren (known as “Funky”) hasn`t been in the boxing ring since his exhibition bout with Paul nearly four years ago.
However, he is widely regarded in the wrestling community as one of the greatest grapplers ever.
The 40-year-old Askren is currently fighting “a sudden and severe onset of pneumonia.”
His wife, Amy, shared an emotional update on her husband`s state.
On Facebook, she wrote: “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 at this time.
“We welcome all prayers for healing and 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.”
Fans quickly sent their well wishes to the Askren family.
Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo posted on X: “Pray for Ben Askren.”
One fan commented: “You got this Ben, keep fighting.”
Another user wrote: “Wishing the best for Ben Askren and his family. Ben was an innovative and creative wrestler in his prime and now he builds up some of the best wrestlers America has ever seen. The wrestling world owes a debt of gratitude to a man like him.”
Askren started wrestling at the age of six.
He wrestled for the Missouri Tigers in college, winning the NCAA Division I national championship twice.
Askren was part of the 2008 US Olympic wrestling team, where he was defeated in the quarter-finals by Cuba`s Ivan Fundora on points.
After his Olympic appearance, the Iowa native transitioned to mixed martial arts.
He compiled a record of 19 wins from 22 professional MMA fights. His first loss was a memorable flying knee knockout by Jorge Masvidal just five seconds into their match at UFC 239.
Askren`s much-hyped boxing match against YouTuber Jake Paul generated 500,000 pay-per-view buys.
Paul, then 24 years old, won the fight via TKO at one minute and 59 seconds into the first round.
Percy Harlow