The MMA world gathered around Ben Askren after the updates around his current health zipper.
Askren was admitted to the hospital in critical condition after he suffered from pneumonia as a result of a Staph infection in which his family was overwhelmed by the support they have received since the news became public.
Daniel Cormier thanked the UFC after the promotion played a video during the UFC Atlanta broadcast and sent their support.
As a good friend of Askren, Cormier has provided updates after he confirmed that he had been moved to a hospital in Wisconsin so that he could be back with his family.
Although there is still a long way to go, there is now a positive update about the former world champion two promotion.
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Ben Askren is said to have been able to open his eyes for the likely lung transplantation
Pat Mineo, or 'The Wrestling Room' on X, was paramount in the news about Ben Askren and offers updates via social media.
His first post was the first time that many Vecht fans heard about what the former Bellator and one champion currently flew on, after he had summoned prayers on 8 June to support Askren.
The newest update from Mineo about the current status of Askren was positive, because he stated that the former PuC-hunter is fighting as a champion.
He states that the retired competitor was recently able to show signs of responsiveness by opening his eyes and squeezing hands.
It is important not to be dragged along with a delicate situation like this, but that is certainly an encouraging sign and proof that Askren is trying to fight through his current condition.
Mineo also stated that a lung transplant will probably look, despite the fact that the status of Askren seems to be improving.
UPDATE: All prayers and medical support that Ben Askren has received works! He was able to open his eyes and squeeze hands, which showed some response. He is still expected to need a lung transplant, but some of his levels improve and he fights like a champion! … https://t.co/nxbjevnjd3
– The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@Mrpatmineo) 16 June 2025
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Chael Sonnen provided the latest update of the Ben Askren family
In a video on his YouTube channel, Chael Sonen spoke about that Ben Askren was moved from Las Vegas to Wisconsin so that he could be with his family.
Sonnen also spoke about the need for a lung transplant and stated that he has no information about how or why there was a gap in the lung of the former hunter.
“The bad guy,” said he was able to briefly talk to the Van Askren family, in which his wife echoed the same sentiment of evoking as much support as possible.
“I was able to talk to the dear Amy, Ben's wife once. She did it this time that we spoke that there would not be much talk, but what was really hoped for were prayed and thoughts.”
Everyone at Bloody Elbow sends his support to Ben Askren and his family and loved ones in this difficult time.