Jake Paul made an emotional call to the most valuable promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian when he learned the latest news about Ben Askren's health.
The couple were once fierce rivals that led to their boxing fight in 2021, which Paul won through Knockout in the first round. Their feud saw them become physically in face-offs and the social media star who drags Askren's family back and forth in an ugly.
Years later, Paul was informed via social media of Askren's distressing health, who saw him in the hospital and needed a lung transplant. He would like to contact the family, but feared it would not be suitable too quickly.
Jake Paul's emotional response to Ben Askren Health News
In recent weeks, the combat sport world has gathered to support MMA legend Ben Askren in his struggle with pneumonia as a result of a Staph infection. The former Bellator and one FC champion was admitted to the hospital in critical condition, but the news has been better lately.
One of his great rivals in the late career was Jake Paul, the controversial YouTuber boxer who fought against Askren in a Covid era Super-Fight. It sold more than 500,000 pay-per-views and contained versions of, among others, Justin Bieber, in addition to other fights and famous performances.
“My prayers go to him,” Paul said the media including Bloody Elbow during the open training for his fight with Julio Cesar Chavez JR in California this weekend. “I feel sorry for his family, I can't imagine what they are going through.
“I only hope he can recover because there is so much more life next to fighting and career. I wish him the best and I am here if they need support.”
Nakisa Bidarian, who has compiled the Paul-Akrren fight and is a co-founder of the most valuable promotions, then explained what the resident of Ohio called him with the news. He noticed that he wanted to contact the family, but chose to remain tasty in an attempt.
“He saved me two weeks ago when the news came out,” Bidarian explained. “He asked me if I had heard and I said no. He said,” I wanted to reach his family, but I think it's inappropriate. But if they need something, I am there for them, “and that's who this boy is.”
Ben Askren's wife offers the latest update on the health of the former UFC star
In Happy News for Vecht fans and the Askren family, the latest update of Amy Askren is positive, and he recently opened his eyes and showed reactivity. He even tried to speak, and there is hope that he might communicate in the coming weeks.
“From last night Ben is officially on the transplant list,” she wrote in a long -term message to social media. “Please pray that he can get stronger and stable without complications while he waits, and that they find a great match for him and he accepts it smoothly.
🚨Update: Ben Askren's wife Amy Askren says he is officially on the list to receive a lung transplant and continues to ask for prayer while waiting for a competition. 🙏❤️ #PrayForbenaskren
She added that he had recently finished the word coffee when he was awake, but that can't have it yet … pic.twitter.com/lzwgoibvt5
– Parry Punch (@parypunchnews) 24 June 2025
View tweet
“Also pray for those who may be that donor and his family. It will be a huge adjustment for Ben, but our family is so grateful that his other organs are in order and that there is a path ahead while he has more periods of consciousness, he is not yet able to view his phone and respond to messages.
“I hope he can get there in the coming week or two! Also in the hope that we will soon come to a place where he can talk while he can talk on a trach. Yesterday he kept a fool and we finally discovered that he said coffee! (He can't have fun yet).
“What a huge relief to see him ask for something like that normal. I am so grateful that his mind is healthy and I can't wait to have him back.
“We are also so grateful for the great community that we have from good friends, friends with whom we have not spoken for 20+ years, with strangers who have contacted or pray their similar stories. Thank you.”