A fund has been established to cover the medical costs required for the recovery of Ben Askren.
At the beginning of June, various sources, including his family, announced that Askren was in a critical condition after a serious Staph infection.
Since then there have been positive updates about the improving state of Askren, but that does not change that he has to undergo an important medical procedure.
Together with former opponents, Dana White shared his support for Askren after the news that he requires a lung transplant.
Unfortunately, to get the 40-year-old the transplant he needs, his family will have to collect the funds themselves.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Roxanne Modafferi places a passionate response to learning that Ben Askren's transplantation will not be covered by his insurance
On June 25, via a video on social media, Mark Bader of Flowrestling gave the next update about his friend.
Bader said that despite the urgent medical care he needs, the insurance of Ben Askren would not cover the lung transplantation that he needs, which states that this comes with “astronomical costs”.
He continued talking about how many lives the former UFC hunter has significantly influenced before he made it clear that the former Bellator and one champion are not struggling financially.
“I don't want people to think that Ben was this hunter who earned this money and blown it … The money that this guy has earned has been invested again in sport … It is in his companies, it is in his building, it is in the former wrestlers he hires.”
Ben Askren is mentioned for a lung transplant.
His impact on wrestling was immeasurable. He and his family will need thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
The transplant will not be covered by the insurance and a fund has been started for the family where all … pic.twitter.com/jjfkccfbv9
– Flowrestling (@flowrestling) 25 June 2025
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To support Askren and his family, various platforms have been set up, including a verified non-profit fund where people can donate via Help Hope Live.
Former UFC hunter Roxanne Modafferi, who competed in the Octagon 12 times, responded to the latest update by sharing passionate statements on social media.
The 42-year-old MMA veteran was incredibly disappointed to hear that Askren would not receive any support from his insurance in his greatest time.
“WTF Ben Askren's health insurance does not cover lung transplants. He needs F- – double lung transplantation?
The health insurance policy of WTF Ben Askren does not cover lung transplants. He needs a double lung transplantation?! American insurance. Comps makes me sooooo angry that they do not want to pay for %*^£ € & $. We all have to buy at shirt or something to help. https://t.co/NJ3HTOH8TK
– Roxanne Modafferi (@roxyfighter) 25 June 2025
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“Criminals can have PPL donated to them for lawyers, we must be able to save the life of a sportswoman. I am so upset now and I have never met Ben Askren.”
Criminals can have PPL donated to them for lawyers, we must be able to save the life of a sportswoman. I am so upset now and I have never met Askren.
– Roxanne Modafferi (@roxyfighter) 25 June 2025
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Former opponent Jake Paul sent his support to Ben Askren prior to his boxing
Ben Askren 'Last opponent in his combat sport career, Jake Paul, recently sent his support to his former enemy while spoke with the media during the open training for his fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Nakisa Bidarian, who played an important role in Paul vs Askren as co-founder of the most valuable promotions, said Paul wanted to contact Askren's family, but thought it was “inappropriate”.
“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.”