Former UFC and wrestling superstar Ben Askren is facing a serious health battle, with his wife, Amy Askren, revealing he's currently being evaluated for a potential lung transplant. The news has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, with fans and fellow athletes sending well wishes to the 40-year-old legend.

According to Amy Askren's Facebook post, Ben is currently sedated and reliant on a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) in a Wisconsin hospital. ECMO is a life-support system that oxygenates the blood outside the body, essentially taking over the function of the lungs and heart. This indicates the severity of Ben's condition.

“Things have taken a turn and we are facing a very difficult situation,” Amy wrote. “Ben is currently being evaluated for a potential lung transplant. This is not something we ever imagined we’d be facing, but we are working with an incredible team of doctors and specialists.”

A Storied Career and a Fighter's Spirit

Ben Askren, nicknamed “Funky,” enjoyed a remarkable career spanning both MMA and wrestling. He achieved significant success in both disciplines, becoming a Bellator champion and a ONE Championship world titleholder before transitioning to the UFC. Known for his unorthodox wrestling style and relentless pressure, Askren quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting and unpredictable fighters in the sport.

His UFC tenure, though relatively short, was memorable. He secured a memorable knockout victory over Demian Maia and a controversial split decision win over Robbie Lawler before suffering back-to-back losses to Jorge Masvidal and Kamaru Usman. Despite the losses, Askren’s impact on the sport is undeniable.

Community Support and Concerns

The news of Askren's condition has elicited an outpouring of support from across the MMA and wrestling worlds. Fighters, coaches, and fans have taken to social media to express their concern and wish him a speedy recovery. The outpouring of love and support is a testament to the respect and admiration that Ben Askren has earned throughout his career.

While the possibility of a lung transplant is daunting, Amy Askren's message emphasizes the family's determination and the dedication of the medical team. The coming days and weeks will be critical as doctors continue to assess Ben's condition and determine the best course of action. We will continue to update as more information becomes available.

The MMA community is united in its hopes for Ben Askren's recovery. He’s a fighter both inside and outside the cage, and we’re all rooting for him to overcome this challenge.