5 Shocking Updates On Ben Askren's Life: From Near-Death To Crypto Mogul (2025 Health Battle)
The world of combat sports has always been captivated by Ben “Funky” Askren, but his journey since leaving the cage has been far more dramatic than any fight. As of late 2025, the former Olympic wrestler and two-promotion MMA champion has made headlines not for a new opponent, but for a life-or-death health crisis that saw him fighting for his survival outside the ring. After a career defined by unshakeable confidence and a relentless wrestling style, Askren faced his toughest opponent yet—a critical illness requiring a double lung transplant.
This article dives deep into the shocking truth of what happened to Ben Askren, tracing his life from his dominant amateur wrestling days to his controversial UFC stint, his infamous boxing match, and the incredible, life-altering health scare that has defined his 2025. We explore his current recovery, his thriving business empire, and his surprising ventures into the world of cryptocurrency.
The Complete Biography and Fighting Legacy of Ben Askren
Benjamin Michael Askren, born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a name synonymous with elite wrestling and dominant mixed martial arts. His career is a testament to the power of a singular, specialized skill set, earning him the nickname "Funky" for his unorthodox and highly effective wrestling style.
- Full Name: Benjamin Michael Askren
- Born: July 18, 1984 (Age 41 as of late 2025)
- Nationality: American
- Wrestling Career Highlights:
- 2008 Olympian (Freestyle Wrestling)
- Two-time NCAA Division I National Champion (2006, 2007) for the University of Missouri.
- Two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner (2006, 2007)—an award given to the nation's top college wrestler.
- 2005 Pan American Champion (Freestyle Wrestling).
- MMA Career Highlights:
- Bellator Welterweight World Champion (2010–2013).
- ONE Welterweight World Champion (2014–2018).
- Professional MMA Record: 19 wins, 2 losses, 1 No Contest.
- UFC Stint (2019): Askren was famously traded from ONE Championship to the UFC for Demetrious Johnson, a historic moment in MMA. His brief, three-fight UFC career included a controversial win over Robbie Lawler, a record-breaking five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, and a submission loss to Demian Maia, leading to his retirement due to a persistent hip injury.
- Boxing Career: One professional boxing match against YouTube star Jake Paul in 2021, which he lost via first-round TKO.
The Shocking 2025 Health Crisis: Double Lung Transplant and Near-Death Experience
The most significant and terrifying development in Ben Askren’s post-fighting life is his recent, harrowing battle with severe illness. After years of dealing with a chronic hip injury that forced him to retire from MMA in 2019 and led to a total hip replacement in 2020, his health took a sudden and life-threatening turn in 2025.
From Staph Infection to Critical Pneumonia
In the spring of 2025, Askren was hospitalized with a severe staph infection. While recovering from the initial infection, his condition rapidly deteriorated as he contracted a critical case of pneumonia. The severity of the illness caused his lungs to fail, placing him in a critical, life-threatening state.
The situation became so dire that the former champion was placed on a waiting list for a double lung transplant. His wife, Amy Askren, provided updates to the public, sharing the terrifying reality of his condition. In an emotional revelation, Askren later shared that he had technically "died four times" while waiting for the life-saving procedure, a testament to the extreme measures taken by his medical team to keep him alive.
In June 2025, Askren underwent a successful double lung transplant in Wisconsin. The surgery was a massive undertaking, and his recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, given the severity of his condition. His release from the hospital and subsequent tearful updates marked a profound victory over a truly formidable opponent.
Life After the Octagon: Business Ventures and Crypto Commentary
Ben Askren’s analytical mind and entrepreneurial spirit have ensured that his career did not end with his final fight. He has successfully transitioned into a multi-faceted business owner, focusing on the sport he loves and the emerging world of digital finance.
The Askren Wrestling Academy (AWA) Empire
Askren’s primary business venture is the Askren Wrestling Academy (AWA). Launched in 2011, the company was founded on his passion for wrestling and a desire to mentor the next generation of athletes. The AWA has grown significantly, now owning and operating five gyms across the United States. This business allows him to stay deeply connected to the wrestling community and leverage his expertise to build a lasting legacy outside of professional fighting.
The Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Focus
In recent years, Askren has become an outspoken advocate and investor in the cryptocurrency space, particularly Bitcoin. He frequently discusses his views on digital assets, government overreach, and why he believes Bitcoin represents "the future of money." His public commentary has positioned him as a recognizable figure in the crypto community, often giving his perspective on investments and the broader economic landscape.
This venture has not been without controversy. Following his near-death health scare and successful transplant, Askren promoted a Solana-based meme coin called 'FUNKY' (referencing his famous nickname). This promotion, which occurred less than a day after his critical health update, drew criticism from some who perceived it as questionable timing or a promotion of a potential "crypto scam." Despite the backlash, Askren's posts and involvement in the digital asset space remain a significant part of his current public persona.
The Incredible Recovery and Future Outlook
Ben Askren’s journey is now a powerful story of resilience. Just months after undergoing a double lung transplant, he has already been seen back on the wrestling mats, a truly remarkable feat given the severity of his surgery and recovery. His ability to push his body and mind, a trait honed over decades of elite competition, is evident in his rapid progress.
His future is focused on recovery, family (with his wife, Amy, and their children), and expanding his business interests. While his days of competing at the highest level of MMA are over—a decision solidified by his hip replacement and the recent health battle—his voice remains prominent in the combat sports world and the burgeoning field of cryptocurrency. Ben Askren has truly faced down death and emerged, once again, as a champion of determination.
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