Sun Jun 15 03:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article based on the text you provided:

**UFC Fighter Ben Askren “Still Fighting” for His Life Amid Severe Pneumonia Battle**

**(June 13, 2024) –** Former UFC fighter and wrestling champion Ben Askren remains hospitalized and is battling a severe case of pneumonia, according to his wife, Amy Askren. The news of Askren’s health struggles broke on Saturday, June 7th, when Amy shared a Facebook post revealing he had developed the illness rapidly and was unable to respond.

On Thursday, June 12th, Amy Askren spoke with TMZ Sports, dispelling false rumors circulating online. “He is definitely still fighting,” she stated emphatically. “He is alive and any rumor he has died is completely false.”

Since the initial announcement, the wrestling and MMA communities have rallied in support of Askren and his family. UFC fighter Maycee Barber expressed her concern on Instagram, saying, “Thinking and praying harder than ever for you right now. I know God has a plan through all of this.” MMA journalist Ariel Helwani sent “positive thoughts” via X, while former Olympic gymnast Dominique Moceanu offered prayers for Askren, his family, and his medical team.

Amy Askren has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. In a Facebook update on Monday, June 9th, she wrote, “Feeling so incredibly thankful for our friends and community – it’s times like this that remind you how truly blessed you are. I feel God moving through the love and support we have received.”

Askren, 39, had a distinguished wrestling career, winning two NCAA Division 1 national championships for the University of Missouri and representing Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He transitioned to MMA, finding success in Bellator and ONE Championship before joining the UFC in 2018. After a brief stint in the organization, he retired from MMA in 2019. He later boxed Jake Paul in April 2021.

Ben and Amy Askren have three children: daughters Alex, 12, and Andi, 9, and son Ozi, 7. The family continues to ask for prayers as Askren fights his illness.

Read More