Ben Askren Bio, News, Age, Height, Wife, Health, Record, Net Worth
Ben Askren Biography
What happened to Ben Askren?
Ben Askren was born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and raised in Wisconsin. He began wrestling at a young age and quickly rose to national prominence. He attended the University of Missouri, where he became a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion in 2006 and 2007. His signature unorthodox style earned the nickname “Funky”, revolutionizing American folkstyle wrestling.
Askren later represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, competing in freestyle wrestling. Though he didn’t medal, he gained valuable experience that fueled his future success. Transitioning to MMA in 2009, he debuted with a win and never looked back. He signed with Bellator MMA in 2010, going undefeated and claiming the welterweight title, which he defended four times.
He later moved to ONE Championship, where he again became welterweight champion. Askren finished his MMA career in UFC, debuting in 2019. He defeated Robbie Lawler but suffered a record-setting 5-second knockout against Jorge Masvidal. After a loss to Demian Maia, Askren retired later that year.
In June 2025, Ben faced a health crisis. A severe staph infection and pneumonia forced him into intensive care. He experienced four heart stoppages and underwent a double lung transplant, miraculously surviving. Askren lost over 50 pounds but continues to recover.
Today, he runs a youth wrestling academy in Wisconsin, mentors athletes, and appears in sports media. Askren’s story is one of resilience, excellence, and inspiration.
Ben Askren Age 2025 – How old is Ben Askren?
Ben Askren is 41 years old as of 2025. He was born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He turned 41 on July 18, 2025, and continues to inspire with his journey. The former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler remains active in wrestling education and media appearances.
Ben Askren Height 2025 – How Tall Is Ben Askren?
Ben Askren stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, which equals 178 centimeters. He maintained this height throughout his MMA and wrestling career. Askren competed in the welterweight division, where height and reach played critical roles. His reach measures 72 inches, giving him solid grappling range. Askren’s height remains 5’10” in all verified athlete records.
Ben Askren Weight
Ben Askren competed at 170 lb (77 kg) in MMA’s welterweight division. He later boxed at 191 lb, weighing in at 191 lb (86.6 kg) for his April 2021 bout against Jake Paul. After a 45-day hospital battle, he lost approximately 50 lb, dropping to 147 lb—the lowest weight since he was 15. Currently, Askren works to rebuild strength and regain prior weight under medical care.
Ben Askren Wife | Spouse
Who is Ben Askren’s wife?
Ben Askren married Amy Askren in 2010, and they share three children. Amy Askren actively supports her husband through his health battle. She announced his double lung transplant recovery and expressed deep gratitude for the donor and medical team. Moreover, she warned fans about fake social media accounts impersonating her or Ben .
Ben Askren’s Kids | Children | Family
Ben Askren and his wife Amy Askren have three children together. Their eldest daughter, Alex Askren, was born on February 10 and turned 12 in 2025. She began wrestling in 2022 and shows discipline and leadership. Their second daughter, Andy Askren, started kindergarten in 2021 and brings joy to the family. Their youngest child, Ozzi Askren, was born in December 2017. He turned 7 in December 2024 and has already started wrestling. Ben Askren’s kids live with him in Wisconsin, where he mentors them with structure and care.
Who Is Ben Askren’s Son? Meet Young Ozzi Askren
Ben Askren’s son is named Ozzi Askren, born in December 2017, making him a young boy of around 7 years old in mid‑2025. He is the youngest child of Ben and Amy Askren, with two older sisters. Ozzi lives with his family in Wisconsin and has already taken early wrestling classes under his father’s guidance. Moreover, he enjoys gymnastics and playtime at the Askren household, reflecting the family’s active lifestyle. The Askren family keeps his life mostly private, focusing on normal activities and healthy development.
Ben Askren Health Update – Recovery from Double Lung Transplant
Why did Ben Askren need a lung transplant?
Ben Askren now returns home after 59 days in hospital recovering from severe pneumonia and a staph infection. He underwent a double lung transplant on June 30, 2025, and lost 50 pounds, dropping to 147 lbs. He shared that he “died four times” during surgery with no memory from May 28 to July 2. Askren now cannot walk unaided, so he must relearn basic mobility and strength. In a heartfelt video, he thanked UFC President Dana White, Jake Paul, and fans for support and funding. Askren vows to “work my a** off” to regain health with determination and gratitude.
His recovery continues under close medical supervision and family support as he rebuilds strength and resilience.
Ben Askren Insurance Company – Transplant Claim Denied and Fundraising Explained
Ben Askren’s insurance company denied coverage for his required double lung transplant, estimated at $2 million. Consequently, his family launched a public fundraising campaign to cover the medical costs and related care. Moreover, no public source confirms the specific insurer involved or the exact reason for denial. In reaction, long‑time MMA peers and fans contributed to support Askren’s recovery. Despite the insurance denial, Askren now focuses on his health condition, therapy, and family healing efforts.
Ben Askren MMA Record – Career Wins, Losses & Fight Stats
Ben Askren holds a professional MMA record of 19 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest across 22 fights. He earned 6 victories by KO/TKO, 6 by submission, and 7 by decision. Notably, he defended his Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight titles multiple times before joining UFC. Askren lost his only two professional MMA fights in UFC: first to Jorge Masvidal via 5‑second knockout, then to Demian Maia by rear-naked choke. Additionally, he has one no contest due to an accidental eye poke. His flawless early record included long undefeated streaks in Bellator and ONE Championship. His final professional fight record remains 19‑2‑0 with 1 NC, solidifying his legacy as a dominant grappler and disciplined MMA competitor.
Ben Askren vs Jake Paul
Ben Askren faced Jake Paul in a cross‑over boxing match on April 17, 2021, losing by first‑round TKO in under two minutes. Paul knocked Askren out at the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta during his rise in influencer boxing.
In mid‑2025, Askren faced a grave health crisis. Paul publicly praised Askren as “one of the toughest fighters of all time” during Askren’s recovery. Moreover, Paul asked fans to support the Askren family’s fundraising efforts after insurance denied coverage for Askren’s double lung transplant surgery.
Eventually, Askren revealed that both Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal sent heartfelt messages and contributed to his recovery efforts, including financial support. Despite their past rivalry, Paul showed compassion and respect toward Askren’s health and family. Askren expressed deep gratitude and vowed to regain his strength following this medical ordeal.
Ben Askren Knockout – Fastest UFC KO & Career Highlights
Ben Askren suffered the fastest knockout in UFC history, losing to Jorge Masvidal in just five seconds at UFC 239 on July 6, 2019. Masvidal landed a flying knee as Askren shot for a takedown, causing an immediate stoppage. Askren later reflected on the knockout, calling it a turning point but showed respect toward Masvidal. That KO awarded Performance of the Night and earned Knockout of the Year 2019 awards. It remains a defining knockout moment in his MMA legacy, despite his dominant record in Bellator and ONE Championship.
In summary, Askren’s KO loss is one of MMA’s most famous finishes. It occurred quickly and decisively.
Ben Askren’s Twitter
Askren tweets from @Benaskren, his verified X (Twitter) handle. He shares health updates and recovery messages after his recent hospitalization.
He revealed he flatlined four times and is now working hard to regain strength. Askren also warned fans about fake accounts.
Ben Askren’s Death Rumors
Is Ben Askren still alive?
Ben Askren did not die, despite widespread rumors in mid-2025. His family publicly denied death claims, confirming he remains alive and recovering from a double lung transplant. Askren discussed “dying four times” during his illness but later described surviving against all odds with gratitude and determination.
He left the hospital after a 59-day stay, now relearns walking and rebuilding strength. Askren gained worldwide support from the MMA community, UFC leadership, and fans who rallied during his recovery.
Therefore, any reports claiming Ben Askren died remain false. He continues his recovery at home with strong family, medical, and community support.
Ben Askren Net Worth
How much did Ben Askren make from Jake Paul’s fight?
Ben Askren has a net worth of approximately $1 million. He earned significant income from MMA, UFC, and Bellator fights. He also received a $500,000 purse for his boxing match against Jake Paul. Additionally, Askren earns from coaching, endorsements, and podcast appearances. His diversified income keeps him financially stable despite past injuries. Ben Askren remains a financially successful former fighter.
