"There was a hole in his lung": Chael Sonnen addresses Ben Askren's health crisis as wife denies death rumors

UFC 239: Open Workouts - Source: Getty
UFC 239: Open Workouts - Source: Getty

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is fighting for his life in the hospital. His health crisis has shocked fans and the MMA world. There were rumors he had died, but his wife has denied them. Now, another MMA star, Chael Sonnen, has shared a new update that adds more detail to the situation. Askren was first taken to a hospital in Las Vegas with a staph infection. His condition got worse and turned into severe pneumonia. Later, he was moved to a hospital in Wisconsin to be closer to his family. His wife Amy confirmed he is alive and asked fans to pray for him.

In a new video, MMA analyst and former fighter Chael Sonnen said something alarming. He said Askren had a hole in his lung and may need a lung transplant. This news adds to the worries for fans. The main facts are now clear: Askren is in critical health. His wife says he is “still fighting.” Sonnen’s update implies the lung issue is serious. However, rumors of his death are false.


Chael Sonnen’s update and key details about Ben Askren

Chael Sonnen spoke about Ben Askren’s health in a video update. He said a few things that add to what we already know. He explained that Askren’s family worked hard to move him from Nevada to Wisconsin. They wanted him near home in case the situation worsened.

He then said:

"So, at this point in the story, we all find out that Ben needs a lung transplant. There was a hole in his lung. For the information that I’ve been given, he don’t have an answer as to how or I guess as to even why there was a hole in his lung. But while the family is working on that, they were able to get Ben from Nevada to Wisconsin."
UFC 235: Lawler v Askren - Source: Getty
UFC 235: Lawler v Askren - Source: Getty

Sonnen also said he spoke with Amy, Ben Askren's wife. He said she asked for prayers and thoughts, and did not want to give more details. No one from Askren’s medical team has commented publicly yet. But Sonnen’s update is the first serious news about the lung issue.


Wife denies death rumors and offers update

In the early days of this crisis, rumors spread online that Ben Askren had died. These rumors were false. Amy Askren, his wife, spoke out to shut down the death rumors. She said he is "definitely still fighting" and that he is alive. Amy also shared news that he has been moved to Wisconsin. This move was meant to bring him closer to home and family.

In a post, she said the illness came on quickly. She asked fans for prayers and for privacy. She also said they are protecting their children from the stress. Amy also posted: “Feeling so incredibly thankful for our friends and community… Please keep praying for Ben.” She repeated that rumors of his death were wrong. Ben Askren's family has asked for prayers and privacy. This means they want time to focus on his care and support.

Edited by Sohini Biswas