Former UFC fighter Ben Askren still has a way to go, but there have been improvements in his condition.
Askren has become “increasingly aware,” according to his wife, Amy, who published an update Tuesday on her personal Facebook page. Although Askren is now officially on the lung transplant list, his other organs are “OK” and there is “a path forward.”
“As of late last night, Ben is officially on the transplant list,” Amy wrote. “Please pray he can get stronger and stay stable without complications while he waits, and that they find an amazing match for him and he accepts it smoothly. Also please pray for whoever that Donor may be, and his family. It’s going to be a huge adjustment for Ben, but our family is so thankful that his other organs are ok and that there is a path forward (prayer emoji) while he is having more periods of awareness, he’s not able to look at his phone yet and respond to messages. I am hoping he can get there in the next week or two! Also hoping we will get to a place soon where he can talk while on a trach.”
On Monday, Askren even mouthed that he wanted a coffee. While caffeinated beverages are still off-limits, the normalcy of the moment was relieving to Askren’s loved ones.
“Yesterday he kept mouthing something for a while and we finally figured out he was saying coffee! (He cant have it yet lol)” Amy wrote. “What a huge relief to see him asking for something so normal. I’m so thankful his mind is healthy and I can’t wait to have him back. We are also so thankful for the amazing community we have-from close friends, friends We haven’t talked to in 20+ years, to strangers who have reached out to share their similar stories or pray. Thank you.”
Askren, 40, was hospitalized weeks ago with a severe case of pneumonia. His wife revealed the news June 7. As of June 17, he was sedated and on a ventilator.
The news drew reactions from every corner of the combat sports world, with numerous athletes, wrestlers, and the UFC publicly expressing thoughts and prayers for the former ONE and Bellator champion. The UFC’s June 14 broadcast featured a segment wishing Askren well.
A T-shirt fundraiser has been launched to help with Askren’s medical bills, as well as his mission to help support high-level athletes.
Askren retired from MMA in 2019 but returned for a one-off boxing bout vs. Jake Paul in 2021. Widely considered one of the greatest amateur wrestlers in U.S. history, Askren remains heavily involved with the wrestling community and recently joined Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ben Askren health update: Former UFC star ‘increasingly aware’