Bellator champion Corey Anderson has paid a heartfelt tribute to fellow fighter Ben Askren, emphasizing the significant role Askren has played not only in his career but also in his personal life.
Ben Askren, a legendary former welterweight champion in promotions like ONE Championship and Bellator, recently underwent a double lung transplant after suffering from pneumonia.
The news of Askren`s health challenges prompted an outpouring of support from the combat sports community, including notable figures such as Dana White and Jake Paul. Updates from his wife, Amy Askren, suggest he is making progress towards recovery.
Corey Anderson’s profound connection to Ben Askren
Corey Anderson, a popular fighter and former UFC light heavyweight contender who captured the Bellator world title last year, first connected with Ben Askren through their mutual background in wrestling.
In a recent interview, Anderson spoke about Askren`s monumental impact. He told MMAFighting’s Damon Martin: “Not just my career but my life – my life wouldn’t be what it was if it wasn’t for Ben.”
Anderson elaborated on this deep influence, stating: “That’s not just competing. That’s my life. I met my wife because of Ben Askren. I have two beautiful kids. I have a wife. I’ve got a fight career. It’s kind of like everything I have in an adult life, it came because of Ben Askren.”
He explained the specific circumstances: “Because this guy invited me to an MMA gym and the day I walked into an MMA gym, my wife was working behind the desk that day. That’s when I first met her. Years later we ended up starting a relationship and then she moved here.”
Update on Ben Askren`s lung transplant
Amy Askren shared a positive update last week, confirming that Ben successfully received a double lung transplant. The costly procedure, which was reportedly not covered by insurance, received support from the fight community through donations.
Via an Instagram story, Amy wrote: “We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant… We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift.”
Reflecting on the rapid change in his health status, she added: “It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago… Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own.”
Expressing gratitude for the support received, Amy concluded: “I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now… I’m hopeful that in coming weeks Ben will be able to give the next update, but hopefully he will wait until the drugs wear off.”
