Former two-promotion MMA world champion Ben Askren has been slowly catching up with the latest happenings in mixed martial arts after a challenging few months spent in and out of the hospital.
In June, Askren’s life took a serious turn when he was placed into a medically induced coma as he battled a severe case of pneumonia. The 41-year-old’s condition was so critical that he required a life-saving double lung transplant. Following the surgery, the man affectionately known as “Funky” made it back home to his family, beginning the long process of recovery.
However, Askren’s battle was far from over. On his first follow-up visit after the transplant, doctors identified an infection, forcing him back into the hospital. Thankfully, earlier this week, Askren revealed on social media that he had been discharged again, declaring he had “escaped again” and was once more back in the comfort of his home.
Catching Up on MMA News
Back at home and regaining his strength, Askren began reconnecting with the sport that made him a household name. While scrolling through recent fight announcements, he stumbled upon the news that Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix had been booked to face KSW bantamweight king Jakub Wiklasz at UFC 320 on October 4, marking Wiklasz’s UFC debut.
“Patchy is really good! Wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a title run in the 1st year,” Askren commented in response to a report about the fight.
But his enthusiasm was quickly met with a dose of reality when he realized he had missed Mix’s actual UFC debut earlier in the year — and it hadn’t gone well for the Bellator star. While Askren was in a coma, Mix had suffered a one-sided decision loss to Mario Bautista at UFC 316 on June 7.
Upon discovering the result, Askren took to social media with a mixture of surprise and humor: “lol s— I was unconscious on June 7 and didn’t realize that fighters happened,” he wrote.
He added: “That’s not a joke, it’s real life. I have no recollection of anything from May 28-July 2.”
It was a stark reminder of just how much of the MMA calendar he had missed during his battle for survival.
UFC 320: A Stacked Card in Las Vegas
While Askren was catching up on missed fights, the UFC was busy putting together a blockbuster event for later this year. UFC 320 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cards of 2025, with 11 fights already confirmed, including two massive championship bouts.
The main event will see Magomed Ankalaev attempt to defend his light heavyweight crown in a rematch against former champion Alex Pereira. Their first meeting ended in controversy, and both fighters will be looking to settle the score definitively.
In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will put his belt on the line against top contender Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and wrestling could clash in spectacular fashion against Sandhagen’s unorthodox striking and footwork.
Also on the card, fan favorite Jiri Prochazka will face knockout artist Khalil Rountree Jr. in a fight that promises fireworks, while middleweights Abus Magomedov and Joe Pyfer will square off in what could be a pivotal bout in the division.
Other notable matchups include:
Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz
Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Muniz
Veronica Hardy vs. Brogan Walker
Macy Chiasson vs. Yana Santos
Chris Gutierrez vs. Farid Basharat
Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Austin Vanderford
Patchy Mix vs. Jakub Wiklasz
The event will take place at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, bringing together some of the biggest names in MMA for what is already being billed as a must-watch show.
Askren’s New Perspective
For Askren, these recent developments in the sport he once dominated come with a new perspective. His health battles have kept him away from the spotlight, but his trademark wit and sharp eye for talent remain intact. His quick praise for Mix — despite missing the disappointing debut — is typical of Askren’s candid approach to fight analysis.
While it may take him some time to catch up fully on all he’s missed, there’s little doubt that Askren’s insights and personality will continue to make waves in MMA circles. His recovery story is also an inspiring reminder of resilience, both inside and outside the cage.
As for UFC 320, with the stakes high in multiple divisions and two championship belts on the line, fight fans can expect a night packed with drama, skill, and potential title-altering outcomes. And for Askren, it’s one more chance to be part of the conversation — this time from the comfort of his home, rather than a hospital bed.
