Few things bring former rivals together like a genuine health crisis. When Ben Askren faced a life-threatening lung condition, two of his most unlikely supporters — Jake Paul and Dana White — stepped up in a big way. Askren, a former Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter, needed a double lung transplant after a severe bout of pneumonia, with costs estimated at about $2 million, according to Sports Illustrated (sports news outlet). Here’s what happened behind the headlines and what Askren is up to now.

Ben Askren: The Story Behind the Donations, Surgery, and Retirement

Born: July 18, 1984 ·
MMA Record: 19-2-0 ·
Nickname: Funky ·
College: University of Missouri ·
Olympic Wrestling: 2008 ·
UFC Tenure: 2019–2020

Eight key facts about Askren, one pattern: his career spans wrestling, MMA, and now a new chapter focused on health and recovery.

Who donated $500,000 to Ben Askren?

The Jake Paul donation

After Jake Paul defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June 2025, he publicly pledged to donate to Askren’s family, saying he was “working on the donation now,” reported by MMA Weekly (MMA news site). A July 12, 2025 report from Yahoo Sports (sports news outlet) claimed Paul had secretly contributed $500,000, though the figure was later disputed by some commentators on Calf Kicker (MMA blog). Askren himself later confirmed that Paul did donate to help with surgery costs, according to the Times of India (news outlet).

Dana White’s contribution

Askren also confirmed that UFC president Dana White contributed, describing both men as “very generous” in an interview with Times of India. The exact amount White donated has not been disclosed.

Who paid for the lung transplant?

Askren’s transplant costs were widely reported at about $2 million, per Sports Illustrated. His insurance reportedly did not cover the procedure, according to MMA Weekly, which led to a fundraising effort covered by The Sun. Askren said he did not expect help from either Paul or White, but was grateful for their generosity.

The implication: the rivalry was real, but so was the support when it counted.

What is Ben Askren doing now?

Coaching and wrestling career

Askren is a coach at Roufusport in Milwaukee, training the next generation of fighters, as noted on Wikipedia. He also remains involved in youth wrestling, running camps and clinics.

Podcasting and media appearances

He hosts “The Funky” podcast, where he discusses MMA, wrestling, and current events. His media presence keeps him connected to the combat sports community, per Wikipedia.

Family life

Askren is married with three children and often shares glimpses of family life on social media. He has said that being a father is his most important role.

The pattern: Askren is building a legacy that extends beyond the cage.

Why did Ben Askren quit the UFC?

The Jorge Masvidal fight

Askren’s UFC career ended after a five-second flying knee knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239 in July 2020, as recorded by UFC (official organization).

Retirement announcement

Shortly after the loss, Askren announced his retirement from MMA, citing injuries and a loss of motivation. His final UFC record stood at 1-2, per Wikipedia.

Transition to coaching

Rather than chase a comeback, Askren moved into coaching, bringing his wrestling expertise to Roufusport. He has said that coaching gives him the same competitive satisfaction without the physical toll.

What this means: sometimes the smartest fight is the one you walk away from.

Why did Ben Askren get ill?

Pneumonia diagnosis

In 2021, Askren was hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia, according to Sports Illustrated. The illness progressed rapidly and damaged his lungs.

Lung problems

The pneumonia led to respiratory failure, and Askren required a double lung transplant — a procedure typically reserved for the most critical cases, as reported by Sports Illustrated.

Recovery

Askren has since recovered and returned to a normal life, though he acknowledges the ordeal changed his perspective. He credits his family and medical team for his survival.

The catch: even elite athletes face the same vulnerabilities as everyone else.

Who paid for Ben Askren’s transplant?

Jake Paul’s involvement

Jake Paul publicly pledged support after his fight with Chavez Jr. and later followed through, as confirmed by Askren in the Times of India. The exact amount remains unverified, but reports from Yahoo Sports and Marca (Spanish sports daily) suggested a $500,000 donation.

Insurance and other sources

Askren’s insurance reportedly did not cover the transplant, according to MMA Weekly. A fundraiser was set up, and Dana White contributed an undisclosed sum. The full financial picture remains private.

The pattern: public figures often rely on private generosity to fill systemic gaps.

Timeline: Key Events in Ben Askren’s Career and Health

• 2008 – Competed in Olympic wrestling (Wikipedia)
• 2014–2019 – Bellator Welterweight Champion (Wikipedia)
• July 2019 – UFC debut – win over Robbie Lawler (UFC)
• July 2020 – Lost to Jorge Masvidal; announced retirement (Wikipedia)
• 2021 – Hospitalized with pneumonia (Sports Illustrated)
• 2022 – Underwent double lung transplant (Sports Illustrated)
• 2023–present – Coaching, podcasting, family life (Wikipedia)

The implication: Askren’s career was defined by wrestling, MMA, and a health crisis that reshaped his life.

Confirmed Facts and What’s Still Unclear

What this means: the full financial picture of Askren’s health crisis remains private.

Voices from the Story

“I was grateful that both Jake Paul and Dana White felt generous enough to help. I didn’t expect anything from either of them.”

— Ben Askren, speaking to the Times of India

“I’m working on the donation now. I want to help his family.”

— Jake Paul, post-fight interview, reported by MMA Weekly

For Ben Askren, the support from unexpected quarters has rewritten the narrative of his post-fighting life. The choice now is whether to leverage this goodwill into a platform for advocacy or to return to the quiet life of coaching and family. For the MMA community, the lesson is clear: the bonds forged in competition can transcend the cage, and a health crisis can reveal who truly stands with you.

The former UFC fighter’s recovery was supported by Jake Pauls $500,000 donation toward his double lung transplant.

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