Introduction
Ben Askren, a retired professional mixed martial artist and Olympic wrestler, has always been known for his resilience, unique fighting style, and no-nonsense personality. While fans often remember him for his exploits in the cage or his social media banter, few are aware of the serious health scare he faced during his career — a staph infection that significantly affected his lungs. This article delves deep into Ben Askren’s staph infection, exploring how it started, its complications, how it impacted his health and career, and what we can learn from his experience.
Who is Ben Askren? A Quick Background
Before diving into his medical ordeal, it’s essential to understand who Ben Askren is:
- Full Name: Benjamin Michael Askren
- Born: July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
- Profession: Retired MMA fighter, Olympic wrestler, and podcaster
- Fighting Style: Wrestling-based with high-level grappling
- Organizations: Competed in Bellator, ONE Championship, and UFC
Askren was a standout wrestler before transitioning to MMA. Known for his dominant ground control and “funky” style, he retired from MMA in 2019 after a few tough UFC outings but left a lasting legacy in the sport.
What is a Staph Infection?
A staph infection is caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, a group of bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose. While usually harmless, these bacteria can cause serious infections if they enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or surgical wounds.
Types of Staph Infections:
- Skin infections: The most common type
- Sepsis: If the infection spreads to the bloodstream
- Pneumonia: When it infects the lungs
- Osteomyelitis: Bone infections
- MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): A drug-resistant and dangerous form of staph
For athletes like Ben Askren who are constantly exposed to mats, sweat, and skin contact, the risk of contracting a staph infection is particularly high.
How Did Ben Askren Contract a Staph Infection?
Askren has never shied away from talking about the various physical battles he endured during his fighting career. In an interview on The MMA Hour, Askren detailed how he once suffered from a serious staph infection that spread to his lungs.
While exact timelines were not always public, Askren revealed that the infection began after a minor skin irritation, which is typical in high-contact sports like MMA. Initially, it seemed like a basic skin infection but quickly escalated. He ignored the symptoms at first, believing it to be minor, but soon, the infection entered his bloodstream and made its way to his lungs.
What Happened to Ben Askren’s Lungs?
The most alarming part of Ben Askren’s health ordeal was how the staph infection reached his lungs, resulting in pneumonia-like symptoms and breathing difficulties. This is a rare and dangerous complication, as most staph infections stay localized unless left untreated.
Symptoms He Experienced:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Persistent coughing
- High fever
Askren stated that he felt “extremely weak” and found it difficult to even complete routine workouts. He was eventually diagnosed with a staphylococcus infection that had developed into a pulmonary complication — a serious issue that required urgent medical intervention.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Ben Askren was treated with intravenous antibiotics, which is standard for systemic staph infections. He was also required to rest and temporarily stop training. According to his account, the recovery process was long and frustrating.
Treatment Protocol:
- Hospitalization: Due to lung involvement
- Antibiotics: Both oral and IV-based
- Monitoring of Lung Function
- Gradual Rehabilitation
Doctors had to monitor Askren closely to ensure the infection did not cause long-term lung damage or scar tissue. Fortunately, Askren made a full recovery, although the illness affected his training and fight preparations for months.
Impact on His MMA Career
While Ben Askren did not blame his performance entirely on the infection, it did occur during a time when he was still actively competing and maintaining a rigorous training schedule.
Key Points of Impact:
- Reduced Training Time: He missed several weeks of preparation
- Weakened Cardiovascular Health: Temporary lung damage affected stamina
- Fight Readiness: He admitted that the illness had a lasting toll on his body’s ability to recover
Though he continued fighting post-infection, Askren’s competitive edge seemed diminished. Combined with his hip issues, the infection may have contributed to the overall wear on his body that led to his retirement.
Ben Askren’s Candid Take on the Infection
Askren is known for his honesty and humor, and he spoke candidly about the infection in several interviews and podcasts. On The Joe Rogan Experience, he mentioned that the ordeal taught him to take even minor health issues seriously.
“I thought it was just a zit or something, and next thing you know, I’m in the hospital,” he said.
This down-to-earth admission resonated with many in the MMA community and served as a cautionary tale for fighters and gym-goers alike.
What Can Athletes Learn from Ben Askren’s Experience?
Ben Askren’s staph infection isn’t an isolated incident. Many athletes, especially wrestlers and MMA fighters, have faced similar health scares. However, Askren’s case is particularly educational because of how far the infection progressed.
Key Takeaways for Athletes:
Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Even a small skin irritation can lead to something serious.
- Practice Hygiene: Regular sanitization of mats and personal equipment is essential.
- Seek Medical Help Early: The faster an infection is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
- Rest When Needed: Continuing to train through illness can make things worse.
- Educate Others: Sharing stories like Askren’s helps raise awareness in the athletic community.
How Common are Staph Infections in MMA?
Staph infections are surprisingly common in combat sports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that close-contact sports have a higher incidence of MRSA and other staph infections.
Reasons for High Risk:
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Shared training gear
- Sweat-soaked environments
- Open wounds and cuts
Promotions like UFC and Bellator have implemented stricter hygiene protocols in recent years to combat this issue. But as Ben Askren’s story proves, individual responsibility is also crucial.
The Long-Term Effects of Staph on the Body
Although Askren made a full recovery, not all athletes are as lucky. Staph infections that reach internal organs or the bloodstream can cause:
- Chronic fatigue
- Organ damage
- Respiratory issues
- Joint pain if it spreads to bones or cartilage
In worst-case scenarios, untreated staph can become life-threatening. In Askren’s case, early hospital intervention likely prevented more severe consequences.
What Is Ben Askren Doing Now?
After retiring from MMA, Ben Askren has stayed active in the public eye:
- Podcasting: Co-hosts Funky & FRB Show and appears regularly on MMA podcasts
- Commentary & Analysis: Offers fight breakdowns and opinions on major fights
- Coaching: Involved in youth wrestling programs across the U.S.
- Book Author: Released a memoir titled “Funky: My Defiant Path Through the Wild World of Combat Sports”
- Boxing Match: Faced Jake Paul in a high-profile boxing bout in 2021
Askren continues to advocate for fighter health and remains a respected voice in the combat sports community.
Conclusion
Ben Askren’s staph infection and lung complication were more than just a minor health hiccup — they were a powerful reminder of how quickly things can escalate for professional athletes. His transparency about the ordeal has helped educate the MMA community about the risks of staph infections and the importance of hygiene, awareness, and early medical intervention.
While Askren may no longer be active in the cage, his legacy includes not just his wrestling accolades and trash talk but also his willingness to speak openly about real health issues. His experience is a valuable case study for anyone involved in contact sports — and a clear message that even champions are not immune to infections.
FAQs
1. Did Ben Askren’s staph infection affect his retirement?
While it wasn’t the sole reason, it contributed to the physical toll on his body, alongside hip injuries and aging.
2. Is staph infection contagious?
Yes. Staph can spread through skin contact or shared equipment, especially in gyms and locker rooms.
3. Can staph infection affect internal organs like the lungs?
Yes. If untreated, the infection can spread from the skin to the bloodstream and internal organs, including the lungs.
4. How long did Ben Askren take to recover?
He reported being out of training for several weeks and feeling lingering effects for months.
5. What advice does Ben Askren give to young athletes?
He emphasizes the importance of not ignoring minor health issues and taking rest and recovery seriously.
