Former UFC competitor Ben Askren is battling one of the toughest fights of his life today—a battle to live. His wife, Amy Askren, made a passionate social media post informing the public that Ben has been put on an official lung transplant list as he continues to fight severe complications of pneumonia and a staph infection.

The 40-year-old has been in the hospital since earlier this month after his condition worsened with post-infection complications, causing critical problems with his lungs. Although the news was quite hard to accept, Amy remains optimistic as doctors search for a proper match for a transplant.

Amy Askren Asks for Prayers as Transplant Process Begins

Ben Askren Fighting for His Life; On Lung Transplant List Ben Askren Fighting for His Life; On Lung Transplant List
Al Bello/Getty Images for Triller

Amy went to Facebook to give an honest and emotional health update about her husband. In her message, she requested fans, friends, and supporters to "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. "

Even though Ben's condition is dire, Amy reported that his other organs are stable, which provides surgeons with a clear direction in his care and recovery. The main focus now is to stabilize his condition so a lung transplant can be performed successfully.

Ben Exhibiting Symptoms of Awareness, But Continues to Recover

Though Ben is a long way from being fully conscious, Amy said he is starting to get more periods of awareness. But he's not quite well enough to use his phone or even speak to others directly.

"While he is having more periods of awareness, he's not able to look at his phone yet and respond to messages," she wrote. "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."

A Moment of Humor Amid the Crisis

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Amy found a brief moment of levity to share with supporters. On Monday, Ben managed to mouth the words for a cup of coffee, a small but humanizing gesture that reflects his fighting spirit.

Although he couldn't be awarded the request, coffee isn't permitted considering his situation at the moment, as reported by TMZ Sports. The instant was a flash of personality and hope for all, a reminder that Askren's will is very much alive.

Pneumonia and Staph Infection Led to Rapid Health Decline

Ben's health rapidly declined earlier this month when he developed pneumonia from a staph infection, a potentially deadly bacterial illness if not treated promptly. These complications took hold in his lungs and required a possible transplant.

Askren fought against Jake Paul in a Triller Fight Club boxing match in April 2021. Paul knocked out the former MMA fighter in the first round. This was Askren's boxing debut.

According to USA Today, Askren reflected on how he was already standing next to the legends and other celebrities. He worked hard to chase his dreams even though other people made fun of him years ago.