Former UFC rival Darren Till sets aside feud to support critically ill Ben Askren

The MMA community is rallying in unity as former UFC fighter Ben Askren faces a serious health battle, reportedly in critical condition following complications from a severe staph infection and pneumonia. Once known for his relentless wrestling and brash persona, Askren is now at the center of a very different fight—this time for his health.

Askren’s condition was made public over the weekend, prompting an outpouring of support from fans, fighters, and former colleagues. His wife has since confirmed that he is dealing with a "severe" illness and thanked the combat sports community for their overwhelming messages of hope.

Among those expressing concern was Darren Till, a former UFC welterweight contender and one-time outspoken critic of Askren. Despite their heated past—which saw harsh words exchanged and near clashes predicted—Till took to social media to offer a surprisingly warm message of support.

“Hope he is ok and his family,” Till wrote. “We all have beef and yes, most of the time it’s real. But at the end of the day we all started doing this to be champions, to fight, to make money. I always hope every one of us is healthy and wealthy. Hope he pulls through.”

Askren, affectionately known as "Funky," last competed in the UFC in 2019 and is remembered not only for his undefeated run in other promotions but also for his outspoken style that brought both admiration and antagonism. While his professional MMA journey was relatively short-lived in the UFC, his impact remains widely felt—especially now, as figures from every corner of the fight world come together in solidarity.