Former UFC star and Olympian Ben Askren has found himself at the center of controversy after promoting what appears to be a cryptocurrency scam just days after returning home from a life-threatening medical ordeal that required a double lung transplant.
The 41-year-old mixed martial arts veteran recently survived pneumonia so severe that his heart stopped beating for 20 seconds on four separate occasions. He had been recovering at home for less than a week when the crypto promotion surfaced.
Askren’s involvement in the suspicious digital asset scheme has raised eyebrows throughout the MMA and cryptocurrency communities, particularly given the timing of his endorsement.
“I’ve been home for four days now,” Askren shared in a recent social media update, describing his challenging recovery process. “It’s awesome. I get to sleep in my own bed, eat my own food, hang out with my family, it’s great.”
However, the former wrestler’s physical condition remains severely compromised. Askren revealed that he has lost approximately 35 pounds and struggles with basic physical tasks that once came naturally to him. “This five-pound weight, it’s actually hard for me to curl,” he admitted.
The cryptocurrency promotion has sparked concern among fans and industry observers who question whether Askren was in the proper mental and physical state to evaluate investment opportunities or promotional partnerships.
The “FUNKY” token appears to be tied to a paid promotion orchestrated by meme-coin marketer Sahil Arora, who has developed a reputation for dragging celebrities into similar crypto controversies, including the Caitlyn Jenner fiasco.
Askren’s now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) initially sparked speculation that his account had been hacked. He had posted: “Always play to win in life, you can bounce back from anything with conviction! $100 in SOL or USDC if you play”
But Arora stepped in, insisting that the post was legitimate and that he had paid Askren for the promotion, even sharing proof of payment.
According to sources, Arora paid Askren a “mid–six-figure” amount, supposedly to help cover medical expenses. Yet the FUNKY token flopped spectacularly, peaking at a market cap of just $29,000. Arora says he took a financial hit on the venture.
The timing of the crypto endorsement has particularly troubled supporters who have been following Askren’s health journey. His family has been actively seeking donations to help cover the substantial medical costs associated with his double lung transplant, which can range from $300,000 to $400,000 in the United States. This financial pressure may have made the former champion more susceptible to questionable promotional opportunities.
Askren’s wife Amy confirmed the severity of his condition last month when she announced that he had received the life-saving transplant after suffering from severe pneumonia. The wrestling community and MMA fans worldwide rallied around the former champion, offering support during his darkest hours.
“The thing that was most impactful to me was the love I felt from everybody. It was almost like I got to have my own funeral,” Askren reflected on the overwhelming support he received. “The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing.”
The former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder, who enjoyed a decade-long undefeated streak before joining the UFC in 2019, has faced financial challenges since retiring from active competition. His brief UFC career ended after losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia, and a subsequent boxing match against Jake Paul resulted in a first-round knockout defeat.
The MMA community continues to support Askren’s recovery while expressing disappointment over his involvement with the questionable cryptocurrency venture, hoping that his focus will return to his health and family as he works toward regaining his strength.