Recalling his initial meeting with Ben Askren, Corey Anderson, then a highly decorated college wrestler, had no inkling of the transformative impact that encounter would have on his life.
Askren, a celebrated two-time National Champion and 2008 Olympian, was impressed by Anderson`s competitive spirit and invited him to train, suggesting a path in mixed martial arts. This mentorship proved pivotal. Anderson trained with Askren, which ultimately led to his participation in The Ultimate Fighter. This reality show appearance launched a career that has seen him become a top light heavyweight for ten years and the last ever Bellator 205-pound champion.
Currently, Askren is hospitalized after severe pneumonia necessitated a double lung transplant. While his wife, Amy, keeps everyone updated, Anderson shared that witnessing his friend and mentor face such a serious health challenge has deeply affected him.
“It affects my wife more,” Anderson remarked. “I`m not typically emotional, but even now, mentioning Ben brings tears to my eyes. We pray for him every night. I often come home and hear her on a Zoom call, and she always emerges with tears in her eyes.”
He added, “Just talking about the situation, or when someone posts an update and she shows me, you can see how much it hurts her.”
The significant emotional toll on Anderson`s wife, Jennifer, stems from Askren`s profound influence on *both* their lives.
Indeed, Anderson revealed they wouldn`t have met at all without Askren.
Anderson stated, “It`s not just my career, but my entire life wouldn`t be what it is without Ben. I`m talking about my life itself, not just competing. I met my wife thanks to Ben Askren. I have a wife, two wonderful children, and a fighting career. Essentially, everything meaningful in my adult life originated because of Ben Askren.”
He explained, “It`s because he invited me to an MMA gym, and the very day I first went there, my wife happened to be working at the front desk. That was our initial meeting. Years later, our relationship began, and she eventually moved here.”
Since leaving college in Wisconsin and transitioning to full-time MMA competition, Anderson has trained at various gyms for fights, yet Askren has remained a consistent source of support throughout his career.
Anderson noted that whenever he requires guidance, Askren is almost always among the very first people he reaches out to.
“Each time we return home, we make sure to visit Ben,” Anderson shared. “If I encounter a problem in my fighting career, even recently before a fight, my wife suggested I message Ben. If I have a question like, `Ben, how can I improve my self-promotion without compromising myself?`, I turn to Ben. For any issue, I contact Ben.”
He continued, “The two individuals I consult are Ben Askren and Eddie Alvarez. They are the longest-standing figures in the sport and serve as my most significant mentors, capable of guiding me correctly because they have experienced and accomplished everything.”
Anderson acknowledged the difficulty of the past few weeks while Askren has been hospitalized, stating that the former Bellator and ONE champion is constantly in his thoughts and prayers.
Despite preparing for his upcoming fight at the PFL Africa event next Saturday, Anderson`s thoughts frequently return to Askren`s recovery following the lung transplant.
Above all, Anderson eagerly anticipates the day he can finally call and hear Askren`s voice on the phone again.
Anderson concluded, “[Ben Askren] essentially guided me towards the life I have now—from my wife, to MMA, introducing me to my first gym, coaching me in college, and helping me reach the NCAA National Finals. He`s done so much, even suggesting hunting spots for my channel. It`s all thanks to Ben. There`s not much I can *do* to help him right now.”
“I just want to call and speak with him,” he said. “Even if he can`t respond. Just to be there. It`s a strange situation. We just keep praying and hoping for his recovery.”
