News of combat sports figure Ben Askren`s recent severe health battle and subsequent double lung transplant has resonated throughout the athletic community and beyond. While many know Askren for his distinctive wrestling prowess and candid personality, for Bellator light heavyweight contender Corey Anderson, his influence transcends professional accolades, reaching into the very fabric of Anderson`s adult life. Amidst Askren`s challenging recovery, Anderson has articulated the profound, almost improbable, impact his friend and mentor has had, setting the course for his career, his family, and essentially, his entire current reality.
Their connection began within the disciplined world of wrestling. Anderson, a promising collegiate athlete, crossed paths with Askren, an Olympian and decorated wrestling champion. Recognizing a shared mindset and potential, Askren extended an invitation that, at the time, seemed merely a technical suggestion: explore mixed martial arts. This pivotal moment, a simple word of encouragement, proved to be the initial spark that ignited a chain of events far beyond the confines of the mat or the cage.
Accepting Askren`s invitation, Anderson visited an MMA gym. It was on that seemingly routine day that destiny intervened in an entirely unexpected manner. Working behind the front desk was Jennifer, who would later become his wife. A curious twist of fate, initiated by a conversation about takedowns and striking, ultimately led to wedding vows and family life. Anderson himself states unequivocally that the meeting with his wife, the mother of his children, occurred solely because Askren prompted his entry into the MMA world and subsequently, that specific gymnasium. It’s a stark, perhaps slightly ironic, reminder of how the brutal, technical pursuit of combat sports can sometimes lead to the most fundamental and tender human connections.
Beyond this foundational event, Askren has remained a consistent presence, evolving from initial wrestling mentor to a trusted confidant in the complex landscape of professional fighting. Anderson frequently seeks Askren`s counsel on navigating career decisions, handling the pressures of the sport, and even addressing aspects of his personal life. Like consulting a seasoned technical manual for unexpected errors, Anderson turns to Askren and other veterans for guidance drawn from years of experience, recognizing their ability to offer perspectives honed by time and trial.
Now, as Askren faces this significant health challenge, requiring intensive medical intervention, the depth of Anderson`s gratitude is underscored by palpable concern. The news has understandably impacted those closest to Anderson as well, notably his wife, who shares the weight of this difficult period given Askren`s indirect, yet undeniable, role in their meeting. Anderson speaks plainly about the emotional difficulty of the situation and the consistent prayers offered for Askren`s recovery.
Reflecting on the journey that started with a simple suggestion from a wrestling legend, Anderson`s message is clear: the trajectory of his adult life—his career in combat sports, his marriage, his family—is inextricably linked to Ben Askren`s early influence and continued presence. His hope, shared by many within and outside the sport, is simply for Askren`s full recovery, allowing for a return to their connection, a bond forged in wrestling rooms and gym floors, yet extending into the very fabric of Anderson`s existence.
