Ben Askren’s Medical Emergency Highlights Hidden Dangers of Poor Hygiene in Combat Sports

Ben Askren’s Medical Emergency Highlights Hidden Dangers of Poor Hygiene in Combat Sports

August 4, 2025 – By K Mitch 305

MMA veteran and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren recently survived one of the most severe health crises an athlete has faced, an ordeal triggered by a staph infection that nearly cost him his life. The incident has cast a spotlight on the often-overlooked importance of hygiene in combat sports gyms.

Askren, 40, was hospitalized on May 28 after contracting pneumonia that doctors later linked to a staph infection. The infection became so serious that he required a double lung transplant which is a rare and life-threatening procedure, especially for someone who had been in peak physical condition most of his life. In an emotional update, Askren shared that his heart stopped four times during his hospitalization. He remained unconscious for over a month and lost nearly 50 pounds during his extended ICU stay.

Just days after being discharged in early July, Askren was readmitted to the hospital due to signs of a chest tube infection. While he is currently recovering and in good spirits, his experience serves as a wake-up call to athletes and coaches alike.

“This could happen to anyone,” one physician familiar with the case noted. “Staph is common in gym settings and can go from a simple skin lesion to life-threatening in days.”

Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria behind most staph infections, is frequently found on the skin and surfaces in high-contact environments like wrestling mats, MMA cages, and jiu-jitsu gyms. Infections can spread rapidly through small cuts, shared equipment, and inadequate cleaning protocols.

What Athletes Should Know

Askren’s story underscores a crucial but often neglected truth: rigorous hygiene is not optional in combat sports. Doctors and sports medicine professionals recommend the following to reduce the risk of infection:

• Always shower before and after training.

• Disinfect mats, gloves, and other shared gear daily.

• Wear flip-flops in communal areas like locker rooms and showers.

• Wash training clothes immediately after each session.

• Avoid training with open wounds or skin infections.

Gyms are also encouraged to institute strict sanitation protocols and educate their athletes on the early signs of infection, which may include redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around any skin lesion.

A Lesson from a Fighter’s Fight

Ben Askren’s medical battle is not only a testament to modern medicine but also a cautionary tale. His ordeal has sparked renewed conversation in the MMA and BJJ communities about the preventability of staph-related complications.

“Ben’s a fighter in every sense, but this was the toughest opponent he’s ever faced,” said a fellow UFC veteran. “If it could take him down, it could take any of us.”

As Askren continues his recovery, many in the martial arts world are calling for a cultural shift toward prioritizing cleanliness and health—because when it comes to infections, no amount of toughness can replace simple prevention. Oss.

Image: UFC