In the past few days, there has been positive news about Ben Askren‘s condition improving. Last week, his wife, Amy, shared an update about the veteran gaining consciousness and asking for coffee. “I’m so thankful his mind is healthy and I can’t wait to have him back,” Amy mentioned in her social media post, but the battle hasn’t ended yet. While Askren is officially on the lung transplant list, his insurance won’t cover the costs of the transplant.

Former UFC fighter Roxanne Modafferi was upset with this. “WTF Ben Askren’s health insurance won’t cover lung transplants. He needs f—— DOUBLE lung transplant?! American insurance companies make me soooo angry they don’t wanna pay for %*^£€&$. We should all buy a t shirt or something to help,” she wrote on X. So far, several platforms have come to help the Askrens, like, for instance, fans can donate via Help Hope Live. Then, there is Rudis—a company selling ‘Funky’ shirts, and 100% of the proceeds will directly go to Askren’s treatment.

Even Jake Paul, who faced the veteran in the boxing ring in 2021, couldn’t help but pray for him after the severe pneumonia diagnosis. And now, in a surprising turn of events, the outspoken social media figure Andrew Tate has jumped into the fray, extending his support to Askren and his family following the denial of their insurance claim. It all started when former UFC fighter Jake Shields posted on X, saying, “Why are Americans forced to pay for insurance when they just deny your claim when you actually need them? This is despicable.” In response, Tate wrote, “How much do they need?”

In a follow up tweet, Tate wrote, “Can someone from Bens family please contact me.” And so Tate’s friend Myron Gaines, who is also a podcaster at ‘Fresh and Fit’ on YouTube, took the opportunity to praise him. He wrote on X: “Ben Askren’s fighting for a lung transplant his insurance won’t cover, and he’s hosting a fundraiser to make it happen. Most influencers would just tweet, “How can I help?” Not Andrew Tate. He cut straight to the point: “How much?” That’s why I’m proud to call Andrew a close friend. I’ve known him for years, long before his meteoric rise to fame.” But perhaps Dana White’s way of helping was very different from Tate’s.

Well, last week, the UFC CEO took to his Instagram account to share a link to Ben Askren’s funding page for donations. “Click the link to help Ben Askren,” he wrote—something that didn’t sit well with fight fans. Many were of the opinion that White should have directly helped the veteran, considering his net worth is $500 million.

While the former UFC athlete now fights for his life, he is also set to receive a massive honor amid his ongoing battle with illness. What is it?

Ben Askren to be celebrated as the grand marshal of Hartland’s hometown parade!

Prior to stepping into the MMA arena, Ben Askren established himself as an NCAA champion and gained recognition as a prominent figure in American wrestling. Throughout the years, ‘Funky’ has earned the reputation of a local legend in Hartland, Wisconsin. While the wrestler is facing health challenges, a group of his friends has chosen to pay tribute to him in a meaningful way. In fact, the decision to do so was made before Askren fell ill. According to Rebecca Klopf from TMJ4, Askren has been appointed as the grand marshal for Hartland’s Hometown Celebration Parade.

“Ben has just done so much coming from the community. Obviously being a multi-time national champion to being a Hodge Trophy winner to being an Olympian to opening up his academy here,” said Randy Ferrell, who is a head wrestling coach at Arrowhead High School and also Askren’s friend. Ferrell often taught at Askren’s academy and has personally witnessed him mentor the next generation of wrestlers. “He does so much to give back,” Ferrell added.

Then, there is Jeff Pfannerstill, president of the Village of Hartland, who mentioned: “There has been so many people who have gone through wrestling at Arrowhead and with the academy. The Askren Wrestling Academy right here. This area has literally become one of the best areas in the country to be if you want to go on to be a NCAA wrestler.”

What an incredible and well-earned recognition for a seasoned legend like Ben Askren, who has devoted his entire life to the world of mixed martial arts and wrestling. The entire combat sports community is rallying behind ‘Funky’ and his family, sending thoughts and wishes for a swift and complete recovery during this challenging time.