Despite their past, Jake Paul has publicly shown respect and care for Ben Askren amid the ongoing battle with his health.
Earlier this month, news shocked the combat sports world after a worrying update about Askren’s physical state went public. The 40-year-old was rushed to hospital with a life-threatening case of pneumonia and has now faced another major setback in his road to recovery.
Recent reports suggest Ben Askren is in need of a double lung transplant. After his claim was denied by his insurance company, Askren will be forced to pay for the surgery himself, which is among the most expensive surgeries in the United States.
A fund has been created to ease the burden on Askren and his family, and Jake Paul has lashed out at insurance companies for not siding with people when they need it the most.
“It’s just insane and insurance is a f***ing scam,” Paul said as the Askren family desperately try to raise funds for his surgery. “And it’s so sad.”
“Right when you need these companies, they’re not there and it’s f***ed up and his insurance denied him to get the double lung transplant which is also one of the most expensive surgeries which is why they denied it.”
Related: Jake Paul pens emotional message as Ben Askren life-threatening health issues persist
Jake Paul has taken matters into his own hands and intends to support the Askren fund amid the insurance claim controversy.
‘The Problem Child’ later hit out at Dana White for the lack of help he is offering Ben Askren during this trying time.
“It just sucks and it sucks that no one is doing anything. I was obviously super busy this week so we’re figuring out the donation now.”
“But none of these people like Dana [White] or any of these people are stepping in so I feel like I have to do something and that’s really all it is.”
Jake Paul says it "sucks no one is doing anything" to help Ben Askren receive a double lung transplant:"None of these people, like Dana, are stepping in. So I feel like I have to do something." pic.twitter.com/bWp9hgpBXV
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 29, 2025
