UFC President Dana White recently discussed his financial support for Ben Askren`s medical treatment, an topic he seemed reluctant to address publicly.
Despite their past public disagreements and social media exchanges, White was among the first to encourage donations and share the HelpHopeLive link for the former Bellator and ONE Championship fighter when Askren`s severe health issues and subsequent financial strain became known.
Recent online discussion has included unverified claims, notably about Jake Paul contributing $500,000 towards Askren`s double lung transplant. However, the Askren family has not confirmed any specific figures, including the total cost of the procedure or the extent of White`s involvement.
Dana White Confirms Financial Support for Ben Askren
Following the UFC Nashville event, Dana White was directly asked if he had donated to Ben Askren`s family during his struggle with pneumonia, which necessitated a double lung transplant. Askren`s insurance company denied coverage for the procedure, forcing him to cover the costs himself.
Double lung transplants are recognized as one of the most expensive medical procedures in the United States. A 2025 report summarized on HelpHopeLive indicated that costs without insurance coverage could potentially exceed $2.3 million.
Jake Paul had implied during his post-fight press conference after fighting Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. that White had not been involved in supporting Askren. However, beyond names that might be publicly listed on HelpHopeLive, there`s no way to definitively know who has made private donations.
White appeared visibly uncomfortable when asked about the donation, seemingly wishing to avoid using the situation to portray himself as a savior. He is known within the MMA community for providing quiet assistance to those in need, having also recently made a private donation to the family of a deceased PFL staff member just last week.
“I usually don’t talk about that stuff but yes I did,” White responded directly when questioned about financially supporting Askren. “I did.
“I mean, we reached out to his wife as soon as we heard and told her ‘if there’s anything you need’. And yes, I did, yes. I just don’t like talking about that s—, that’s between us, but yes.”
Ben Askren Shows Significant Improvement in Latest Update
When Askren shared his initial video message earlier in the week from his hospital bed, fans were understandably upset by how much the previous month and a half had impacted him. He had lost approximately 50 pounds and appeared to be struggling significantly as he thanked supporters and became emotional discussing tributes from friends.
However, a second video released on Saturday showed him in much better spirits. He looked noticeably healthier, having shaved and cut his hair, and stated he anticipated leaving the hospital soon, with his reliance on medical tubes decreasing.
“I’m going to plead guilty, I felt guilty for myself one time,” he admitted. “And that doesn’t do anyone any good. I thought ‘man, I never smoked one cigarette, never smoked any weed, never did anything. Why did my lungs get stolen from me? Why isn’t this happening to someone who smokes habitually?’
“Then I realized, it happened. So I can be bitter and angry, I could whine and cry, but that’s not going to help anybody. I am where I am now and I’m going to move forward the best that I can.
“So I hope you guys are enjoying the updates, I will not feel sorry for myself, I’m going to be out of here very soon so I hope you have a great day. Peace.”
