Home / Sports / Jake Paul Donates to UFC Star's Life-Saving Surgery After Insurance Denial
Jake Paul Donates to UFC Star's Life-Saving Surgery After Insurance Denial
30 Jun
Summary
- Jake Paul criticizes lack of support from Dana White and others for Ben Askren's double-lung transplant
- Paul and his brother Logan are donating to help Askren, who Paul defeated in 2021
- Askren hospitalized in June 2022 with severe pneumonia and staph infection
In a surprising move, controversial boxing star Jake Paul has shown his compassionate side by pledging to help UFC fighter Ben Askren, who is currently battling for his life and in need of a double-lung transplant. The events unfolded after Paul's recent victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a pay-per-view boxing match. While Paul's in-ring performance drew criticism, his post-fight comments made headlines for a different reason. Paul expressed outrage over the lack of support Askren has received from UFC CEO Dana White and others, as Askren's insurance has denied coverage for the expensive transplant procedure. "It's just insane," Paul said. "Insurance is a scam and it's so sad. Right when you need these companies, they're not there." Paul, who defeated Askren via first-round TKO in 2021, revealed that he and his brother Logan are now working to donate and raise funds to assist Askren, a former standout wrestler who competed in organizations like Bellator and ONE FC before joining the UFC. Askren was hospitalized in June 2022 with severe pneumonia that developed into a staph infection. The boxing star's compassionate actions have drawn praise, as he steps up to help a fellow athlete in dire need of medical support. Paul's willingness to put aside their past rivalry and use his platform to advocate for Askren's well-being has been widely applauded.