Former UFC/Wrestler Ben Askren Gives Emotional Health Update After Double Lung Transplant
Ex-UFC and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren, 40, reveals he ‘died four times’ during a double lung transplant following life-threatening pneumonia. He’s now recovering and determined to return to coaching after an outpouring of support.
Ben Askren, former UFC welterweight contender and Olympic wrestler, has shared a heartfelt update on his health following a double lung transplant prompted by severe pneumonia stemming from a staph infection. In an emotional Instagram video from his Wisconsin hospital bed, Askren described the harrowing ordeal:
- ‘I died four times. ’ His heart stopped for roughly 20 seconds on multiple occasions during the medically induced coma between May 28 and July 2.
:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} - Lost nearly 50 pounds. His weight dropped to about 147 lbs—a weight he hasn’t seen since his teenage years. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} - **No memory of the critical period.
** He’s piecing together what happened from his wife Amy’s journal. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Askren expressed heartfelt gratitude for the massive support from the MMA and wrestling communities. He likened the online encouragement to having attended his own funeral, surrounded by love.
UFC President Dana White, and MMA icons like Daniel Cormier and Henry Cejudo, sent messages of hope and solidarity. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Looking ahead, Askren says he’s steadily regaining strength and is “more motivated than ever” to return to coaching wrestling in Wisconsin and giving back to his community. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
What happened to him? In early June, Askren was hospitalized with severe pneumonia and placed on ECMO before being listed for a double lung transplant.
The surgery was successful around June 30. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Why it matters: Askren’s story highlights both the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. A champion across multiple disciplines, Askren now faces perhaps his toughest battle yet—one fought not in the ring, but on a hospital bed, with a determined eye on coaching’s next chapter.
Looking ahead: Askren and his wife plan to share deeper details of his journey once he’s stronger. For now, the MMA community remains rallied behind “The Funky Drummer,” hoping to see him thrive once his recovery is complete.
