Ben Askren Recovering After Life-Saving Double Lung Transplant
Ben Askren is recovering after a life-saving double lung transplant, marking a dramatic turn in the life of the former Olympic wrestler and MMA star. After spending over a month hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia, Askren shared that he underwent the rare procedure and is now on the road to recovery.
In an emotional Instagram video post on Wednesday, July 9, the 40-year-old relived the harrowing ordeal he and his family went through, divulging he has no memory of what occurred to him over the last six weeks.
“No memory. Zero idea. I just read my wife’s journal. It’s like a movie. It’s insane,” Askren said, overcome with emotion. “I only died four times—my heart stopped for like 20 seconds each time.”
A Health Crisis That Came Without Warning
Askren began experiencing pneumonia symptoms at the end of May. What had seemed like an illness that would be easily treated became a life-or-death situation. By mid-June, he was on a ventilator as his lung function decreased quite rapidly. His condition worsened to the point where doctors formally placed him on the waiting list for a lung transplant on June 24.
Miraculously, a matching donor was found within days. Askren underwent a successful double lung transplant surgery—a rare and risky procedure, often reserved for patients with no other option.
“The fact that I’m even here right now is nothing short of a miracle,” Askren shared in the video. “I’m incredibly lucky.”
45 Days in the ICU: “Like Living Through My Funeral”
During his 45-day hospitalization, Askren lost around 50 pounds. He was sedated for most of it and barely regained complete consciousness and awareness of everything that had happened.
The emotional toll was harsh—not only on Askren, but also on his wife, Amy, who documented every day in a personal journal.
“It was like I actually got to attend my own funeral,” Askren said. “So many people contacted me, sent love, messages, prayers. I felt that. That meant the world.”
From Wrestling Glory to MMA Fame
Ben Askren’s life as a household name in combat sports started a few years before the UFC days. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and raised in Wisconsin, Askren was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion wrestler while competing at the University of Missouri as a wrestler. His success in mat wrestling provided him with an opportunity to fight as an Olympic wrestler for the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
After the Olympics, Askren transitioned to mixed martial arts, where he became renowned for his undefeated record and suffocating wrestling-heavy style. He was the champion of both prominent welterweight promotions, Bellator MMA and ONE Championship, before he eventually signed with the UFC in 2019.
Although his UFC tenure was brief, Askren left his mark with high-profile bouts and a polarizing personality that attracted fans.
Retirement and a Brief Return to the Ring
Askren retired from professional MMA in October 2019 following a submission loss to Demian Maia. His professional MMA record was 19-2 with 1 no contest.
In April 2021, he made a sensational comeback—not in the cage, but in the ring—when he boxed YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a highly publicized fight. The bout ended in a first-round technical knockout, but generated more than 500,000 pay-per-view buys, a testament to Askren’s enduring popularity.
Life Outside the Spotlight
Beyond the spotlight of professional fighting sports, Askren has been busy building someone else’s future. He owns and operates a Wisconsin-based youth wrestling school, where he trains young wrestlers and promotes character development through athletics.
Despite his health ordeal, Askren remains deeply devoted to family, faith, and community. His strength—both in and out of the ring—has inspired many.
“I’ve faced opponents in cages and on mats, but nothing like this,” he said. “This was the fight of my life.”
What’s Next for Ben Askren?
Though he still faces a long road to full recovery, the future looks hopeful. Askren’s medical team is optimistic, and his physical and mental strength are playing a key role in the healing process.
He has made no specific plans to return to public life or training. He’s recuperating and with family at the moment.
“I’ve been given a second chance at life. That’s not something I take for granted,” he said. “Now it’s all about being present and thankful.”