Ben Askren has shared an emotional message on social media upon being released from the hospital after undergoing a successful double lung transplant.
This former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler, who hung up his gloves in 2021 at just 36 years of age, encountered a severe health crisis this spring at the age of 40.
His wife, Amy, disclosed that he had been fighting against “severe pneumonia,” which ultimately led to the critical decision for a double lung transplant.
Around early July, Askren posted a video, revealing his significant weight loss and lack of energy since the beginning of his health struggle. In that emotional update, he stated, “I only died four times,” referring to moments when his heart stopped for nearly 20 seconds.
Now, the former champion brings us a lighter update following his discharge. In a recent social media video, he joyfully announced: “Day 59, I’m out! With my lovely wife by my side.”
He continued, reflecting on his tough journey: “It was a long road, and it’s still not over since I’m still re-learning how to walk. I guess I can joke about it given that I don’t fully remember it. Amy, how close was I to passing away?”
Amy interjected, “Too close, a few times.” Askren then reminisced, “I can’t recall 35 days of this trek, but the surgery was about 24 or 25 days ago. It was tough. Really tough.”
Getting a bit emotional, Askren expressed gratitude: “I mentioned this before in another video, but the support I received was incredible – whether it was setting up a GoFundMe, helping my kids and wife through this hard time, or friends flying in just to be with me. It really meant the world. All the love and support has been amazing.”
He concluded optimistically, saying, “I hope I won’t find myself in this situation again for a long time. I plan to stick around for a bit. Thank you all for your positive messages and support online, it truly means a lot. Love you guys.”
Askren represented Team USA at the 2008 Olympics before diving into an MMA career, where he secured the Bellator and ONE welterweight championships, remaining undefeated until his last two bouts.
His final three matchups occurred in the UFC during 2019. These included a submission against Robbie Lawler and unfortunately, a five-second record-setting knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal followed by a submission defeat against Demian Maia.
Later, Askren ventured into boxing, facing YouTuber Jake Paul in 2021, but ended up losing via first-round knockout. Since then, he has stepped back from the competitive sports scene.
