Ben Askren, the former UFC fighter and esteemed wrestler, has undergone a double lung transplant following a battle with severe pneumonia. The 40-year-old athlete was hospitalised earlier this month in Wisconsin, where he was placed on a ventilator and subsequently added to the transplant list.
If you have followed his career, you will know that Askren retired from MMA in 2019 after a relatively brief stint in the UFC. Prior to this, he was celebrated as one of the best American wrestlers of his era, holding welterweight titles in Bellator and ONE Championship. Before entering the world of mixed martial arts, Askren was also a two-time national wrestling champion and represented the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games.
His wife, Amy, shared a heartfelt update on social media, stating that Ben was “completely healthy just five weeks ago.” She also expressed deep gratitude towards the donor and their family, emphasising that every new day for Ben is a gift and marking the transplant as the start of a new lifestyle. She urged patience for further updates, hoping he waits until the effects of the medication wear off before providing more news.
Ben Askren’s health issues reportedly began after contracting pneumonia, itself a complication arising from a staph infection. This sudden decline shocked many given his prior fitness and lifestyle. Adding to the outpouring of support, Jake Paul, who defeated Askren in a well-publicised boxing match in 2021, made a public appeal for donations to assist in Ben’s recovery.
If you are aware of Askren’s MMA journey, you might recall that before joining the UFC in 2019, he had an impressive unbeaten streak of 20 fights. His move to the UFC was notably unusual—it involved a historic trade between the UFC and ONE Championship, where Demetrious Johnson was exchanged for Askren. This remains the only major trade of its kind in MMA history and caused a sensation when it was announced in 2018.
Within the UFC, Askren quickly gained popularity by winning his debut against Robbie Lawler but subsequently faced defeats from notable fighters such as Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. When he decided to retire, his professional MMA record stood at 19 wins and 22 fights in total. Outside the fighting world, you would know Askren as a family man with three children and an entrepreneur running a wrestling academy based in Wisconsin.
As you follow Ben Askren’s recovery journey, it’s clear that his strength and resilience, traits you have seen throughout his career, are more important than ever. His story is not only one of sporting triumphs but now reflects a profound personal battle. It is a reminder of the challenges even the strongest athletes can face, and an opportunity for you to continue supporting him during this difficult period.
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