In a heartfelt revelation, former UFC star Ben Askren has opened up about his near-death battle with necrotising pneumonia – a brutal illness that left him in a 45-day coma earlier this year. The 41-year-old, who once lit up the Octagon with his wrestling pedigree, revealed that it was his wife Amy who ultimately saved his life by insisting he seek urgent medical help when his condition spiralled out of control.
Ben Askren’s Health Crisis
Earlier this year, Askren’s life changed dramatically. What began as back pain quickly escalated into breathing difficulties, and doctors soon diagnosed him with necrotising pneumonia, a rare but often fatal lung infection. Within days, he was placed in a medically induced coma as his weight dropped by over 50 pounds.
Reflecting on the terrifying ordeal in a documentary by Real American Freestyle Wrestling, Askren admitted he almost ignored the warning signs: “When my breathing changed, I didn’t realise the seriousness of it until my wife insisted I see a doctor.” That decision, he acknowledged, likely saved his life.
The Pivotal Role of Amy Askren
Askren has been candid about the role his wife played throughout his ordeal. Amy not only urged him to go to the hospital but also filmed his rapid breathing to convince him of the severity of his condition. “If it hadn’t been for my wife, I probably would’ve died,” Askren said.
For nearly 70 days of hospitalisation, Amy visited almost daily, balancing her role as a mother with being a constant source of strength for Ben. “She had to take care of our kids as well. I still get emotional thinking about it,” he shared.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Following a double lung transplant, Askren’s road to recovery was long and gruelling. After battling a post-surgery infection and re-learning how to walk, he slowly began to rebuild his strength. Sharing his progress online, he expressed his relief when finally discharged in August: “I escaped again.”
While he has accepted that a return to competitive sport is unlikely, Askren remains grateful: “I probably won’t be actively competitive in anything physically ever again. But I’ll be able to have a really good life.”
Reflections on Life and Legacy
The experience has given Askren a new perspective on health, family, and resilience. Once a world-class wrestler and UFC contender, his latest battle was fought not in the cage but against his own body. His story is a reminder of the importance of listening to loved ones, acting on warning signs, and cherishing the support systems that carry us through life’s darkest moments.
Askren hopes his story will raise awareness about the need for early medical intervention: “Don’t ignore your symptoms. Sometimes it’s the people closest to you who can see what you can’t.”
Key Points
- Health Crisis: Necrotising pneumonia led to a 45-day coma and double lung transplant.
- Weight Loss: Askren lost more than 50 pounds during his illness.
- Wife’s Role: Amy Askren insisted he seek help and supported him daily.
- Recovery: Faced infection, re-learned to walk, and was discharged on 12 August.
- Future Outlook: No return to competition but grateful for life post-recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What illness did Ben Askren suffer from?
He battled necrotising pneumonia, a severe lung infection that led to a 45-day coma and required a double lung transplant.
How did Amy Askren help save his life?
She insisted he go to hospital despite his reluctance and filmed his distressed breathing to prove the seriousness of his condition.
What challenges did he face in recovery?
Askren endured post-surgery infections, weight loss, and had to learn to walk again after months bedridden.
When was Ben Askren discharged?
He was released for the second time on 12 August after overcoming a post-transplant infection.
Will he return to fighting?
No, Askren has said he won’t return to competitive sport, but he is optimistic about living a fulfilling life.
