Former UFC fighter and Bellator champion Ben Askren shared a video update on his health on Instagram, just over a week after undergoing a double lung transplant. In this video, Askren opened up about his recovery and frightening experiences. He mentioned losing approximately 50 pounds in just 45 days and detailed how his heart stopped multiple times during his dire struggle with severe pneumonia.
“I haven’t given you an update in a while. I think you deserve one. After everything is over, I went through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2. No memory, completely blank about that time. It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous. I only died four times during that period when my heart stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal.”
Askren noted that despite these challenges, he made it through the surgery and is regaining strength. He remarked on the significant weight loss, recalling how he weighed 147 pounds for the first time since he was 15 years old. “It was a battle, and besides losing memory, I’m learning to use everything again,” he added.
Askren, 40 years old and a father of three, developed pneumonia after a staph infection and was hospitalized in his home state of Wisconsin.
As news of his condition spread, an overwhelming wave of support flooded in from the mixed martial arts and amateur wrestling communities.
“The love I received was incredible; it felt almost like attending my own funeral. The wrestling community’s support was truly amazing. It motivates me to recover and help those in need. I appreciate everyone who reached out. It’s been tough not just for me, but my entire family.”
From an amateur wrestling career that allowed him to represent the U.S. at the 2008 Summer Olympics, Askren transitioned to MMA, achieving notable success, including winning the Bellator welterweight title in 2010 and retiring from MMA in 2019 after competing in the UFC.
Ben Askren remains an inspiring example of resilience and determination in the face of serious health challenges.
