Former UFC Fighter Ben Askren Undergoes Double Lung Transplant After Pneumonia Hospitalization

Ben Askren, a former UFC fighter and Bellator champion, has undergone a double lung transplant following a severe bout of pneumonia. The 40-year-old athlete, who was placed on the transplant waiting list just one week prior, received the life-saving procedure after his condition deteriorated rapidly. His wife, Amy Askren, shared an emotional update on social media, expressing gratitude and hope for his recovery.

Ben Askren was hospitalized in his home state of Wisconsin after developing pneumonia following a staph infection. The condition quickly escalated, leaving him in critical condition and requiring a ventilator to assist his breathing. Despite his robust athletic background, Askren’s health declined rapidly, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such infections.

Just one week after being placed on the waiting list, Askren received a double lung transplant. His wife, Amy, took to social media to share the news, expressing profound gratitude to the donor and their family. She wrote, “We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant. We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift.”

Amy’s post also reflected on the suddenness of the situation, noting that just five weeks prior, Askren was in perfect health. She urged supporters to keep Ben in their prayers, hoping that his body would accept the new lungs as if they were his own.

Askren’s journey in combat sports is marked by significant achievements. A former U.S. Olympic wrestler, he won the Season 2 tournament in Bellator and captured the welterweight title in 2010. He successfully defended the belt four times and remained undefeated when he left the promotion.

His career took another turn when he signed with ONE Championship, where he continued his unbeaten streak. In a rare promotional “trade,” Askren was acquired by the UFC, which sent Demetrious Johnson to ONE. Although he won his UFC debut against Robbie Lawler, back-to-back losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia led to his retirement from MMA in 2019.

In 2021, Askren made a brief return to combat sports, facing Jake Paul in a boxing match. However, he suffered a first-round knockout, marking his final defeat in the ring.

Amy Askren’s update on social media provided a glimpse into the family’s emotional journey. She expressed hope that in the coming weeks, Ben would be able to share updates himself, once the effects of the transplant drugs wear off. The family remains optimistic about his recovery, acknowledging the support from the community and medical professionals.

Q: How did Ben Askren contract pneumonia? A: Askren developed pneumonia following a staph infection. The condition rapidly worsened, leading to his hospitalization and critical condition.

Q: How long was Ben Askren on the waiting list for the lung transplant? A: Ben Askren was on the waiting list for just one week before receiving the double lung transplant.

Q: What is Ben Askren’s current condition? A: As of the latest update, Ben Askren has undergone a successful double lung transplant. His family is hopeful for his recovery and is asking for continued support and prayers.

Q: What was Ben Askren’s career in combat sports? A: Ben Askren is a former U.S. Olympic wrestler and Bellator champion. He won the welterweight title in Bellator and defended it four times. He later signed with ONE Championship and the UFC, where he had notable victories and losses before retiring in 2019. He briefly returned to combat sports in 2021 for a boxing match.

Q: How can people support Ben Askren during his recovery? A: Supporters can keep Ben in their prayers and follow updates from his family on social media. The family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and hope for a smooth recovery.

Ben Askren’s journey from a severe health crisis to undergoing a double lung transplant is a testament to his resilience and the support of his family and community. As he begins a new chapter in his life, the hope is that he will continue to recover and inspire others with his story.