Former UFC fighter, Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion, and 2008 U.S. Olympic wrestler Ben Askren provided an emotional health update on July 9, 2025, via Instagram, marking his first public statement since undergoing a double lung transplant. The 40-year-old was hospitalized in early June 2025 in Wisconsin after contracting severe pneumonia, compounded by a staph infection, which led to critical condition and a month-long battle for survival. Below is a detailed account of what happened, based on Askren’s update and reports from sources like USA Today, ESPN, and The Mirror.
What Happened to Ben Askren
In late May 2025, Askren developed a sudden and severe case of pneumonia, believed to stem from a staph infection, which rapidly deteriorated his health. By June 7, he was rushed to a Wisconsin hospital, placed on a ventilator and ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) life support, and was unresponsive, as shared by his wife, Amy Askren, on Facebook. Amy noted the illness “came on very suddenly,” striking a man considered “the healthiest guy I know.” Askren’s condition was so dire that he was placed on a lung transplant list by June 24, with Amy praying for a “miracle” to avoid the procedure.
On June 30, Amy announced that Askren had successfully undergone a double lung transplant, made possible by a donor match found after just one week on the waiting list. The surgery marked a turning point, though it introduced a “new lifestyle” for Askren, who faced significant recovery challenges. Throughout June, Askren showed signs of improvement, including opening his eyes and squeezing hands on good days, but he remained heavily sedated with no recollection of events from May 28 to July 2. A devastating setback emerged when his insurance company reportedly refused to cover the $300,000-$400,000 transplant cost, prompting support from UFC president Dana White and the combat sports community through donations and a RUDIS T-shirt campaign.
In his July 9 Instagram video, Askren revealed the gravity of his ordeal, stating he “died four times” when his heart stopped for about 20 seconds each time, calling it “not ideal” with his characteristic humor. He lost 50 pounds in 45 days, dropping to 147 pounds, a weight not seen since his teenage wrestling days, and had no memory of the month-long period, relying on Amy’s journal to understand the experience. Askren described it as “like a movie” and “ridiculous,” highlighting the emotional toll of reading about his family’s suffering.
Askren’s Emotional Update and Community Support
In the hospital bed video, Askren became visibly emotional, likening the outpouring of support to attending “my own funeral.” He expressed gratitude for the wrestling and MMA communities, saying, “The thing that was most impactful to me was all the love I felt from everybody. It felt so good.” Figures like Daniel Cormier, his podcast co-host on Funky and the Champ, offered heartfelt support, with Cormier saying, “We love you, buddy! You’re a fighter; it’s why you are fighting back!” Other fighters, including Belal Muhammad, Carla Esparza, and even former rival Jake Paul, sent prayers and messages, while Corey Anderson credited Askren for his career and personal life, noting, “Everything I have is because of Ben Askren.”
Askren’s update emphasized his motivation to recover and give back to the fight community: “I’m more motivated than ever to get back and do what I can to help out the best I can.” He acknowledged the strain on his wife, Amy, and their three children, thanking the community for carrying them through. Amy’s updates, including her June 30 post about the transplant’s success, highlighted the family’s hope and the donor’s gift, with her stating, “Every new day he has is a gift.
Current Status and Outlook
As of July 9, 2025, Askren is recovering in a Wisconsin hospital, regaining strength but facing a long road ahead due to the transplant’s lifelong implications, including anti-rejection medication and lifestyle adjustments. His weight loss and physical weakness (currently 147 pounds) underscore the recovery challenge, but his ability to speak and engage shows progress. Posts on X, like @espnmma’s update, celebrated his resilience, while @MrPatMineo confirmed the transplant’s success and ongoing recovery
Askren’s MMA career (19-2, 1 NC) included welterweight titles in Bellator and ONE Championship, a 2019 UFC stint (1-2, with a win over Robbie Lawler), and a 2021 boxing loss to Jake Paul. His wrestling accolades—two NCAA titles, two Dan Hodge Trophies, and a 2008 Olympic appearance—cemented his legacy, which now fuels his determination to return to coaching at his Askren Wrestling Academy. The combat sports community continues to rally, with fans and fighters hopeful for his full recovery, inspired by his humor and grit in the face of a near-fatal ordeal.
