Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has emerged victorious from the toughest fight of his life, having been discharged from the hospital this week following a double lung transplant. At 41 years old, Askren left the hospital nearly two months after suffering from severe pneumonia. Although he is currently unable to walk unaided, he is grateful to be reunited with his family at home.
In a video shared online, Askren expressed relief and gratitude, stating, "On the 59th day, I’m out with my beautiful wife and supporters. It was a long journey. I still can’t walk properly, so the recovery continues as I relearn how to do it." He also shared that he has little memory of his early hospital stay, where the pneumonia was life-threatening, and recounted that he has died four times during this ordeal, losing about 50 pounds over 45 days.
Askren thanked the combat sports community for their support, mentioning his friend Mark Bader’s earlier statement that insurance did not cover the exorbitant cost of his transplant. Whether through a GoFundMe or direct support, Askren appreciated the friends and fans who stood by him and hopes to continue living fully after such a harrowing experience.
A two-time NCAA Division I champion and a member of the 2008 Olympic team, Askren has held championships in Bellator and ONE Championship before his UFC career. He has also fought notable opponents such as Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal, and Jake Paul.
Fan Take: This update is a profound reminder of the fragility of even the toughest fighters and their humanity beyond the cage. For fight fans, Askren’s story underscores the importance of community support and resilience, inspiring hope that fighters can overcome life-threatening challenges and continue to impact the sport in new ways.
