Former UFC fighter and Bellator champion Ben Askren underwent a double lung transplant just one week after being placed on the waiting list. This came after a severe bout of pneumonia left him in critical condition, dependent on a ventilator. His wife, Amy Askren, shared heartfelt updates on social media Monday morning, expressing gratitude for the donor and hope for his recovery. She stated, “We’re incredibly thankful to the donor and their family. This transplant marks the start of a new chapter for Ben, and each day he gets is a precious gift. It’s surreal to think he was in perfect health just five weeks ago.” Amy also mentioned they hope Ben will provide further updates in the coming weeks once the effects of the medication subside.
Askren, a 40-year-old father of three from Wisconsin, developed pneumonia following a staph infection. A former US Olympic wrestler, Askren was the second-ever tournament winner at Bellator and clinched the Welterweight title in 2010. He later joined ONE Championship undefeated and then moved to the UFC through a rare promotional “trade” that sent Demetrious Johnson to ONE. During his UFC stint, Askren debuted against Robbie Lawler, but experienced back-to-back losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia before retiring from MMA in 2019. In 2021, he briefly returned to combat sports, losing by first-round knockout to Jake Paul in a boxing match.
Fan Take: This news deeply resonates with fighting fans as Askren was a distinctive and accomplished athlete known for his wrestling prowess and unyielding spirit. His health battle highlights the fragility even top athletes face and brings attention to the human side of fighters, making it a poignant moment that transcends the sport itself.
