Former UFC fighter and Bellator champion Ben Askren shared an update on his health via Instagram just a week after undergoing a double lung transplant. In his video message, Askren revealed the harrowing experience of losing about 50 pounds in 45 days and having his heart stop multiple times during a severe battle with pneumonia. He admitted to having no memory of the period between May 28th and July 2nd, relying on his wife’s diary to piece together what happened. Now recovering, Askren weighs 147 pounds, a weight he hasn’t seen since he was 15 years old.
The 40-year-old father of three contracted pneumonia following a staph infection and was hospitalized in his hometown of Wisconsin. As news of his condition spread, he received overwhelming support from both the MMA and amateur wrestling communities. Askren expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, saying it felt like people thought he might not make it. This support has motivated him to return and help others as much as he can.
Askren transitioned to MMA after a successful amateur wrestling career, including representing the United States at the 2008 Olympics. He quickly rose to prominence, winning the Bellator Season 2 Welterweight Tournament and the welterweight title in 2010, which he defended four times. Later, he joined ONE Championship, maintaining an 18-0 record before moving to the UFC. His UFC debut against Robbie Lawler was followed by losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia, leading to his retirement from MMA in 2019.
In 2021, Askren stepped into a boxing ring to face influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul but was defeated by TKO in the first round, showing little motivation for the bout.
Fan Take: This update on Ben Askren’s critical health battle is a stark reminder of the fragility even the toughest fighters face outside the ring. For fight fans, it highlights the communal spirit of the MMA and wrestling worlds and underscores the importance of resilience and support in overcoming life’s toughest battles. This could inspire renewed respect and attention towards fighter health and wellness in the sport.
