Ex-MMA star Ben Askren is currently fighting for his life inside a Wisconsin hospital. Find out what happened to Askren below.
Ben Askren Health Update
— Funky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Benaskren) July 9, 2025
In late May, Askren suffered from an extreme case of pneumonia following a staph infection. The ex-fighter has been in the hospital for over a month.
Unfortunately, Askren’s pneumonia did so much damage that his condition required a double lung transplant. On June 24, Askren’s wife, Amy, shared on social media that her husband was on the transplant list.
On July 9, an emaciated Askren posted a video to update fans on his condition. Askren is recovering in the hospital after a successful double lung transplant.
“I actually read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2,” Askren explained in a video posted to social media from his hospital bed. “No recollection. Zero idea. No idea what happened.”
Askren, 40, compared his wife’s notes to an unbelievable “movie” because of how many times he cheated death.
“I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” Askren explained. “I got the double lung transplant. I made it out the other side of it. I’m gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again.”
The former collegiate wrestler became an NCAA champion at 174 pounds. In MMA, Askren predominantly fought at welterweight (170 pounds). While in the hospital, Askren has experienced significant weight loss.
“I was actually, honestly, yesterday, 147 pounds,” Askren said. “I haven’t been 147 pounds since 15 years old.”
Despite nearly dying, Askren thanked his fans for their support, saying he appreciated “the love I felt from everybody.”
“It’s almost like I got to have my own funeral,” Askren explained.
🚨UPDATE: Ben Askren’s wife Amy Askren says he is officially on the list to receive a lung transplant and continues to ask for prayer while he waits for a match. 🙏❤️ #PrayForBenAskren
She added he recently mouthed the word coffee when he was awake, but can’t have any yet.… pic.twitter.com/LzwGoIbvt5
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) June 24, 2025
Ben Askren Flooded With Support On Social Media
Shout out to Ben Askren. Just proved that he’s one of the toughest fighters of all time
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) July 10, 2025
Askren’s resilience has inspired many fans to share kind words with the former fighter.
Jake Paul, who knocked Askren out in the first round of a boxing match in 2021, wrote on X, “Shout out to Ben Askren. Just proved that he’s one of the toughest fighters of all time.”
UFC fighter Renato Moicano wrote, “God bless Ben Askren and his family! My prayers are with them!”
Askren began his fighting career as a wrestler, winning two national titles at Missouri. Askren went on to wrestle at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Askren then transitioned to MMA, where he held a professional record of 19-2 with one no contest. Askren fought for Bellator, ONE Championship, and UFC. Askren won welterweight titles in Bellator and ONE.
