Former UFC Star's Journey from Death's Door to Double Lung Transplant
In a remarkable story of survival, former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren is recovering after receiving a double lung transplant following a life-threatening battle with pneumonia. The 40-year-old athlete, known for his wrestling prowess and undefeated streak in MMA, faced the toughest fight of his life when a staph infection led to severe pneumonia that devastated his lungs.
In his first video update since the transplant, Askren revealed the shocking extent of his health crisis: "I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That's not ideal." The fighter, who has no memory of the period from May 28 to July 2, lost approximately 50 pounds during his 45-day hospitalization.
"I got the double lung transplant and made it to the other side of it. I was actually on a scale yesterday and 147 pounds. I haven't been 147 pounds since 15 years old."
— Ben Askren
Askren is hospitalized with a staph infection that quickly develops into severe pneumonia. His condition rapidly deteriorates.
Placed on a ventilator and ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) machine as his lungs fail. Doctors begin evaluation for a possible lung transplant.
Officially placed on the transplant list as his condition becomes critical. His wife Amy shares updates on social media, asking for prayers.
Successfully undergoes double lung transplant surgery. Amy Askren announces the news on Facebook, expressing gratitude to the donor and their family.
Askren shares his first video update, revealing he "only died four times" during his ordeal and lost 50 pounds. Begins the long road to recovery.
What began as a staph infection quickly escalated into a life-threatening medical emergency. Askren's pneumonia became so severe that his lungs were irreparably damaged, necessitating a double lung transplant—a procedure that is both rare and risky.
During his hospitalization, Askren was placed on an ECMO machine, which temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs. His condition was so critical that his heart stopped multiple times, each for approximately 20 seconds.
The dramatic weight loss—from his fighting weight of approximately 197 pounds down to 147 pounds—illustrates the severity of his condition and the toll it took on his once-elite athletic body.
Throughout his health crisis, Askren received tremendous support from the MMA and wrestling communities. Even his past opponent Jake Paul offered to help with the surgery costs.
In his video update, Askren expressed his gratitude: "The thing that was most impeccable to me was all the love I felt from everybody. It was almost like I got to have my own funeral... The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing."
His wife Amy has been documenting the journey in a journal, which Askren read to learn about what happened during the weeks he has no memory of. He described the contents as "like a movie. It's ridiculous."
Represented the United States in the 2008 Summer Olympics after a stellar collegiate wrestling career.
Won the Bellator Season 2 welterweight tournament and captured the championship in 2010, defending it four times.
Captured welterweight gold in ONE Championship, extending his undefeated record to 18-0.
Joined the UFC in a rare promotional "trade" that sent Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship. Retired in 2019 after fights with Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal, and Demian Maia.
Askren now faces a long road to recovery. Lung transplant recipients require lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection and must follow strict protocols to protect their new lungs.
Despite the challenges ahead, Askren expressed optimism and renewed purpose: "I'm more motivated than ever to get back and do what I can to help out the best I can."
Amy Askren described the transplant as "the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift." The couple plans to share more details about their experience in the future, hoping their story might help others facing similar health crises.
"We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift."
— Amy Askren
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