Ben Askren's Fight for Life MMA Champ Bounces Back After Double Lung Transplant!

Ex-MMA Champion Ben Askren Begins New Chapter After Double Lung Transplant

The fighting spirit of Ben Askren extends beyond the octagon. The former MMA champion and Olympic wrestler is now embarking on a new and challenging journey: recovery from a double lung transplant. News of the successful transplant was shared by his wife, Amy Askren, in a heartfelt Facebook post that has resonated deeply with fans and the wider sporting community.

Amy Askren’s message, posted on Monday, radiated gratitude and hope. "We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant," she wrote. Her words emphasized the profound gift of life and the family's unwavering appreciation: "We are forever thankful to the donor and his family."

The journey to this point has been fraught with challenges. Here’s a timeline of the recent events:

• Several weeks battling pneumonia in a Wisconsin hospital.
• June 17th: Placed on ventilator support.
• June 24th: Added to the transplant waiting list.

The speed with which Askren’s health deteriorated underscores the fragility of life. As Amy Askren poignantly noted, "It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just five weeks ago. So much can change so quickly."

The coming weeks are critical as Ben Askren's body adjusts to the new lungs. Amy Askren has requested prayers and positive thoughts: "Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own." She also expressed immense gratitude for the support they have received: "I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now. I can’t wait to tell Ben all about it."

Ben Askren, 40, has had a decorated career across multiple disciplines. His accomplishments include:

• Three Big 12 championships in wrestling at Missouri.
• Two NCAA Division I championships.
• Gold medals at the 2005 Pan American Championships and 2009 World Championships.
• Quarterfinal appearance at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
• Bellator welterweight champion in 2010.

After a stellar wrestling career, Askren transitioned to MMA, amassing an impressive 19-2 record with one no-contest. He made his UFC debut in 2019, facing both triumphs and setbacks, including a memorable (and rapid) knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal.

His foray into boxing in 2021, against Jake Paul, ended in a first-round TKO loss, but Askren's competitive spirit remained undimmed.

This double lung transplant marks not an end, but a new beginning for Ben Askren. It is a testament to the power of medical science, the selflessness of organ donation, and the unwavering support of family and friends. We join the chorus of well-wishers hoping for a smooth recovery and a future filled with health and happiness for Ben Askren and his family. The resilience he has shown throughout his athletic career will undoubtedly serve him well on this new path. He is a true fighter in every sense of the word.

Tags: Ben Askren, Double lung transplant, MMA champion, Olympic wrestler, Amy Askren, Health update, Lung transplant, Recovery, News, Ben Askren news

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/30/ben-askren-double-lung-transplant-recovery