Ben Askren’s Shocking Health Battle: Did He Win or Lose After Lung Transplant?

🥋 Introduction

Ben Askren, a name synonymous with wrestling excellence and MMA grit, has recently made headlines—not for a fight in the octagon, but for a battle far more personal and life-threatening. In July 2025, Askren revealed he had undergone a double lung transplant following a severe case of pneumonia and a staph infection. His recovery story is not just inspiring—it's miraculous.

🧬 Ben Askren’s Career Snapshot

Before diving into the health crisis, let’s revisit who Ben Askren is:

• Olympic Wrestler: Represented the U.S. in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

• MMA Champion: Held welterweight titles in Bellator and ONE Championship.

• UFC Fighter: Known for his grappling-heavy style and undefeated streak before joining UFC.

• Record: 19-2-1 in MMA, retired in 2019.

• Boxing Cameo: Fought Jake Paul in 2021, losing via TKO.

Askren also runs a youth wrestling academy in Wisconsin and remains a beloved figure in the combat sports community.

🏥 The Medical Emergency: What Happened to Ben Askren?

In late May 2025, Askren was hospitalized in Wisconsin due to severe pneumonia. His condition worsened rapidly, leading to a staph infection and respiratory failure. By June, he was placed on a ventilator and added to the donor list for a lung transplant

According to Askren’s Instagram video, he has no memory of the events between May 28 and July 2. His wife, Amy, kept a journal during this time, which he described as “like a movie.”

“I only died four times,” Askren said, referring to moments when his heart stopped for 20 seconds

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🫁 The Lung Transplant: A Fight for Survival

On June 24, Askren underwent a double lung transplant. The surgery was successful, but the recovery was grueling. He lost 50 pounds in 45 days, dropping to 147 lbs. Despite the trauma, Askren expressed immense gratitude for the support he received.

“It was almost like I got to have my own funeral,” he said, referencing the overwhelming love from fans and the wrestling community

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💪 Recovery and Current Health Update

As of July 10, 2025, Askren is recovering steadily. He’s regaining strength and has expressed a desire to return to the fight community in some capacity.

“I’m more motivated than ever to get back and do what I can to help,” Askren shared in his video

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His resilience and humor remain intact—he joked about “only dying four times” and thanked fans for their unwavering support.

🔥 Why This Is Trending Right Now

Ben Askren’s health update is trending across Google and social media platforms due to:

• Real-time emotional video posted on Instagram.

• Rare medical case: Double lung transplant following pneumonia and staph infection.

• Celebrity status: Askren’s legacy in MMA and Olympic wrestling.

• Public curiosity: Fans searching “what happened to Ben Askren” and “Ben Askren lung transplant” in record numbers

Google Trends shows a spike in searches for:

• “Ben Askren update”

• “Ben Askren lung transplant”

• “What happened to Ben Askren”

This surge reflects both concern and admiration for his journey.

❓ FAQ Section

Q1: What happened to Ben Askren?
Ben Askren suffered from severe pneumonia and a staph infection, leading to respiratory failure and a double lung transplant.

Q2: When did Ben Askren have the lung transplant?
He underwent the surgery on June 24, 2025.

Q3: Is Ben Askren recovering well?
Yes, he’s recovering steadily and has started regaining strength.

Q4: Did Ben Askren really die during the ordeal?
He stated that his heart stopped four times for about 20 seconds each.

Q5: Will Ben Askren return to MMA or coaching?
While he’s not returning to fighting, he plans to stay involved in the combat sports community.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Ben Askren’s journey from Olympic glory to near-death survival is a testament to human resilience. His recent health battle has captivated fans and sparked widespread support. As he continues to recover, Askren’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even the toughest fighters face battles outside the ring—and sometimes, those are the most heroic.