Ben Askren, the retired UFC fighter and former Bellator champion, has spoken publicly for the first time after undergoing a double lung transplant following a severe pneumonia hospitalization. His wife, Amy Askren, indicated that while he was awake at times during his ordeal, Ben was mostly unconscious as doctors worked to save his life.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, Askren shared that he has no memory of the period from May 28 to July 2, relying on his wife’s journals for details of his struggle. During his hospitalization, his heart stopped multiple times, and he experienced significant weight loss, shedding approximately 50 pounds in just 45 days. “I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” he remarked, emphasizing the severity of his condition.
Now awake and beginning his recovery, Askren expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received during his health crisis. He recalled it as almost a personal farewell, touching on the emotional impact this outpouring of love had on him and his family. “It felt so good,” he stated, acknowledging the importance of community in tough times.
Despite the long recovery ahead, where the risk of infection and rejection is high, Askren is focused on regaining his strength. He noted a weight of 147 pounds for the first time since he was 15, highlighting an extraordinary transformation through his battle for health.
This story serves as a reminder of resilience and the power of community support in overcoming life-threatening challenges. Ben Askren’s journey illustrates that hope can prevail even in the darkest moments.