Ben Askren Remains Hospitalized, Provides Latest Health Update

Ben Askren Remains Hospitalized, Provides Latest Health Update

Former UFC Star Ben Askren Remains Hospitalized After Lung Transplant, Offers Encouraging Update

Former UFC welterweight contender and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren remains in the hospital following a double lung transplant procedure earlier this month. The 40-year-old athlete, known for his grappling prowess and outspoken personality, has now broken his silence to share a hopeful update with fans and the broader MMA community.

Askren, who competed in both UFC and Bellator MMA, underwent the transplant after suffering long-term complications from a rare lung condition that had progressed rapidly over the past year. Though details of the condition have not been publicly confirmed, Askren’s family and close associates have described it as “life-threatening but manageable with the right intervention.”

On Friday, Askren posted a brief video from his hospital bed, appearing visibly tired but in good spirits. “Just wanted to let everyone know I’m still here and fighting,” he said. “The surgery went well, recovery is going to be a process, but I’m thankful for all the prayers and support.”

His wife, Amy Askren, also took to social media to thank fans for their outpouring of love, writing:

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers and the loyalty of longtime fans. Ben’s a fighter—always has been—and this is no different.”

The news of Askren’s hospitalization initially shocked the MMA world. While the former Olympian retired from active competition in 2020, he remained a prominent figure through podcasts, public appearances, and his role as a wrestling coach and youth mentor.

Numerous fighters, including Jorge Masvidal, Kamaru Usman, and Daniel Cormier, have sent well-wishes. UFC President Dana White issued a brief statement, saying,

“Ben has always been one of the toughest guys in the room. We’re all pulling for his full recovery.”

Askren’s medical team has advised that while he remains in critical but stable condition, the signs so far are encouraging. Doctors are closely monitoring potential signs of rejection and ensuring his body adapts to the new lungs.

If his progress continues on the current path, Askren could begin rehabilitation within the next few weeks. According to close sources, he has already expressed interest in documenting his journey to recovery in order to inspire others battling chronic illnesses.

A Look Back at Askren’s Career

Ben Askren compiled an MMA record of 19–2 (1 NC), capturing titles in Bellator and ONE Championship before joining the UFC in 2019. Though his stint in the UFC was brief, it was memorable—particularly his infamous five-second KO loss to Jorge Masvidal, which became the fastest knockout in UFC history.

Beyond MMA, Askren represented the United States as a wrestler at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and has remained an influential figure in both wrestling and MMA communities.

What’s Next

While Askren’s return to the gym or public life is still distant, fans around the world are rallying behind him with #FightWithBen trending across social media platforms. A GoFundMe campaign set up to support lung transplant awareness in his name has already surpassed $150,000 in donations.

As Askren put it in his closing words,

“I’m not out of the woods yet, but I’m not giving up. I’m just wrestling a new kind of opponent now.”

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