- Ben Askren, former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler, returned to the mats just 53 days after undergoing a life-saving $1 million double lung transplant.
- Even more shocking? During the Ben Askren lung transplant, the MMA legend’s heart stopped four times!
- Now, Askren is defying the odds, moving from hospital bed to wrestling mat in under two months—a comeback that has left fans, doctors, and fellow fighters stunned.
From Flatline to Front Headlocks: The Near-Death Fight No One Saw Coming
In June, the MMA community was rocked by news that Ben Askren had suffered a severe case of pneumonia that escalated into respiratory failure. What many didn’t know at the time was just how close he came to dying—four times.
Askren flatlined multiple times during his hospitalization, requiring emergency resuscitation. The infection ravaged his lungs so completely that a Ben Askren lung transplant was deemed the only way to save his life.
“I almost died four times. I shouldn’t be here, but here I am.”
– Ben Askren –
Doctors at a Wisconsin hospital acted quickly, sourcing donor lungs and performing the transplant in a $1 million emergency procedure. Even after the surgery, survival was not guaranteed. But Askren fought his way back like it was a title bout.
Back on the Mats: Why Askren’s Return Means More Than Just Wrestling
Less than two months after his harrowing transplant, Ben Askren walked back onto a wrestling mat. The image of him on the mats, despite his chest still healing from surgery, has become symbolic of his resilience.
This return wasn’t just ceremonial. Askren was filmed demonstrating takedown entries and grip breaks, teaching in the same animated style fans have come to love. His presence at the wrestling gym was a living embodiment of the phrase “never give up.”
The fact that this happened after a Ben Askren lung transplant has made it all the more remarkable—one of the fastest recoveries of its kind.
“He was at death’s door, and now he’s back teaching kids. That’s not just recovery—that’s a miracle.”
– Amy Askren –
A $1M Surgery, and Help From an Unexpected Ally
The cost of Askren’s transplant was astronomical—over $1 million. While insurance covered some of it, the financial strain was real. Enter Dana White.
Despite past tensions between the two, the UFC president stepped in and made a personal donation toward Askren’s medical bills. According to reports, White told Askren’s family he “didn’t hesitate” when he heard about the situation.
The gesture not only helped save Askren’s life—it also softened years of friction between the two MMA figures. For many, this chapter added a poetic twist to the Ben Askren lung transplant story.
“It doesn’t matter what happened in the past. What matters is saving a life.”
– Dana White –
Askren’s 50-Pound Drop and Emotional Toll
Askren has always been known for his thick frame and funky wrestling style, but disease transformed his body. At the height of the illness, he lost nearly 50 pounds and described himself as “unrecognizable.”
But the physical weight loss was nothing compared to the mental toll. In interviews, Askren admitted to moments of despair, fear, and doubt. Still, he credited his family and faith for helping him endure.
“I felt like I was wasting away. But every time I looked at my kids, I knew I had to fight.”
– Ben Askren –
Through it all, the Ben Askren lung transplant became more than a procedure—it became a turning point. Askren has said publicly that he views this chapter of his life as a second chance.
Not Done Yet: What’s Next After the Ben Askren Lung Transplant Ordeal
Askren has made it clear he’s not planning a comeback to competitive MMA, but that doesn’t mean he’s fading from the scene. He plans to focus on coaching, family, and possibly even advocacy for organ donation.
His story has already begun to resonate outside the fight world, with transplant patients and their families citing Askren as a beacon of hope.
The Ben Askren lung transplant is now part of combat sports lore—not because it ended his journey, but because it gave him a new one.
