Former UFC fighter Ben Askren shared that he was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday following a serious battle with pneumonia that culminated in a double lung transplant.
In a video update filmed from his car—driven by his wife, Amy—Askren, 40, detailed his journey. He mentioned losing 50 pounds during his hospital stay and, more shockingly, facing brushes with death.
On what he referred to as “Day 59,” he opened up about the challenges he faced. “I’m out with my beautiful wife,” he said, noting that even though he was home, he couldn’t walk yet, making the recovery process ongoing. He asked Amy just how close he had come to dying, to which she replied, “Too close. A few times.”
Askren reflected on his hospital experience, stating he didn’t remember much from May 28 to July 2. “I only died four times,” he joked. He acknowledged the grueling journey of learning how to rebuild his strength post-surgery, having undergone the operation about 25 days prior.
He expressed gratitude towards his supporters, especially for the positive comments which he felt were immensely helpful. In a previous video, he described things as feeling “movie-like” given his amnesia regarding that time period.
Regarding his health recovery, Askren stated, “I made it on the other side.” He added that he was now 147 pounds, having gained quite a lot of strength back. His wife, Amy, noted that he had received his lung donation in early July and appealed for prayers during that tough time.
Recently, Askren signed with Real American Freestyle, a venture by Hulk Hogan aimed at promoting professional wrestling.
Ben Askren’s impressive background includes being an NCAA champion in 2006 and 2007 and representing Team USA at the 2008 Olympics. He also won gold medals at the Pan American Championships in 2005 and the World Championships in 2009.
Transitioning completely to MMA in 2010, Askren began with Bellator and went on to fight in one championship before joining the UFC. Notable moments in his career include submitting Robbie Lawler at UFC 235, losing to Jorge Masvidal, and a boxing match against Jake Paul where he was knocked out in the first round.
