Former Olympic Wrestler and MMA Star Ben Askren Recovering After Double Lung Transplant
UNITED STATES, JUL 9 – Ben Askren lost 50 pounds in 45 days and survived four heart stoppages during his double lung transplant recovery, supported by the wrestling and MMA communities.
- Ben Askren, former Olympic wrestler and MMA fighter, gave a health update on July 9 after a double lung transplant and severe pneumonia treatment.
- Askren’s health crisis began in May with pneumonia following a staph infection, leading to a life-threatening condition that required a double lung transplant in late June.
- During his illness, Askren lost about 50 pounds in 45 days, had his heart stop four times, and experienced no memory of events from late May to early July.
- Askren expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from both the wrestling and MMA communities throughout his recovery.
- Askren reports gaining strength and feels motivated to recover and give back despite the difficulty faced by himself, his family, and community.
39 Articles
39 Articles
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The MMA community has finally rejoiced as Ben Askren provided his health update this time. ‘Funky’ was battling a Staph infection that led to pneumonia in late May 2025. He was immediately rushed to the hospital and later shifted to another healthcare facility in Wisconsin. But the concerns rose higher when Askren’s lungs began to collapse. He was put on an ECMO, as the doctors had to mechanize his breathing when Askren developed pus-filled hole…
Ex-MMA star Askren on mend after lung transplant
Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren, who has been hospitalized in Wisconsin after a severe case of pneumonia, said in a post on social media Wednesday that he had undergone a double lung transplant and is in recovery.

Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren recovering after double lung transplant
Olympic wrestler and former UFC fighter Ben Askren has undergone a double lung transplant after battling severe pneumonia. In a social media post Wednesday, Askren shared that he is now recovering. He revealed he remembers little from a 45-day ordeal…
Former UFC Star Ben Askren Provides Health Update in Video After Lung Transplant
<p>After severe pneumonia required him to have a <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25219249-former-ufc-star-ben-askren-undergoes-double-lung-transplant-surgery-wife-announces">double lung transplant</a>, former UFC star Ben Askren provided an update on his health in a video posted to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL5oUV_R9_S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">Instagram</a> Wednesday. </p>
MMA Community Reacts to Ben Askren's First Video Following Lung Transplant
On Wednesday, Ben Askren shared a big update with fans for the first time since his double lung transplant last month.Askren, who had been hospitalized with pneumonia in May, wound up needing a double lung transplant at the end of June. Since then, the MMA community has been eagerly awaiting updates regarding the former Bellator and ONE champ.In response to Askren’s first Instagram video post-transplant, the MMA community was quick to rally arou…
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