Ben Askren, the retired American mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler, has recently faced a life-threatening health crisis that tested his resilience far beyond the octagon.
Known for his dominance in wrestling and his polarizing career in mixed martial arts (MMA), Askren’s life took a dramatic turn in June 2025 when he was hospitalized with severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection. This article provides a detailed update on his health journey, from critical condition to a double lung transplant and his ongoing recovery, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a fighter outside the cage.
Background: A Storied Career
Ben Askren, often dubbed “Funky” for his unorthodox wrestling style, is a celebrated figure in combat sports. A two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion at the University of Missouri, he represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Transitioning to MMA, Askren dominated as the welterweight champion in Bellator and ONE Championship, amassing an undefeated record before joining the UFC in 2019.
His UFC tenure was brief but memorable, highlighted by a submission win over Robbie Lawler and a record-setting five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal. After retiring from MMA in 2019 due to a persistent hip injury—later addressed with a total hip replacement in 2020—Askren stepped into the boxing ring in 2021, losing to YouTuber Jake Paul in a highly publicized bout. Since then, he has focused on coaching wrestling and hosting a podcast, remaining a vocal presence in the combat sports community.
Ben Askren, a former Olympic wrestler, won NCAA Division I wrestling titles, captured Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight belts, and competed in the UFC before retiring in 2019.
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This health update is informed by Amy Askren’s social media posts, Ben Askren’s video statement released on July 10, 2025, and insights from credible combat sports sources, ensuring an accurate and objective account of his condition.
Timeline of Recent Health Events: A Fight for Life
In early June 2025, Ben Askren’s health took a severe downturn when he developed pneumonia triggered by a staph infection. Initially hospitalized in critical condition, he was placed on a ventilator as his lungs deteriorated rapidly. His wife, Amy Askren, became his voice to the public, sharing updates via social media.
On June 17, she reported that Ben remained unresponsive and might require a lung transplant—a dire prognosis confirmed when he was added to the transplant list by June 24. The situation grew increasingly precarious as his condition worsened, with Amy later revealing that his heart stopped multiple times. On June 30, 2025, a breakthrough arrived: Amy announced that Ben had undergone a successful double lung transplant, offering a lifeline after weeks of uncertainty.
Medical Insights: A Life-Saving Procedure
The double lung transplant was a high-stakes, life-saving intervention necessitated by the extensive damage to Askren’s lungs. In a video update from his hospital bed on July 10, 2025, Askren disclosed that he lost 50 pounds in 45 days and had no recollection of events from late May to early July, underscoring the severity of his ordeal.
I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.
Ben Askren
He also revealed that his heart stopped four times, a testament to the critical nature of his condition. Amy Askren praised the surgical team and expressed gratitude to the donor’s family, noting that the procedure’s success marked a turning point. Medical professionals have indicated that recovery from such a surgery involves extensive rehabilitation, including physical therapy and lifelong immunosuppressive medication to prevent organ rejection.
Current Status: A Road to Recovery
As of July 10, 2025, Ben Askren is on the mend following his double lung transplant. In his video update, he appeared frail but optimistic, thanking the wrestling and MMA communities for their support. He has begun physical therapy to rebuild his strength, a process Amy has described as both challenging and hopeful. While Askren has firmly ruled out a return to fighting, he hinted at a future in coaching, suggesting that his competitive spirit endures in a new form. Amy continues to share progress reports, emphasizing that each day is a gift as Ben adjusts to his post-transplant life.
Quotes: Voices of Resilience
We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift.
Amy Askren
Impact on Lifestyle and Future Plans: A New Chapter
This health crisis has irrevocably altered Ben Askren’s life. The physical toll—compounded by years of elite competition—now requires a regimen of medical care and rehabilitation, a stark contrast to his days of grappling and striking. While he has closed the door on combat sports, Askren remains driven to contribute to wrestling through coaching, a role that aligns with his expertise and passion.
The experience has also deepened his appreciation for family and community support, themes he and Amy have emphasized in public statements. Askren’s openness about his struggles highlights the long-term consequences of a career in contact sports, sparking broader conversations about athlete health post-retirement.
A Champion’s Perseverance
Ben Askren’s journey from the brink of death to recovery showcases a resilience that transcends his athletic achievements. As he navigates life after a double lung transplant, he continues to inspire—not through victories in the cage, but through his determination to reclaim his health and purpose. His story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life, the strength of human spirit, and the enduring bonds that sustain us through adversity.
Sources:
This article draws on updates from Amy Askren’s social media posts, Ben Askren’s video statement on July 10, 2025, and reports from reputable combat sports outlets, ensuring accuracy and objectivity as of the latest available information.
