HomeSportsBen Askren’s Remarkable Recovery: Survives Four Heart Stops and Double Lung Transplant
Ben Askren’s Remarkable Recovery: Survives Four Heart Stops and Double Lung Transplant

Ben Askren’s Remarkable Recovery: Survives Four Heart Stops and Double Lung Transplant

Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

July 10, 2025

3 min read

Brief

Ex-UFC star Ben Askren survives severe illness, undergoes double lung transplant, and shares inspiring recovery update.

Former MMA fighter Ben Askren shared a gripping update from his hospital bed, reflecting on a life-threatening illness that led to a double lung transplant. In a candid social media video, the 40-year-old revealed he has no memory of the harrowing period from May 28 to July 2, when his heart stopped four times for about 20 seconds each. "It was like a movie," he quipped, piecing together the ordeal through his wife Amy’s journal.

Askren, now weighing a mere 147 pounds—a weight he hasn’t seen since his teens—is steadily regaining strength. The double lung transplant, made possible by a donor, marked a turning point in his battle with severe pneumonia. His resilience shines through as he relearns basic functions, fueled by an outpouring of support from the wrestling community. "It was like being at my own funeral," he said, deeply moved by the love shown.

A two-time NCAA champion and 2008 Olympian, Askren’s career spans wrestling and MMA, with notable stints in Bellator, ONE Championship, and the UFC. Recently, he joined Real American Freestyle, a Hulk Hogan-backed venture to elevate professional freestyle wrestling. His fighting spirit remains unbroken, and he’s more determined than ever to give back to the community that rallied around him.

Topics

Ben AskrenUFCdouble lung transplantMMAwrestlinghealth recoveryReal American FreestylepneumoniaSportsWrestlingHealth

Editor's Comments

Ben Askren’s heart stopped four times, yet he’s still swinging harder than a wrestler chasing an Olympic dream. Talk about a comeback—makes Rocky look like he’s just shadowboxing! The real knockout here? The wrestling community’s love, proving it’s tougher than a double leg takedown.

Like this article? Share it with your friends!

If you find this article interesting, feel free to share it with your friends!

Thank you for your support! Sharing is the greatest encouragement for us.

Related Stories