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

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.