What Happened to Ben Askren: Ben Askren, a former MMA champion and Olympic wrestler, has always been known for his grit and resilience. But in 2025, he faced a fight far tougher than any octagon battle—a life-threatening health crisis that shocked the combat sports world. From severe pneumonia to a double lung transplant, Askren’s journey has been nothing short of harrowing. Here’s a look at what happened, how he’s recovering, and the incredible support that’s carried him through.
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A Sudden and Severe Illness
In late May 2025, Ben Askren, then 40, was struck by a severe case of pneumonia that came on unexpectedly. His wife, Amy, shared the news on social media on June 7, explaining that the illness, linked to a staph infection, had landed him in a Wisconsin hospital. Sedated and on a ventilator, Askren was in critical condition, unable to respond. Amy’s updates painted a grim picture, noting that he was also on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) to support his failing lungs. The suddenness of it all was jarring—Askren, known for his robust health, was now fighting for his life.
A Life-Saving Double Lung Transplant
As Askren’s condition worsened, doctors determined he needed a double lung transplant. On June 24, he was placed on the transplant list, and by June 30, Amy announced the surgery had taken place. The procedure was a success, but it came with immense challenges. Askren later revealed he “died four times” during this ordeal, with his heart stopping briefly each time. Reading his wife’s journal, he pieced together a month-long gap in his memory from May 28 to July 2. The transplant, a gift from a donor, marked a turning point, but it was just the start of a long recovery.
The Emotional Toll and Community Support
Askren’s health scare wasn’t just physical—it took an emotional toll on him and his family. In a July 9 Instagram video, he shared how the outpouring of love from the wrestling and MMA communities felt like attending his own funeral. “It was almost like I got to hear how much people cared,” he said, choking up. Fans, fighters like Henry Cejudo, and even UFC president Dana White rallied around him, with some contributing to crowdfunding efforts to cover the nearly $800,000 transplant costs. This support, Askren said, was the most impactful part of his journey.
A Grueling Recovery Journey
By July 22, after 59 days in the hospital, Askren was finally discharged. He’d lost 50 pounds, dropping to 147 pounds—a weight he hadn’t seen since high school. In a heartfelt video, he spoke of relearning to walk and rebuilding his strength. “It’s not over,” he said, acknowledging the ongoing rehab. Despite the challenges, his trademark humor shone through as he joked about his heart stopping “only four times.” Askren’s determination to return to coaching at his Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin reflects his fighter’s spirit.
A Legacy of Resilience
Ben Askren’s story is a testament to resilience. A two-time NCAA wrestling champion and former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight titleholder, he retired from MMA in 2019 with a 19-2-1 record. His 2021 boxing loss to Jake Paul didn’t define him, but this health battle might. Refusing to dwell in self-pity, he’s focused on giving back to the community that lifted him up. “I’m more motivated than ever,” he said, vowing to continue coaching and inspiring. His journey reminds us that even the toughest fighters face battles outside the ring—and Askren’s fighting harder than ever.