Ben Askren, a name synonymous with world-class wrestling and UFC history, has recently become the center of attention, not for a fight in the Octagon, but for a life-threatening health battle. Known for his calm demeanor, quirky humor, and undeniable skills, Ben Askren shocked fans by sharing a deeply emotional health update. The once indestructible fighter has shown the world a new kind of strength, surviving a critical medical crisis and offering an update that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Ben Askren was admitted to the hospital in June 2025 after developing a serious case of pneumonia, which doctors later traced back to a staph infection. The condition rapidly worsened, leading to respiratory failure. Askren was placed on a ventilator and eventually required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a last-resort life support system that oxygenates blood outside the body. During this time, his heart reportedly stopped four separate times, for about 20 seconds each—a terrifying reality for his family and fans.
Ben Askren’s Fight for Life: Hospitalization and Lung Transplant
To countless fans, Ben Askren represented a real-life hero—an athlete who never stayed down, no matter the challenge. But this time, his opponent wasn’t a fighter in the cage—it was a deadly infection. As his condition deteriorated, doctors made a crucial decision: he needed a double lung transplant. On June 30th, the surgery took place. Though risky and complex, the transplant was successful, and it marked the beginning of Askren’s long road to recovery.
In a video update posted from his hospital bed, Ben Askren shared his experience. He shared that he couldn’t recall anything that happened from May 28 to July 2, describing that period as a complete blank. To understand what had happened, he had to rely on a journal kept by his wife, Amy. He described reading her entries as “like watching a movie”—an emotional rollercoaster that showed how close he came to death. This candid moment touched fans worldwide.
Weight Loss and Physical Struggles After Surgery
The physical toll of the illness was severe. Ben Askren shared that he lost over 50 pounds during his hospitalization. Dropping to just 147 pounds, he was left frail, far from the fighter fans knew. At 40 years old, he now faces one of the most intense comebacks of his life. Relearning basic tasks like walking and breathing without machines has become part of his new routine.
Despite the physical hardships, Askren’s spirit remains unshaken. His voice may have trembled in the video update, but his words carried the same determination that earned him titles in both Bellator and ONE Championship. The fighter inside him hasn’t gone anywhere—it’s just focused on a different kind of victory now.
Gratitude and Community Support for Ben Askren
One of the most moving aspects of this update is how Ben Askren expressed deep gratitude for the community that supported him. From MMA fans to fellow athletes, thousands rallied to offer donations and messages of encouragement. Askren mentioned that it felt like being at his funeral—except he got to hear how much people truly appreciated him while he was still alive.
This overwhelming support not only helped fund his medical care but also uplifted his morale. Askren’s family, especially his wife, Amy, played a vital role in his recovery, documenting each moment and staying by his side throughout. Their bond and her unwavering strength are central to his story of survival.
What’s Next for Ben Askren After His Recovery?
As he slowly recovers, Ben Askren has no plans of returning to professional fighting, but his heart remains in the sport. He expressed a desire to return to coaching wrestling in Wisconsin, where he has already inspired many young athletes. He also hinted at sharing more about his experience in the future, possibly through writing or public speaking.
What Ben Askren has experienced goes beyond a typical medical update—it’s a powerful narrative of strength, deep connection, and a renewed lease on life. As he continues to recover, he serves as a reminder that strength isn’t just physical. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet fight to keep breathing, to keep hoping, and to keep living.
Why Ben Askren’s Update Resonates Worldwide
The response to Ben Askren’s emotional health update has been overwhelming. It resonates because it’s raw, real, and deeply human. Fans who followed his MMA career now see a new side of him—a vulnerable yet courageous individual who continues to inspire both in and out of the cage.
In a world where wins and losses often measure toughness, Ben Askren has shown that true toughness is about enduring life’s hardest battles and still finding reasons to smile, to be grateful, and to keep going. The comeback journey of Ben Askren is just beginning, and the world will be watching—this time, not for punches or takedowns, but for the powerful story of survival and renewal.