What Happened to Ben Askren? The Truth Behind His Double Lung Transplant and Near-Death Fight

A Champion in the Ring, a Warrior in Recovery

For years, Ben Askren was known as the funky-haired fighter who dominated in wrestling mats and MMA cages. A former Olympic wrestler, Bellator champion, and UFC contender, Askren built his legacy on relentless grappling and an unshakable mindset. But in 2025, his toughest opponent wasn’t in the cage.

It was inside his own body.

🏥 What Really Happened to Ben Askren?

In late May 2025, Askren was hospitalized in Wisconsin after developing severe pneumonia that rapidly progressed due to a staph infection. The infection overwhelmed his lungs, leaving doctors no choice but to place him on life support.

His condition deteriorated so fast that he was placed on ECMO, a machine that pumps blood and oxygen outside the body when the heart and lungs can’t. That’s when the unthinkable happened.

❤️ His Heart Stopped — Four Times

In a deeply personal video update shared on social media weeks later, Ben revealed that his heart flatlined four times, each lasting nearly 20 seconds.

“I only died four times,” he said with a mix of humour and honesty, a quote that would stun fans and fellow fighters alike.

From May 28 to July 2, Ben was unconscious. He remembers nothing. Everything he knows about that stretch of time comes from his wife Amy’s handwritten journal, which tracked every step of his near-death battle.

🫁 A Double Lung Transplant Saves His Life

Ben’s only chance of survival was a double lung transplant. And fortunately, a donor match came just in time.

In late June, he underwent surgery that replaced both of his lungs. The operation was successful. But the road ahead was still long.

⚖️ 50 Pounds Lost, But a Life Gained

By the time Ben regained consciousness in July, he had lost nearly 50 pounds, dropping down to 147 lbs — a weight he hadn’t touched since his teenage wrestling years. His muscles had atrophied. He could barely stand. But his spirit? That remained unbroken.

“I stepped on the scale and was like, what the hell? I haven’t been this small in forever.”

Despite the physical toll, Ben was grateful just to be alive.

👏 Support from the MMA and Wrestling World

When news of his condition surfaced, an outpouring of love and support flooded in from the fight world. UFC stars, Olympic wrestlers, fans, and even opponents reached out with prayers, tributes, and well wishes.

Askren said it felt like he had attended his own funeral, seeing how much love surrounded him in what could have been his final days.

“The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was amazing,” he said.

🧠 Askren’s Message to Fans

Ben’s story is not just one of survival, but of gratitude and motivation. He says the experience has changed his perspective completely and made him realize what truly matters.

He thanked everyone for the prayers, the messages, and the energy. And he promised one thing: he’s not done giving.

“I’m more motivated than ever. I’m going to find ways to give back even more.”

He also hinted that he and his wife Amy may one day publicly share everything, the full emotional rollercoaster, the highs and lows, and the moments where life hung by a thread.

What’s Next for Ben Askren?

Currently, Ben is in physical rehabilitation, learning how to breathe stronger, walk again, and rebuild his body. His goal isn’t just recovery. He wants to return to what he loves — coaching, mentoring, and being a positive force in wrestling and MMA.

And knowing Ben, this is only the start of a new kind of fight.

🧩 Final Takeaway

Ben Askren’s story reminds us all that even the strongest among us can fall. But true strength lies in rising again. After flatlining four times, surviving a double lung transplant, and battling through 45 days of unconsciousness, Ben has emerged not only alive — but more determined than ever to live with purpose.

This wasn’t a loss. It was a transformation.

And just like every great champion, Askren is now writing the next chapter of his legacy, not in the cage, but in life.