What Happened to Ben Askren? A Deep Dive into His Health Journey and Lung Transplant

What happened to Ben Askren has become a question on the lips of MMA fans, especially following his recent health struggles. Known for his dominant wrestling style and charismatic personality, Ben Askren surprised many by stepping away from the cage—not for retirement, but to fight a much more daunting battle: securing a lung transplant.

In this post, we’ll cover the background behind his condition, share the Ben Askren update, and explain the significance of his lung transplant. It’s a story of resilience from a former MMA fighter navigating one of the toughest challenges of his life.

From MMA Glory to Health Crisis

Ben Askren rose to fame as an undefeated wrestler turned MMA champion. After a competitive career in Bellator and ONE Championship, he tried pro wrestling and later became a commentator. But it was health, not opponents like Jorge Masvidal, that nearly brought his journey to a halt.

The Turning Point

During routine health screenings, Askren was diagnosed with a serious pulmonary condition—an unusual development for a high-performing athlete. Despite a history of rigorous physical training, he faced declining lung function and persistent respiratory symptoms. His medical team confirmed surgical intervention was necessary, leading to the difficult decision to pursue a lung transplant.

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Ben Askren Update: The Lung Transplant

In early 2025, Ben underwent a lung transplant—a pivotal moment in any transplant recipient’s life. News outlets shared that both surgery and initial recovery went as planned, and so far he’s been sharing positive Ben Askren update posts with fans.

Here’s what we know:

The transplant surgery was successful

Initial recovery happened in intensive care, with good early signs

His medical team is monitoring him closely to prevent rejection

Ben is already walking short distances and hopes to return to training soon

Former athletes with organ transplants sometimes face huge challenges, but Askren’s progress mirrors other transplant success stories—especially community athletes turned advocates.

Recovery and Training Next Steps

Recovering from a major operation like a lung transplant is no small feat. For Ben, an elite athlete used to pushing his body, the transition is both physical and emotional.

Post-Operative Fitness Journey

Askren’s recovery plan involves:

Gentle pulmonary rehab (a common step in Askren surgery recovery)

Slowly rebuilding stamina and lung capacity

Tracking progress through respiratory metrics

As a former fighter and athlete health resilience expert, he’s likely to document his path with updates, inspiring fans and transplant candidates alike.

Advocacy and Awareness

Ben’s story has grown beyond MMA news. As a public figure, he’s amplified conversations around organ transplant awareness and the importance of organ donor education—especially among athletes who might not associate themselves with these risks.

Will He Return to MMA or Wrestling?

When people ask what happened to Ben Askren, they’re often wondering: Can he fight again?

There are no public statements yet about a return to the ring. For now, his focus remains fixed on health. Still, his former MMA fighter health background suggests a disciplined recovery. Only time will tell if he returns to wrestling on the mat—or even to commentary gigs.

FAQ:Quick Answers

What happened to Ben Askren with his health?

He was diagnosed with serious lung issues that required a transplant.

Is Ben Askren doing okay after the transplant?

Yes, current Ben Askren update reports show he’s recovering well post-surgery.

Was Ben Askren’s transplant successful?

Yes—the lung transplant was completed successfully last quarter.

Will he return to MMA or wrestling after recovery?

No official plans yet; his focus remains on rehab and health rebuilding.

How serious is lung transplant recovery?

It involves months of rehabilitation, immunosuppressants, and close medical review—but many patients regain active lives.

Conclusion

What happened to Ben Askren is more than a health scare—it’s a testament to determination and the power of modern medicine. From his days as a champion wrestler to this current challenge, his ability to face adversity stands out.

My heart goes out to him during recovery. His story offers hope for others facing similar medical journeys and reminds us how critical organ donations can be.

Stay tuned for more official Ben Askren update posts as he continues his remarkable path forward.