American Olympic wrestler and former UFC star Ben Askren faced a life-changing medical crisis. He developed pneumonia, which was later complicated by a staph infection. As a result, he underwent double lung transplant surgery.
Askren has no memory of what happened between May 28 and July 2. “I died four times. My heart stopped for about 20 seconds,” he emotionally recalled. He learned about the events through a journal written by his wife, Amy.
Within just 45 days, Askren lost over 22 kilograms. Now, weighing around 66 kg, he has begun regaining his strength. “The love I received was incredible. It felt like attending my own funeral,” he said with emotion.
Askren has won 17 out of 19 professional MMA fights and held welterweight titles in both Bellator and ONE Championship promotions.
Now, he hopes to support the fight community once again. “I’m ready to help however I can,” he stated with renewed purpose.
