Former UFC fighter and U.S. Olympic wrestler Ben Askren shared an emotional update this wednesday. This is his first update since he underwent double lung transplant surgery. The popular fighter was suffering from pneumonia, followed by a staph infection, and was hospitalized in Wisconsin. In this article, you will know more about his condition and how he is doing as of now.
Askren Shared the Update in an Instagram Video
In a recent Instagram video, Askren said that remembers little to almost nothing of what happened between May 28 and July 2. He said that his wife, Amy made him realize everything his family has been going through via the journal kept by her. Askren said in the video, “No recollection, zero idea, no idea what happened,” “We’ll kind of go through it all. I just read through my wife’s journal. It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous. I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.”
Askren Lost 50 Pounds in 45 Days
The former UFC fighter also said that he lost around 50 pounds in 45 days. Now, he currently weighs in at 147 lbs (66 kgs) and has begun regaining his strength. Besides that, he also thanked everyone for his support.
Askren said the following: “The thing that was most impeccable to me was all the love I felt from everybody,” “It was almost like I got to have my own funeral. … The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing. It felt so good.”
More Details Will Be Revealed
Askren, 40, also said that more details will likely be revealed in the coming days. But he said that he died four times at some point during the recent series of events due to which he lost a lot of weight. Askren was visibly emotional while sharing his message to fans.
He also said, “I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” Askren said. “That’s not ideal. You guys know that. But I got a double lung transplant. I made it out to the other side of it, gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again. On the scale yesterday, I weighed 147 pounds. I haven’t been 147 pounds since I was 15 years old. I lost 50 pounds in a 45-day period. So, man. That was a battle. Obviously, I don’t remember most of it.”
Amy (Askren’s wife) Periodically Updated the World on His Husband Before Wednesday’s Update
Before Wednesday’s major update, Aksren’s wife always kept the world updated about her husband’s condition. She first revealed the unfortunate news to the world on June 7. On the 17th of June, he was relaxed on a ventilator. The news that Askren underwent a major lung transplant came on June 30.
This heartbreaking news gained a lot of attention from the combat sports world. Many top wrestlers, athletes, and the UFC expressed their thoughts and prayers for the recovery of the former ONE and Bellator champion. UFC’s (Ultimate FIghting Championship) June 14 broadcast also featured a segment focused on wishing well to Askren.
A T-shirt Fundraiser is Launched to Help with Askren’s Medical Bills
Amid all the news, supporters launched a t-shirt fundraiser to help with Askren’s medical bills. It also helps fulfill his mission of supporting high-calibre athletes. Last saturday, after his win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Jake Paul took some of his post-interview time to express support for Askren and to raise more awareness about this unfortunate situation.
Askren retired from active MMA competition in 2019 but returned for a boxing bout with Jake Paul in 2021. Often considered as one of the top amateur wrestlers in American history, he always remains involved with the wrestling community and recently became a part of Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle.
Who is Ben Askren?
Askren is a former MMA fighter and U.S. Olympic wrestler who began his MMA career in 2009. He had his last fight in 2019 and has an impressive MMA record of 19-2 with six wins coming by knockout and six via submission. Rest of his MMA victories were all by decisions. He also won the Welterweight titles in both One Championship and Bellator promotions in his illustrious career.
But before he began his mixed martial arts career, Askren also won two NCAA Division I national championships and three Big 12 Conference championships while attending Missouri’s university. He also won Dan Hodge Trophies back to back in 2006 and 2007. This honor is the equal of college football’s Heisman Trophy in wrestling.
Besides all that, he also competed as a member of the U.S. wrestling team at the 2008 Beijing olympics. He qualified by defeating István Veréb of Hungary in the first round via pinfall before losing to Cuba’s Iván Fundora on points in the tournament’s quarterfinals. Jake Paul knocked him out in a 2021 boxing match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
What is Next for Ben Askren?
Askren plans to get involved in the fight community again, despite his current health condition. He said the following: “I’m more motivated than ever to get back and do what I can to help out the best I can,” Askren said. “I love you guys. I appreciate you guys. This has been tough, not only for me, but for my whole family and close community as well. “… Hope you guys appreciate the update. Like I said, somewhere down the road, maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more.”
In a Nutshell
Ben Askren’s most recent health update gives us an emotional look at his fight with a deadly condition that included pneumonia, a staph infection, and finally, a double lung transplant. The former UFC fighter is steadily getting better and getting stronger, even though he has lost 50 pounds and had several near-death experiences. Askren is still hopeful and determined to get back into the fight world in some way, thanks to the support of his family, fans, and the combat sports community. His strength and thankfulness show that he is a great fighter.
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