Table of Contents
MILWAUKEE — Former Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Ben Askren has provided an emotional health update following his recovery from a severe medical emergency that required a double lung transplant, marking a remarkable turnaround for the 40-year-old combat sports veteran.
Askren, who has been hospitalized in Wisconsin after developing severe pneumonia followed by a staph infection, shared his first public update Wednesday through an Instagram video, detailing a harrowing six-week period where he came close to death multiple times.
A Fight for Life
The former welterweight champion revealed he has virtually no memory of the period between May 28 and July 2, describing the experience as surreal after reading his wife Amy’s journal documenting the ordeal.
“No recollection, zero idea, no idea what happened,” Askren said in the emotional video update. “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.”
The severity of Askren’s condition became apparent when he was placed on a ventilator in June, with doctors adding him to the donor list for a lung transplant on June 24. The physical toll was dramatic – Askren lost approximately 50 pounds during the 45-day ordeal, currently weighing 147 pounds as he begins his recovery.
Community Support and Gratitude
Despite the traumatic experience, Askren expressed overwhelming gratitude for the support he received from the combat sports and wrestling communities during his battle for survival.
“The thing that was most impeccable to me was all the love I felt from everybody,” Askren reflected. “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.”
A Decorated Career
Askren’s brush with death comes after a distinguished career spanning both amateur wrestling and professional mixed martial arts. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native made his mark in collegiate wrestling at the University of Missouri, where he captured back-to-back NCAA Division I national championships and became only the second wrestler to win the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy twice, in 2006 and 2007.
His amateur success led to representing the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he competed in the welterweight division before transitioning to professional MMA in 2009.
During his decade-long MMA career, Askren compiled an impressive 19-2 record with one no contest, capturing welterweight titles in both Bellator and ONE Championship before joining the UFC. His professional fighting career concluded in October 2019 with a loss to Demian Maia, though he briefly returned to combat sports in April 2021 for a highly publicized boxing match against social media star Jake Paul, which ended in a first-round technical knockout victory for Paul.
Looking Forward
Now residing in Wisconsin where he operates a youth wrestling academy, Askren has expressed renewed motivation to return to his involvement in the fight community, though in what capacity remains to be seen.
“I’m more motivated than ever to get back and do what I can to help out the best I can,” Askren stated. “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.”
The former champion indicated that he and his wife Amy may provide more detailed information about the experience in the future, as he continues his recovery and gradual return to strength.
Askren’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support during life’s most challenging moments, with the combat sports world rallying around one of its most respected figures during his darkest hour.
For more sports news and updates, visit otatso.uk
A passionate content creator specializing in viral trends, fashion, beauty, and news. With a keen eye for the latest in style and pop culture, Dilshan Senarath delivers fresh, engaging insights that keep audiences informed and inspired. Expertise in curating viral stories with style and impact.
