Former UFC star Ben Askren shared an emotional video from a hospital bed after undergoing a double lung transplant.
Ben Askren underwent a double lung transplant and was in critical condition after a severe case of pneumonia developed from a staph infection earlier this year. Askren’s wife, Amy, has posted routine updates on his health status and what’s next in his long road to recovery.
Askren, who won world titles in ONE and Bellator, has been at the center of support from around the combat sports world, including messages from former rivals Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal. Longtime friend and teammate Corey Anderson shared an emotional tribute to Askren earlier this week.
For the first time since his lengthy health battles, Askren was able to speak from a hospital bed to provide an update on his recovery.
Ben Askren posts emotional video message in first statement since hospitalization
In a recent post to Instagram, Askren broke his silence for the first time since his health battle kicked off.
“What’s up guys! Haven’t given an update in a while, figured you deserved one,” Askren began.
“I actually just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28th to July 2nd, no recollection. No idea what happened. We’ll kind of go through it all, and I just read through my wife’s journal, and it’s like a movie…I only died four times when the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds, that’s not ideal, and you guys know that. But I got the double lung transplant, I made it to the other side of it, gaining quite a bit of strength. We’re going to do everything again, I was actually on the scale yesterday, 147 pounds. I haven’t been 147 pounds since I was 15 years old…
“So that was a battle. And I don’t remember most of it. And the thing that was most impactful to me, was all the love I felt from everybody. And it’s almost like I got to have my own funeral. I still remember 30 years ago, [Olympic wrestler] Dave Schulz died and you listen to all of these people recollect how much they enjoyed him, and how much they loved him. Obviously, he never had to hear that, I’m sure some people told him,” Askren continued. “So the outpouring of love from the wrestling community, it’s just amazing. Felt so good. I’m more motivated than ever to keep giving back and to do what I can, and to help out in any way I can help out. I love you guys, I appreciate you guys, it’s been tough, not only on me but my whole family and my close community. So I appreciate everything, and I hope you guys appreciate the update, and sometime down the road maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more.”
Many of Askren’s friends, family, and supporters swarmed to send messages of support in the post’s comments.
“We love you buddy! You’re a fighter it’s why you are fighting back! Thank god we still have you,” Daniel Cormier posted.
“Get well soon champ!” the Professional Fighters League social media account said.
“Keep fighting, Ben. You’ve got this. You’ll continue to be in my prayers,” martial artist and actor Chuck Norris said.
“You got this Ben!!! We’ve been praying for you brother. What a fighter. God bless you and your whole family,” UFC commentator Laura Sanko said.
“[hearts],” Joe Rogan commented.
“Legendary comeback Ben!!!” former UFC champion Carla Esparza said.
Askren received the double lung transplant on June 30th, as his wife Amy announced in a recent social media post. The UFC ran a highlight reel tribute to Askren during the UFC Atlanta broadcast last month.
Joe Rogan, Chuck Norris, Daniel Cormier amongst those with messages for Ben Askren
Askren is one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history with world title wins in ONE and Bellator. He was a four-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri before turning his full-time attention to MMA.
Since retiring from MMA, Askren transitioned to coaching wrestling in Wisconsin and has hosted a weekly podcast with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. He went 1-2 in the UFC Octagon with a victory over Robbie Lawler at UFC 235.
Several campaigns are underway to raise money for Askren and his family during this difficult time. A Funky Strong, Funky Tough t-shirt has made the rounds online, with 100% of the proceeds going towards Askren’s medical expenses and recovery.
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