Ben Askren looked much better in his latest social media update as he defiantly told fans ‘I will not feel sorry for myself’.
The legendary US Olympic wrestler and former ONE Championship and Bellator champion underwent a double lung transplant last week. He had been battling pneumonia which arose after an unchecked staph infection, and as a result required the massive and expensive surgery.
Since then, he has regained consciousness and even updated fans in an emotional video earlier this week. He returned looking more comfortable with a defiant message today which he shared across social media and has already garnered over a million views.
Ben Askren opens up about struggles in latest video update
In his latest video update, former welterweight champion Ben Askren looked considerably improved from his previous post, speaking more clearly and having shaved and had a haircut. The fighter recalled a diary entry from a friend who wrote about Father’s Day which he spent unconscious.
He then explained that there was a point where he admitted to feeling down on himself, before quickly changing his perspective. “I’m going to plead guilty, I felt guilty for myself one time,” he said. “And that doesn’t do anyone any good.
“I thought ‘man, I never smoked one cigarette, never smoked any weed, never did anything. Why did my lungs get stolen from me? Why isn’t this happening to someone who smokes?’ Then I realized, it happened.
“So I can be bitter and angry, I could whine and cry, but that’s not going to help anybody. I am where I am now and I’m going to move forward the best that I can. So I hope you guys are enjoying the updates, I will not feel sorry for myself, I’m going to be out of here very soon so I hope you have a great day. Peace.”
Jorge Masvidal among Ben Askren’s former rivals to share support
There has been a massive outpouring of support from the MMA and wrestling communities for Askren, as well as the wider public. Jake Paul has been vocal with his backing for the former wrestler despite a bitter feud between the pair before and after their 2021 fight.
Dana White, with whom Askren shared his battles during his career, has also shown his support. And in an even more surprising move, his greatest UFC rival Jorge Masvidal has come out with a video in which he emotionally offers to reconcile with his former opponent.
“This goes out to the one and only, Ben Askren,” Masvidal said “What’s up my brother? I know we were rivals in the ring, I just want to say God bless you, when I get back to America, if I could come and shake your hand, brother, and just share a prayer with you, it’d be amazing.
“I know you’re gonna pull through this because you’re a f—— warrior, brother. God bless, your story is crazy inspirational what you’re going through right now, hoping to get back and just being able to shake your hand.”