Ben Askren Receives Double Lung Transplant After Weeks in Hospital, Wife Amy Confirms

In a stunning development that has rocked the MMA world, former UFC fighter and ONE Championship and Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren has received a double lung transplant following a severe battle with pneumonia that left him hospitalized for several weeks.

Amy Askren, Ben’s wife, shared the critical update about the 39-year-old wrestler’s condition, bringing a wave of concern and support from fans and fighters alike across the combat sports community.

The Fight of His Life: Ben Askren’s Health Crisis

Known for his wrestling prowess and unorthodox fighting style, Askren is now facing the biggest battle of his life outside the cage. The former Olympian, who competed in the 2008 Beijing Games, has been hospitalized for several weeks with what was described as severe pneumonia that ultimately deteriorated to the point where a double lung transplant became necessary.

I’ve covered Askren’s career for years, watching him dominate in Bellator and ONE before his brief but memorable UFC stint, but this situation transcends sports in the most sobering way.

Insert image of Ben Askren during his fighting career here

Amy Askren: A Champion in Her Own Right

Throughout this ordeal, Amy Askren has shown remarkable strength. She’s been providing updates to concerned fans while undoubtedly managing family responsibilities and the emotional weight of her husband’s condition.

About a week ago, Amy first shared details about Ben’s critical condition, preparing the MMA community for the gravity of the situation. Her latest update confirming the transplant has been met with an outpouring of support from across the fighting world.

Understanding Double Lung Transplants

For those unfamiliar with the procedure, a double lung transplant is a major surgical operation where both lungs from a donor replace a patient’s diseased lungs. The recovery is extensive and typically requires:

• Several weeks in the hospital
• Months of rehabilitation
• Lifelong immune-suppressing medication
• Regular medical monitoring

The procedure is usually only considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted, highlighting the severity of Askren’s condition.

Askren’s Legacy in MMA

While health concerns now take center stage, it’s worth remembering Askren’s significant contributions to the sport:

Beyond his MMA career, Askren was an accomplished wrestler, winning NCAA championships at Missouri and representing the United States in the 2008 Olympics.

The MMA Community Rallies

You might not know this, but the fighting world can be remarkably united when one of its own faces adversity. Current and former fighters have been showing support for Askren on social media, with many offering prayers and well wishes for his recovery.

Even Jorge Masvidal, who famously knocked out Askren with a flying knee in five seconds (the fastest KO in UFC history), has put their rivalry aside to wish him well – a testament to the respect fighters have for each other beyond the cage.

What’s Next for Funky Ben?

The road to recovery will be long and challenging for Askren. Double lung transplant recipients face a significant rehabilitation process, and his athletic future – even in a coaching or commentary capacity – remains uncertain.

What is certain, however, is that the tenacity and mental toughness that made him a champion will be crucial in this new fight.

How You Can Show Support

For fans looking to support Askren during this difficult time:

• Follow Amy Askren’s social media for updates
• Respect the family’s privacy during this challenging period
• Share positive messages of support online

Sometimes the most significant thing we can do as fans is simply to let our fighters know we’re in their corner, especially when the battle isn’t one we can watch on pay-per-view.

The Bigger Picture: Health in Combat Sports

Askren’s situation brings attention to the broader topic of fighter health and well-being. While his current condition may not be directly related to his fighting career, it reminds us that these athletes we admire are human beings with the same vulnerabilities as everyone else.

As we follow Ben’s journey, let’s remember that behind every fighter is a person with a family who loves them and a life beyond the spotlight of competition.

Standing With Ben

Ben Askren may have stepped away from professional fighting, but he’s now in a bout that matters far more than any championship. And just like in his wrestling matches where he never gave up, we’re all hoping his determination will carry him through this challenge.

Our thoughts are with Ben, Amy, and their family during this difficult time. The MMA world stands united, hoping to see Funky Ben bounce back with the same resilience he showed throughout his storied career.

We’ll continue to provide updates on Ben’s condition as more information becomes available.

Source: Amy Askren’s social media updates