UFC Star Ben Askren Reveals Heart Stopped Four Times During Health Crisis

A health update from Ben Askren has revealed the harrowing details of the former UFC fighter‘s recent battle with severe pneumonia that led to a double lung transplant and multiple cardiac arrests.

The 40-year-old mixed martial artist shared his first public update from his hospital bed on July 9, detailing a terrifying ordeal that began in late May when he contracted a staph infection that rapidly developed into life-threatening pneumonia.

Speaking from Wisconsin, where doctors have hospitalized him, Askren disclosed that he has no memory of over a month of his life, telling followers, “I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2. No recollection. No idea what happened.”

The severity of Askren’s condition became clear when he revealed the shocking extent of his medical crisis. “I only died four times” during his hospital stay, adding “The ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.” The former Olympic wrestler’s lungs had developed pus-filled holes, requiring doctors to place him on life support before he ultimately needed a complete double lung transplant to save his life.

From Critical Condition to Miraculous Recovery

Askren’s wife Amy first alerted the public to her husband’s condition through social media in early June, explaining that he had developed severe pneumonia “which came on very suddenly” and was “unable to respond to anything at this time.” What started as a common bacterial infection quickly escalated when the staph bacteria entered his bloodstream and attacked his lungs.

Doctors placed the former NCAA champion on a ventilator and added him to the organ donor list on June 24 as his condition deteriorated. Doctors had to mechanize his breathing using an ECMO machine when his lungs began to collapse. The double lung transplantation surgery was successfully performed on June 30, with Amy sharing her gratitude by stating, “We are forever thankful to the donor and his family.”

The physical toll of the ordeal was significant, with Askren revealing he lost approximately 50 pounds during his 45-day hospital stay. “I was actually on a scale yesterday and 147 pounds. I haven’t been 147 pounds since 15 years old,” he shared in his Instagram video, explaining, “I lost like 50 pounds in a 45-day period.”

Wrestling Community Rallies Around Beloved Fighter

The outpouring of support from the combat sports community deeply moved Askren during his recovery. He emotionally described the experience as “almost like I got to have my own funeral” and shared that “The thing that was most impactful for me was the love I felt from everybody.”

The wrestling community mobilized to support Askren financially during his medical crisis. Clothing brand Rudis created special “Funky Strong, Funky Tough” t-shirts and donated all proceeds to the fighter’s family, while disc golf company Discraft also organized fundraising efforts.

Even former opponent Jake Paul, who defeated Askren in a 2021 boxing match, showed support by urging fans to “say a prayer for Ben Askren and for his family.” UFC lightweight Michael Chandler left a heartfelt message calling Askren “the toughest man I have ever been around in my entire life.”

The Iowa native, who won back-to-back NCAA titles at Missouri and competed in the 2008 Olympics before transitioning to MMA, retired from fighting in 2019 with a record of 19-2. He currently operates a youth wrestling academy in Wisconsin, where he lives with his wife, Amy, and their three children.