Former UFC Star Ben Askren Undergoes Double Lung Transplant

Former UFC Fighter Ben Askren Undergoes Double Lung Transplant

Retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren has undergone a life-saving double lung transplant after being hospitalised with severe pneumonia in Wisconsin. Askren, 40, had previously been in good health just five weeks earlier, according to his wife.

The former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight titleholder was placed on a ventilator and added to the transplant list earlier this month. Askren’s wife, Amy Askren, shared the update via Facebook, calling it “the beginning of a new lifestyle” and expressing gratitude to the organ donor and their family.

“We are forever thankful to the donor and his family,” she wrote.

“This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift.”

Askren developed pneumonia following a staph infection, which escalated into a medical emergency. YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who defeated Askren in a 2021 boxing match, publicly called for donations to aid Askren’s recovery.

From Olympic Wrestling to MMA Legend

Askren is widely regarded as one of America’s top wrestlers of his generation. A two-time NCAA champion and member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic wrestling team, he transitioned to MMA and remained undefeated in 20 fights before joining the UFC in 2019.

His signing was part of the sport’s only major fighter “trade”, with the UFC sending Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship in return. Askren won his UFC debut against Robbie Lawler, but suffered defeats to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia, eventually retiring with a 19-2 (1 NC) record.

Beyond fighting, Askren is a husband and father of three, and operates his own wrestling academy in Wisconsin.