Introduction
In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and wrestling, few names resonate as powerfully as Ben Askren. Known for his relentless wrestling style, infectious charisma, and unyielding determination, Askren has carved out a legacy as a former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion, as well as an Olympian. However, in 2025, the question on many fans’ minds is: what happened to Ben Askren? A sudden and severe health crisis has thrust the retired fighter into the spotlight once again, this time for a battle far more daunting than any he faced in the octagon. This blog post provides a comprehensive Ben Askren update, detailing his journey from a decorated athlete to a patient recovering from a life-saving Ben Askren lung transplant.
The Rise of Ben Askren: A Wrestling and MMA Legend
Ben Askren’s journey to becoming a household name in combat sports began long before he stepped into the MMA cage. Born on July 18, 1984, in Hartland, Wisconsin, Askren displayed an extraordinary aptitude for wrestling from a young age. His collegiate career at the University of Missouri was nothing short of spectacular. Askren won three Big 12 championships and two NCAA Division I championships, earning the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy twice, an award often likened to the Heisman Trophy for wrestling. His dominance on the mat led him to represent the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he competed in freestyle wrestling, reaching the quarterfinals.
Transitioning to MMA in 2009, Askren quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His wrestling pedigree, combined with his unorthodox “funky” fighting style, made him a formidable opponent. In 2010, he claimed the Bellator welterweight title, defending it four times before signing with ONE Championship. There, he continued his reign of dominance, capturing the ONE welterweight title and maintaining an undefeated record of 18-0 before a historic trade to the UFC in 2018. This unprecedented deal saw Askren swapped for former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, a move that shocked the MMA world.
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In the UFC, Askren’s tenure was brief but memorable. He debuted with a controversial victory over Robbie Lawler in 2019, followed by two high-profile losses: a record-breaking five-second knockout to Jorge Masvidal and a submission defeat to Demian Maia. Citing persistent hip issues, Askren retired from MMA later that year with a professional record of 19-2 and one no-contest. In 2021, he made a brief foray into professional boxing, losing to Jake Paul via first-round TKO in a highly publicized bout.
Despite his retirement, Askren remained active in the combat sports community, coaching at his Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin and co-hosting a popular podcast with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. His infectious personality and candid commentary kept him in the public eye, endearing him to fans worldwide. However, in early 2025, Askren’s life took an unexpected and life-threatening turn, prompting widespread concern and the question: what happened to Ben Askren?
A Sudden Health Crisis: The Battle with Pneumonia
In early June 2025, Ben Askren’s wife, Amy, shared a sobering update on social media, revealing that the 40-year-old former fighter had been hospitalized in Wisconsin with a severe case of pneumonia stemming from a staph infection. The news shocked the MMA and wrestling communities, as Askren had been in excellent physical condition just weeks prior, coaching at his academy and living an active lifestyle with his wife and three children.
According to Amy’s posts, Askren was admitted to the hospital on June 7, 2025, after becoming unresponsive due to the severity of his condition. He was placed on a ventilator and an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine to support his failing lungs. The rapid deterioration of his health was staggering, as Amy noted, “It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just five weeks ago” []. The infection had caused significant lung damage, leaving Askren in critical condition and fighting for his life.
On June 17, Amy shared that Askren was “in limbo,” showing small signs of responsiveness, such as opening his eyes and squeezing hands, but his condition remained precarious. Doctors began evaluating him for a potential lung transplant, a procedure that would be his only hope for survival. By June 24, Amy confirmed that Askren had been officially placed on the lung transplant list, a significant milestone in his battle. She wrote, “Please pray he can get stronger and stay stable without complications while he waits, and that they find an amazing match for him” [].
The MMA community rallied around Askren, with fighters, fans, and even former rivals like Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal offering support. A crowdfunding campaign was launched through Help Hope Live to cover the exorbitant costs of the transplant, estimated to range from $300,000 to $400,000, as insurance initially denied coverage []. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, with one anonymous donor contributing £368,000, enabling Askren to receive the life-saving procedure [].
The Life-Saving Procedure: Ben Askren’s Double Lung Transplant
On June 30, 2025, Amy Askren shared a momentous Ben Askren update, announcing that her husband had successfully undergone a Ben Askren lung transplant. The double lung transplant, performed in a Wisconsin hospital, marked a turning point in his recovery. Amy expressed profound gratitude to the donor and their family, writing, “We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift” [].
The procedure was not without its challenges. Amy noted that Askren’s recovery would require significant adjustments, as his body needed to adapt to the new lungs. She urged supporters to “keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own” []. The first few days post-surgery were critical, as the risk of infection or rejection remained high. However, Askren’s resilience, honed through years of competitive sports, shone through as he began to show signs of improvement.
The transplant was a testament to modern medical advancements and the generosity of organ donation. Amy’s updates highlighted the emotional weight of the procedure, noting the bittersweet reality that her husband’s survival depended on another family’s loss. The MMA community continued to rally, with UFC president Dana White sharing the fundraising link with his millions of followers and fighters like Laura Sanko and Corey Anderson offering heartfelt messages of support [].
Ben Askren’s Emotional Update: A Glimpse into Recovery
On July 10, 2025, Ben Askren broke his silence with an emotional video posted to Instagram, marking his first public statement since his hospitalization. Speaking from his hospital bed, a visibly gaunt Askren reflected on the harrowing ordeal, revealing that he had “no recollection” of the period between May 28 and July 2, 2025. “I just read through my wife’s journal, and it’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal” [].
Askren’s candid update shed light on the severity of his condition. He revealed that he had lost approximately 50 Newark in 45 days, dropping to 147 pounds—a weight he hadn’t seen since he was 15 years old. The physical toll was evident, but so was his determination to recover. “I’m gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again,” he said, expressing optimism about his progress [].
The former fighter also addressed the overwhelming support he received from the MMA and wrestling communities. “The thing that was most impactful to me was all the love I felt from everybody,” he said. “It’s almost like I got to have my own funeral” []. Messages poured in from fans, fellow athletes, and even former opponents, underscoring Askren’s profound impact on the sport. UFC ran a highlight reel tribute to him during its Atlanta broadcast, and longtime friend Corey Anderson credited Askren with shaping his career, stating, “Everything I have in an adult life, it came because of Ben Askren” [].
The Road Ahead: Recovery and a New Lifestyle
While the successful Ben Askren lung transplant marks a significant milestone, Askren’s recovery is far from over. Lung transplant recovery typically spans months, with patients facing a rigorous regimen of physical therapy, immunosuppressive medications, and regular medical monitoring to prevent rejection or infection. For Askren, a lifelong athlete accustomed to pushing his body to its limits, this new phase represents a different kind of challenge—one that requires patience, discipline, and a redefined sense of normalcy.
Amy Askren emphasized that the transplant is “the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben” []. This new chapter will likely involve significant lifestyle adjustments, including dietary changes, medication adherence, and limitations on physical activity. However, Askren’s history of overcoming adversity—whether in the wrestling room, the MMA cage, or the boxing ring—suggests he is well-equipped to tackle this challenge.
Moreover, Askren’s story has sparked broader conversations about organ donation and the importance of community support in times of crisis. The crowdfunding campaign, bolstered by high-profile endorsements, highlights the power of collective action in addressing medical expenses, particularly in the United States, where healthcare costs can be prohibitive. Jake Paul’s pledge to donate to Askren’s treatment, despite their competitive history, underscores the camaraderie that transcends rivalries in the combat sports world [].
The Legacy of Ben Askren: More Than a Fighter
As Askren continues his recovery, his legacy as a fighter, coach, and family man remains firmly intact. His contributions to wrestling and MMA are undeniable, from his NCAA championships to his world titles in Bellator and ONE Championship. Beyond his athletic achievements, Askren’s authenticity and willingness to speak his mind have made him a beloved figure. Whether through his podcast, coaching, or social media presence, he has inspired countless athletes to pursue their dreams with tenacity and humor.
The question of what happened to Ben Askren has been answered with a story of resilience, community, and hope. His journey from the brink of death to recovery is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the advancements of modern medicine. As he navigates this new chapter, the combat sports world watches with bated breath, rooting for “Funky” Ben Askren to emerge stronger than ever.
Conclusion
Ben Askren’s health crisis and subsequent Ben Askren lung transplant have captivated the MMA and wrestling communities, reminding us of the fragility of life and the power of collective support. From his days as an NCAA champion to his rise as an MMA star, Askren has always been a fighter—both in and out of the cage. His recent Ben Askren update reveals a man determined to reclaim his health and continue inspiring those around him. As he embarks on this new journey, one thing is certain: Ben Askren’s story is far from over.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Ben Askren?
A: Ben Askren was hospitalized in early June 2025 with severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection. His condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring ventilator support and ECMO. He was placed on a lung transplant list and underwent a successful double lung transplant on June 30, 2025 [].
Q: Why did Ben Askren need a lung transplant?
A: Askren’s severe pneumonia caused extensive lung damage, rendering his lungs unable to function adequately. Doctors determined that a double lung transplant was necessary to save his life after he was placed on a ventilator and ECMO [].
Q: How is Ben Askren doing after his lung transplant?
A: As of July 10, 2025, Askren is recovering in a Wisconsin hospital. He shared an emotional video update, stating he is gaining strength but lost 50 pounds during his ordeal. He remains optimistic about his recovery [].
Q: How has the MMA community supported Ben Askren?
A: The MMA community has rallied around Askren, with fighters like Laura Sanko and Corey Anderson offering support. A crowdfunding campaign raised significant funds, including a £368,000 donation, to cover transplant costs [].
Q: What is Ben Askren’s background in combat sports?
A: Askren is a former NCAA wrestling champion, Olympian, and MMA world champion in Bellator and ONE Championship. He retired from MMA in 2019 after a 19-2 record and competed in a boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021 [].
Reference:
- ESPN: Ben Askren’s Double Lung Transplant
- CNN: Ben Askren Recovering from Double Lung Transplant
- The Guardian: Ex-MMA Champion Ben Askren’s Recovery
- MMA Fighting: Ben Askren’s Health Update
- TMZ: Ben Askren’s Hospital Update
