Ben Askren, the former Olympic wrestler and MMA fighter, recently faced a life-threatening health crisis that left fans deeply concerned. So, what happened to Ben Askren? In late May, he was hospitalized with severe pneumonia that quickly escalated, leading to critical lung failure. Despite aggressive treatment, his lungs deteriorated to the point where he required a double lung transplant to survive.
Askren’s wife shared updates revealing the severity of his condition. He was placed on a ventilator and later added to the lung transplant waiting list. During this ordeal, Askren lost about 50 pounds and experienced four episodes where his heart stopped beating for roughly 20 seconds each time. Remarkably, he has no memory of this entire month-long battle in the hospital.
The double lung transplant, performed in late June, was a rare and complex procedure that saved his life. Now, Askren is in recovery, closely monitored by medical professionals. His resilience and the expert care he received have been crucial to his survival.
Ben Askren is well known for his wrestling achievements, including competing in the 2008 Olympics and his successful MMA career across Bellator, ONE Championship, and UFC. His recent health crisis has brought attention to the fragility of even the strongest athletes.
As he recovers, Askren has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and loved ones. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of timely medical intervention and the strength of the human spirit.
Stay connected to follow Ben Askren’s recovery journey and witness the inspiring comeback of this wrestling and MMA legend.