On Wednesday, Ben Askren shared a big update with fans for the first time since his double lung transplant last month.
Askren, who had been hospitalized with pneumonia in May, wound up needing a double lung transplant at the end of June. Since then, the MMA community has been eagerly awaiting updates regarding the former Bellator and ONE champ.
In response to Askren’s first Instagram video post-transplant, the MMA community was quick to rally around the NCAA legend, sharing heartfelt words of support in the comments section:
Michael Chandler wrote: “Love you Ben…you have always been the toughest man I have ever been around in my entire life. Proud to call you friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your belief in me… and the same is true for many others you have impacted.”
Triple C, Henry Cejudo, replied: “Glad you made it through bro. Really put like into perspective for all of us. The Funky is back!”
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman added: “We love you brotha !! Huge inspiration to so many ! You are as tough as they come! We are praying for you and the family.”
Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic wrote: “God bless you brother. Heart of warrior.”
Curtis Blaydes replied: “Tougher than a $2 steak, praying for a direct and full recovery.”
Tracy Cortez added: “You’re in my prayers Ben.”
MMA Community Continues to Shower Ben Askren With Support
In addition to members of the MMA community sending Ben Askren words of support on Instagram, plenty of other fighters wished him well via X, formerly known as Twitter.
Fellow welterweight Gilbert Burns was left stunned.
Former welterweight title contender Darren Till gave Askren props for being so mentally strong:
Johnny Walker also wished Askren well on his recovery:
The Steamrolla, Matt Frevola, added:
Flyweight Charles Johnson also sent Funky some well-wishes:
Ben Askren Has No Recollection of Hospitalization
In Wednesday’s update, Ben Askren notably thanked fans for their support throughout his journey, saying that it almost felt as though he experienced his own funeral thanks to the outpouring of love and support he and his family received.
As he indicated, however, he has no recollection of anything that happened between the end of May, and early July.
“I actually just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2. No recollection. Zero idea. No idea what happened. We’ll kind of go through it all and I just read through my wife’s journal. It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous.”
During that time, the former Bellator champ reportedly lost 50 pounds in a 45-day period and as of Tuesday, weighed just 147 pounds.
While there’s been no update on when he’ll be healthy enough to leave the hospital and go home, it’s clear that Askren’s health is trending in the right direction.
As he continues on his road to recovery, it’s clear that both the MMA community and the wrestling community will be behind him every step of the way.
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