After 59 days, Ben Askren is on his way home.
In a big update shared with fans via Instagram, the former Bellator welterweight champ announced that he’s been discharged from the hospital and is on his way home.
Askren, who underwent a double lung transplant at the end of June, sounded notably stronger than in videos past, delivering an emphatic “What’s up guys!” to kick off the update, where he revealed that he’s still relearning how to walk.
Despite that, the former Olympian seemed to be in good spirits as he emotionally thanked friends and fans for their support:
“Day 59. I’m out. With my beautiful wife. Man, that was a long journey. And it’s not over because I still can’t really walk. Gotta reteach myself to do that, among many other things. I guess I can make light of it because it was me. … I don’t remember 35 days of this journey. But the last, I think surgery was 24, 25 days ago. It was hard. …
“The support you guys gave me, whether it was setting a GoFundMe, whether it was helping my kids and wife get through it, I had friends come from all over the country just, like, hang out for a couple days. It meant so much. It was so great to just have all the support and all the love.”
Local Wisconsin Restaurant Set to Host Fundraiser For Askren Family
Since his retirement, Ben Askren has remained a staple of his local community, coaching the next generation of standout wrestlers at the Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin. Now, as he continues to work his way back to 100% after being released from the hospital, his local community is giving back.
According to WTMJ-TV Milwaukee, Culver’s of Wales is set to host a fundraiser for the Askren family next month.
On Aug. 19, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Culver’s located at 400 E. Summit Ave. in Wales, WI, will be donating 25% of sales to the Askren family to help offset the cost of the life-saving double lung transplant, which was denied by the former Olympian’s insurance.
MMA Community Reacts to Ben Askren’s Latest Update
Throughout Ben Askren’s 59-day battle, the MMA community, as well as the wrestling community, have continued to throw their collective support behind the former champ and his family.
In response to the NCAA legend’s update, fighters like Henry Cejudo, Belal Muhammad, and Brandon Moreno were quick to share emojis reflecting their support, as seen below.
@henry_cejudo – InstagramHenry Cejudo responds to Ben Askren’s post on Instagram.
@theassassinbaby – InstagramBrandon Moreno responds to Ben Askren’s post on Instagram.
@bullyb170 – InstagramBelal Muhammad reacts to Ben Askren’s latest Instagram update.
Anderson Silva’s son, Kalyl, had a similar reaction:
@kalylsilva – InstagramKalyl Silva reacts to Ben Askren’s latest Instagram video.
Additionally, Askren received words of support from comedian Theo Von, who was in attendance at this past weekend’s UFC 318 card, and former UFC fighters such as Jack Shore and Sergio Pettis, as seen below:
@sergiopettis – InstagramSergio Pettis reacts to Ben Askren’s latest Instagram update.
@jackshoremma – InstagramJack Shore reacts to Ben Askren’s latest Instagram update.
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