Former MMA champion Ben Askren says he ‘died four times’ during a traumatic time which saw a staph infection lead to pneumonia and then a double lung transplant, but he has now ‘made it out the other side.’
Posting an emotional video message from his hospital bed, Askren revealed that he has no memory of anything from May 28 to July 2 and that he lost 50lbs in that time.
The 40-year-old is a legendary figure in American wrestling and gained more international recognition when he transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts.
He was undefeated world champion in promotions Bellator and One Championship before joining the UFC in 2019.
By that stage injuries were catching up with him and he went 1-2 in the UFC before retiring from MMA.
Askren continued as one of the most respected wrestling coaches in America after his retirement from competition.
He was also tempted into the boxing ring in 2021 for a bout with Jake Paul, which saw him stopped in the first round.
What happened to Ben Askren?
Askren suffered a staph infection, which is a common problem for fighters and grapplers, but it developed into a severe case of pneumonia.
He was hospitalised in June and sedated as it became apparent that he needed a double lung transplant and he waited for the major operation.
On June 30, his wife Amy revealed that the double transplant had been carried out.
What is a staph infection?
The NHS states: ‘Staph infections are caused by bacteria called staphylococcus. They most often affect the skin. They can go away on their own, but sometimes need to be treated with antibiotics.’
She posted on social media: ‘We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant. 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. It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago. So much can change so quickly.
‘Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own. I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now. I can’t wait to tell Ben all about It.’
Ben Askren provides an update
Speaking from his hospital bed on July 9, Askren said: ‘I actually just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28th to July 2nd. No recollection. No idea what happened.
‘I just read through the journal and it’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous. So, I only died four times. The ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.
‘I got the double lung transplant, made it out to the other side of it.
‘I was actually on the scale yesterday, 147lb. I haven’t been 147lb since I was 15 years old. So that’s 50lbs in a 45 day period. That was a battle, but luckily I don’t remember most of it.’
Askren fought back tears as he thanks well-wishers for their messages, saying it was like experiencing the outpouring of emotion at a funeral.
He remembered the death of legendary wrestler Dave Schultz and the tributes sent to him, and thanked those who had sent him similar messages.
‘The thing that was most impactful to me was all the love I felt from everybody,’ he said. ‘It was almost like I got to have my own funeral. Right?
Ben Askren’s MMA record
Wins: 19
By knockout: 6
By submission: 6
By decision: 7
Losses: 2
By knockout: 1
By submission: 1
No contests: 1
‘I still remember it 30 years ago when Dave Schultz died and you listen to all these older people, you know, recollect how much they enjoyed him, how much they loved him. And obviously he never got to hear that.
‘So, man, the outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing. It felt so good. And so, you know, I’m more motivated than ever to keep giving back and do what I can and help out the best I can help out.
‘I love you guys. I appreciate you guys. This has been tough, not only on me, but my whole family and my close community. So, I appreciate everything. Hope you guys appreciate the update. And like I said, sometime down the road, maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more.’