Former Wrestler and MMA Star Ben Askren Recovers from Double Lung Transplant

Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren, who has been hospitalized in Wisconsin after a severe case of pneumonia, revealed on social media that he underwent a double lung transplant and is currently recovering.

Askren mentioned in an Instagram video that he has little memory of the events that occurred over a month-long period from late May to early July. His wife, Amy, shared on social media that Askren was placed on a ventilator in June and added to the lung transplant list on June 24.

During the video, Askren expressed his astonishment at the situation, stating that he lost around 50 pounds during the 45-day period. He also mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the love and support he received during his health crisis.

Askren, 40, originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been residing in Wisconsin where he operates a youth wrestling academy. He achieved NCAA titles at Missouri, competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics, and transitioned to MMA, fighting for Bellator, ONE Championship, and later the UFC.

After retiring from MMA in 2019 following a loss to Demian Maia, Askren briefly returned to combat sports in April 2021 for a boxing match against social media personality Jake Paul, which ended in a technical knockout in the first round.