Ben Askren shared a tough update, revealing he’s back in the hospital after a double lung transplant. In a video posted on social media, the former UFC welterweight said doctors found an issue with a chest tube during a checkup. He remains hopeful for a quick recovery.
Askren Faces Health Setback
Askren, who went home after his transplant, returned to the hospital for a routine checkup. Doctors spotted a problem.
“As you guys can probably tell, I’m not home anymore—unfortunately,” Askren said. “I had my first checkup this morning. They didn’t like the way the last chest tube looked. They thought it was infected, put me on antibiotics, and took a few X-rays. Hopefully, they get this resolved quickly. But, you know, the Stockdale Paradox—it’s not always gonna be smooth. It’s not always gonna be easy. I’m not always gonna be all the way up. So, hopefully, this is just a small hiccup, and I’ll be back home, getting stronger again.”
Update #6- not all sunshine and rainbows. pic.twitter.com/lGbyYhxYID
— Funky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Benaskren) July 28, 2025
He shared the update from his hospital bed, staying positive despite the setback. Days earlier, Askren posted a video working out on a stationary bike, showing his progress.
Don’t talk about it, be about it! pic.twitter.com/UecxXK7798
— Funky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Benaskren) July 28, 2025
Ben Askren, a 41-year-old from Wisconsin, has a 19-2 MMA record, with 1-2 in the UFC. A two-time NCAA wrestling champion at Missouri and 2008 Olympian, he won titles in Bellator and ONE Championship, defending his welterweight belt multiple times. Traded to the UFC for Demetrious Johnson in 2018, Askren beat Robbie Lawler but lost to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia, retiring in 2019. He lost a boxing match to Jake Paul in 2021. Askren now coaches wrestling and mentors young athletes.
Askren was hospitalized in late May 2025 for severe pneumonia from a staph infection. His condition worsened, requiring a ventilator, and his heart stopped four times. Added to the lung transplant list in June, he received a double lung transplant in late June 2025. After nearly two months in the hospital, he went home on July 22, 2025, but lost 35 pounds and needed a walker.
Askren hopes to resolve the infection quickly and return home. Doctors are monitoring his chest tube with antibiotics and X-rays. He plans to keep training, aiming to regain strength, and continues to inspire fans with his updates.
