Ben Askren, a former UFC fighter, came home after 59 days in the hospital for a double lung transplant. He posted a video on Instagram on July 26, 2025, talking about his weak body but strong will to improve. The video showed his fight with severe pneumonia and a staph infection that nearly ended his life.
Askren Talks Tough Road Ahead
Askren spoke from home, happy to be back.
He said, “At home for four days now. It’s awesome. Sleep in my own bed. Eat my own food. Hang out with my family. It’s great.” He shared his struggles, stating, “That being said, I’ve still got so many physical challenges to deal with. I’m still down about 35 pounds from where I should be. I’ve got to walk with a walker. I can’t walk. This five-pound weight, it’s actually hard for me to curl.”
He stayed positive, adding:
“I am where I am right now, but I’m going to be somewhere different in a month. I’m going to work my ass off. I’m going to get better, so why can’t you too? What are you waiting for?” Askren called his state “pathetic,” saying, “There’s barely anybody in the world in as low of a physical condition as me right now. I can’t walk without using a walker and do a five-pound curl.” He urged fans, saying, “Some of you guys who aren’t getting started, get your butt movin. Get started. I’ve got one way to go. I think you do too. Let’s make it happen.”
Ben Askren, a 41-year-old from Wisconsin, has a 19-2 MMA record with 1 no-contest, per Sherdog. A two-time NCAA wrestling champion at Missouri, he wrestled in the 2008 Olympics. Askren started MMA in 2009, going 7-0 in regional promotions. He won the Bellator welterweight title in 2010, defending it four times. In ONE Championship, he claimed the welterweight title in 2014, defending it twice. Askren joined the UFC in 2019, going 1-2 with a win over Robbie Lawler but losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. He retired in 2019 but boxed Jake Paul in 2021, losing by knockout. Askren now co-hosts a podcast with Daniel Cormier.
Askren entered the hospital in late May 2025 with severe pneumonia and a staph infection. His wife, Amy, said he needed a ventilator by June 17. On June 30, he had a double lung transplant after his heart stopped four times, each for about 20 seconds. Askren lost 50 pounds, weighing 147 pounds in early July, a weight he hadn’t hit since age 15. He left the hospital on July 22, with no memory from May 28 to July 2, relying on his wife’s journal.
Askren plans to build strength, aiming to walk without a walker soon. He won’t fight again but may coach wrestling or keep podcasting. His recovery stays a big story in MMA.
