Ben Askren’s been through hell, but he’s fighting back. On July 10, 2025, during a Full Send Podcast interview, UFC boss Dana White opened up about seeing Askren’s emotional hospital video after a life saving double lung transplant. The former welterweight star faced a brutal health scare, and White’s reaction shows the MMA world’s support.
Ben Askren, with a 19-2 record and one no contest, is a wrestling legend. A two time NCAA Division I champion and 2008 Olympian, he went unbeaten for a decade, winning titles in Bellator and ONE Championship. He joined the UFC in 2019 after a trade involving Demetrious Johnson, beating Robbie Lawler in his debut but losing to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia before retiring.
Askren’s health crisis began in May 2025 with a staph infection that led to severe pneumonia, requiring a double lung transplant in June. His wife, Amy, shared updates, noting he was unresponsive for weeks but awake by July.
White’s Reaction to Askren’s Recovery
White saw Askren’s Instagram video, posted July 9, 2025, where he spoke from his hospital bed.
“I saw that popping up on my feed,” White told Full Send Podcast. “He doesn’t even look the same, it’s f—king such a trip. You know the kind of shape you’ve got to be in to go through what that f—king guy just went through? It’s unbelievable. I don’t know all the details. I think it started with staph and from staph, it ended up f—king up his lungs somehow, from what I understand.”
White reached out to Amy Askren during the ordeal.
“I reached out to his wife a few times during the … but you know, she I’m sure was an absolute f—king wreck. But it’s good to see him wake up,” he said. The video showed Askren weak but hopeful, saying he “died four times” when his heart stopped briefly.
The MMA world rallied around Askren. Fighters like Chael Sonnen, Alan Jouban, and Chris Weidman posted support on X, urging prayers. Jake Paul, who knocked out Askren in a 2021 boxing match, pledged financial help, criticizing White for not doing enough, though White shared a fundraising link with his 10 million Instagram followers.
Amy Askren’s updates confirmed Ben’s transplant was successful, but recovery could take three to six months. He was added to the transplant list in late June and received new lungs soon after.
Askren’s video marked a turning point. He spoke about having no memory from May 28 to July 2, 2025, and learning from Amy’s journal about his fight to survive. The MMA community, including White, continues to back him.
White’s past with Askren wasn’t always smooth, with Askren calling him out during his Bellator and ONE days, but time has eased tensions. White’s support now highlights respect for Askren’s strength.
