Ben Askren, former UFC welterweight champion, is fighting the toughest battle of his life — his own health. Just a few months ago, he was hospitalized with a severe infection and serious pneumonia, and his condition was so critical that his life hung by a thread. Even more unbelievable, Ben survived four clinical deaths! Yes, you read that right — four times his heart stopped beating for about 20 seconds. Like the main character in a horror movie, but this is real life.
After undergoing a double lung transplant, Ben was placed in an induced coma and is now slowly regaining basic functions — learning to walk and use his body again. In an Instagram video, 40-year-old Askren admitted he has no idea what happened between May 28 and July 2, a month-long period his wife Amy described as a movie-like ordeal. By the end of May, Askren had lost an astonishing 72 kilograms, including 22 kilograms in just 45 days.
Despite going through hell, Ben is overwhelmed by the love of his fans and more motivated than ever. “I love you, I appreciate you,” he said, emphasizing how hard it was not only for him but for his family and close community. His wife regularly updated fans on his condition and asked for their thoughts and prayers. At the end of June, a donor was found for a new set of lungs, and the transplant was successfully performed.
Ben Askren is not just an MMA fighter — he is a legend with titles in two major federations, Bellator and ONE. Although his UFC career ended with a 1-2 record, his fighting background includes being a member of the US wrestling team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His story is not just about sports but about incredible strength and will to live that inspires many worldwide.
If you think this is the end, think again. Ben Askren proves that even when life stops four times, you can come back stronger than ever. How about you? How many times have you gotten up after being told there’s no chance? Share your stories or just drop a comment — maybe you’ll inspire someone else not to give up!
