MMA veteran Ben Askren shared an emotional update Saturday morning from his hospital bed, revealing how the past month’s medical challenges deeply affected him — but he’s determined to move forward with strength.
In a heartfelt video posted to social media, Askren gave fans insight into his health journey, explaining just how fast things changed. A friend of the family had written on Father’s Day that doctors were evaluating Askren for a potential lung transplant — and now, less than a month later, the former fighter has received two new lungs.
Facing Reality: From Self-Pity to Gratitude
Ben admitted he initially struggled with self-pity, especially since he’s never smoked cigarettes or marijuana, yet suddenly found himself needing major surgery.
“I let myself get down in the dumps,” Askren said. But now, he recognizes that feeling sorry for himself is unproductive and has vowed to stop.
Despite facing life-threatening moments — including a period when his heart stopped for 20 seconds — Askren is focused on the blessing of being alive and is actively on the road to recovery.
Quick Recap: The Lung Transplant Journey
At the end of June, Askren underwent a double lung transplant — a critical surgery that saved his life. Earlier this week, he provided another update describing the intense challenges he faced, including memory loss from the past month and the close calls that nearly cost him his life.
Fans Show Support
Since sharing his journey, Askren has received an outpouring of love and encouragement from the MMA community and fans worldwide. Many are inspired by his openness and positive attitude despite the severity of his condition.
What’s Next for Ben Askren?
While recovery from a double lung transplant is a long and complex process, Ben remains optimistic and focused on healing. He continues to update fans as he progresses and encourages anyone facing hardship to embrace gratitude and resilience.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ben Askren’s recovery. We’re rooting for you, Ben!
