Ben Askren, the former UFC fighter and wrestling standout, is on the road to recovery after undergoing a double lung transplant. Askren recently shared an update on his health, revealing the severity of his condition and expressing gratitude for the support he's received.
In a candid social media post, Askren recounted the harrowing experience, admitting to a significant gap in his memory. "I haven't given you an update in a while, and I feel like you deserve one," he began. "I just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2. I have no recollection—no idea what happened. I read through my wife’s journal, and it’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous."
The former Olympian revealed the gravity of his illness, stating, "I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal—you guys know that. But I got a double lung transplant and made it to the other side, gaining quite a bit of strength and learning to use everything again."
The physical toll of the illness was considerable. Askren disclosed a dramatic weight loss, saying, "I was on the scale yesterday: 147 pounds. I haven’t been 147 pounds since I was 15 years old. I lost 50 pounds in a 45-day period. Man, that was a battle. Obviously, I don’t remember most of it."
Despite the ordeal, Askren focused on the positive, emphasizing the overwhelming support he received during his health crisis. "The thing that impacted me most was all the love I felt from everybody," he said. "It was almost like I got to have my own funeral. I remember 30 years ago when Dave Schultz died, and you heard older people recollect how much they enjoyed him and loved him. Obviously, he never got to hear that."
The outpouring of support from the wrestling community was particularly meaningful to Askren. "The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was amazing—it felt so good. I’m more motivated than ever to give back and do what I can. I love you guys. I appreciate you. This has been tough, not only on me but also on my whole family and close community. I appreciate everything," he concluded.
Askren's journey has been a challenging one, marked by life-threatening moments and a significant physical transformation. His resilience and positive attitude, coupled with the support of his family, friends, and the wrestling community, have been instrumental in his recovery.
A Look Back at Askren's Career:
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Wrestling Dominance: Before transitioning to mixed martial arts, Ben Askren established himself as one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history. He was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion for the University of Missouri. His unorthodox and relentless style earned him the nickname "Funky."
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MMA Success: Askren transitioned to MMA, achieving success in various organizations, including Bellator and ONE Championship. He held titles in both promotions, showcasing his grappling prowess and unique approach to fighting.
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UFC Stint and Retirement: Askren joined the UFC in 2019 amid much fanfare. He experienced a controversial victory over Robbie Lawler before suffering losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. He retired from professional fighting following the loss to Maia at UFC Singapore in 2019.
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Boxing Match with Jake Paul: After retiring from MMA, Askren stepped into the boxing ring for a high-profile bout against Jake Paul in 2021. He lost the fight by TKO.
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Continued Involvement in Wrestling: Despite retiring from active competition, Askren remains deeply involved in the wrestling community. He coaches and mentors young athletes, sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport. He is a prominent figure in the wrestling world and continues to contribute to its growth.
Askren's story is one of perseverance, gratitude, and a deep connection to the wrestling community. As he continues his recovery, he remains an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. His dedication to giving back and his unwavering spirit serve as a testament to his character.
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