Former UFC fighter and wrestling standout Ben Askren is on the road to recovery after undergoing a double lung transplant. Askren, known for his distinctive wrestling-heavy fighting style and colorful personality, provided a personal update via social media, detailing the severity of his recent health crisis.
Askren revealed that he has virtually no memory of a significant portion of his ordeal, spanning from late May to early July. He relied on his wife's journal to piece together the events that transpired during his illness. The journal entries, he said, read "like a movie," highlighting the dramatic and precarious nature of his condition.
One of the most startling revelations was that Askren's heart stopped beating on four separate occasions, each time for approximately 20 seconds. Despite these life-threatening episodes, he received a double lung transplant and is now working diligently to regain his strength and functionality.
Askren also shared the physical toll the illness took on his body. He disclosed that he weighed only 147 pounds recently. This is a weight he had not seen since he was a teenager. He lost a staggering 50 pounds in just 45 days, a testament to the intensity of his battle. He acknowledged that the experience was a grueling one, particularly given his lack of memory of much of it.
Amidst the challenges, Askren expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from his family, friends, and the wrestling community. He likened the outpouring of love to attending his own funeral, an experience that allowed him to witness firsthand the positive impact he has had on others. He recalled the death of wrestler Dave Schultz 30 years ago. He noted that those who spoke fondly of Schultz after his passing, were sharing sentiments he never had the chance to hear himself.
The experience has deeply impacted Askren, fueling a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to give back to the wrestling community that has supported him throughout his career. He expressed his love and appreciation for everyone who has stood by him during this difficult time, recognizing the toll it has taken not only on himself but also on his loved ones.
Askren officially retired from UFC in 2019 following a submission defeat against Demian Maia at UFC Singapore. He later ventured into the world of boxing, facing Jake Paul in 2021. Despite stepping away from professional fighting, Askren remains actively involved in the wrestling world, dedicating his time to coaching and mentoring aspiring young athletes. His dedication to the sport and its community is unwavering, even in the face of personal health challenges.
Key Highlights of Askren's Update:
- Double Lung Transplant: Askren underwent a life-saving double lung transplant after a severe illness.
- Memory Loss: He has no recollection of events from May 28th to July 2nd.
- Multiple Cardiac Arrests: His heart stopped beating four times during his illness.
- Significant Weight Loss: He lost 50 pounds in 45 days, dropping to 147 pounds.
- Overwhelming Support: He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from family, friends, and the wrestling community.
- Renewed Purpose: He is motivated to give back to the wrestling community.
Askren's journey is a testament to his resilience and the power of community support. His recovery is ongoing, but his positive attitude and determination are inspiring to those who follow his career. He remains a prominent figure in the combat sports world, and his fans eagerly anticipate his continued recovery and future contributions to the wrestling community.
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