Former UFC star Ben Askren shared an emotional video from a hospital bed after undergoing a double lung transplant.
Ben Askren underwent a double lung transplant and was in critical condition after a severe case of pneumonia developed from a staph infection earlier this 12 months. Askren’s wife, Amy, has posted routine updates on his health status and what’s next in his long road to recovery.
Askren, who won world titles in ONE and Bellator, has been at the middle of support from across the combat sports world, including messages from former rivals Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal. Longtime friend and teammate Corey Anderson shared an emotional tribute to Askren earlier this week.
For the primary time since his lengthy health battles, Askren was in a position to speak from a hospital bed to offer an update on his recovery.
Ben Askren posts emotional video message in first statement since hospitalization
In a recent post to Instagram, Askren broke his silence for the primary time since his health battle kicked off.
🥺❤️ Ben Askren speaks out for the primary time.
He saw the entire support 🎥 @Benaskren pic.twitter.com/gwv1Z2WPf1
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 9, 2025
“What’s up guys! Haven’t given an update shortly, figured you deserved one,” Askren began.
“I actually just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May twenty eighth to July 2nd, no recollection. No idea what happened. We’ll sort of undergo all of it, and I just read through my wife’s journal, and it’s like a movie…I only died 4 times when the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds, that’s not ideal, and also you guys know that. But I got the double lung transplant, I made it to the opposite side of it, gaining quite a little bit of strength. We’re going to do the whole lot again, I used to be actually on the dimensions yesterday, 147 kilos. I haven’t been 147 kilos since I used to be 15 years old…
“In order that was a battle. And I don’t remember most of it. And the thing that was most impactful to me, was all of the love I felt from everybody. And it’s almost like I got to have my very own funeral. I still remember 30 years ago, [Olympic wrestler] Dave Schulz died and also you hearken to all of those people recollect how much they enjoyed him, and the way much they loved him. Obviously, he never had to listen to that, I’m sure some people told him,” Askren continued. “So the outpouring of affection from the wrestling community, it’s just amazing. Felt so good. I’m more motivated than ever to maintain giving back and to do what I can, and to assist out in any way I may also help out. I like you guys, I appreciate you guys, it’s been tough, not only on me but my whole family and my close community. So I appreciate the whole lot, and I hope you guys appreciate the update, and sometime down the road perhaps Amy and I can detail the whole lot just a little more.”
Lots of Askren’s friends, family, and supporters swarmed to send messages of support within the post’s comments.
“We love you buddy! You’re a fighter it’s why you might be fighting back! Thank god we still have you ever,” Daniel Cormier posted.
“Recuperate soon champ!” the Skilled Fighters League social media account said.
“Keep fighting, Ben. You’ve got this. You’ll proceed to be in my prayers,” martial artist and actor Chuck Norris said.
“You bought this Ben!!! We’ve been praying for you brother. What a fighter. God bless you and your whole family,” UFC commentator Laura Sanko said.
“[hearts],” Joe Rogan commented.
“Legendary comeback Ben!!!” former UFC champion Carla Esparza said.
Askren received the double lung transplant on June thirtieth, as his wife Amy announced in a recent social media post. The UFC ran a highlight reel tribute to Askren in the course of the UFC Atlanta broadcast last month.
Joe Rogan, Chuck Norris, Daniel Cormier amongst those with messages for Ben Askren
Askren is one of the crucial decorated fighters in MMA history with world title wins in ONE and Bellator. He was a four-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler on the University of Missouri before turning his full-time attention to MMA.
Since retiring from MMA, Askren transitioned to coaching wrestling in Wisconsin and has hosted a weekly podcast with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. He went 1-2 within the UFC Octagon with a victory over Robbie Lawler at UFC 235.
Several campaigns are underway to boost money for Askren and his family during this difficult time. A Funky Strong, Funky Tough t-shirt has made the rounds online, with 100% of the proceeds going towards Askren’s medical expenses and recovery.