**Ben Askren Undergoes Double Lung Transplant After Severe Pneumonia**
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has recently undergone a double lung transplant following a prolonged battle with severe pneumonia. His wife, Amy Askren, shared the news on social media, revealing that Ben had been on life support for an extended period before receiving the transplant. After weeks of waiting for a suitable donor, Amy announced on Facebook that they finally found one.
“We are forever thankful to the donor and his family,” Amy expressed. “This marks the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, and every new day he experiences is a gift. It’s hard to believe he was completely healthy just five weeks ago. Life can change so quickly.” She also requested prayers for Ben, hoping that his body would accept the new lungs as if they were his own.
On June 24, Amy revealed that Ben had been placed on the transplant list. Earlier this month, a donation page was established to assist with his medical expenses, and Amy updated supporters nine days later, stating that Ben was on a ventilator. Fortunately, doctors managed to reduce his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands.
“I am constantly in awe of all the people supporting us during this time,” Amy continued. “I look forward to sharing all of this with Ben. I’m hopeful that in the coming weeks, he will be able to provide the next update, but I hope he waits until the medications wear off.”
Ben Askren, who retired from mixed martial arts in 2019 with a record of 19-2, fought three times in the UFC, winning only one match. He also faced Jake Paul in a boxing match in 2021, where he was knocked out in the first round. Recently, Paul announced his intention to donate to Askren to help cover medical expenses following his fight against Julio César Chávez Jr.
In addition to his MMA career, Askren is a two-time NCAA wrestling champion and represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
**FAQ**
**What led to Ben Askren’s lung transplant?**
Ben Askren underwent a double lung transplant due to a severe case of pneumonia that required him to be placed on life support for an extended period.
