**Title:** Ben Askren’s Journey of Faith After Life-Changing Surgery
**Meta Description:** Former UFC fighter Ben Askren shares his transformative experience of faith following a double lung transplant and recovery from pneumonia.
**URL Slug:** ben-askren-faith-journey-surgery
**Headline:** Ben Askren Embraces Faith After Surviving Double Lung Transplant
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has opened up about his profound journey of faith following a life-threatening battle with pneumonia that led to a double lung transplant. In a recent interview, Askren recounted the harrowing experience of waking up from a medically induced coma and the pivotal moment that inspired him to embrace Christianity.
Askren, who was initially hospitalized in May with what he believed to be back pain, faced a dire situation when he was placed on a ventilator in June. By June 24, he was on the donor list for a lung transplant. Reflecting on his near-death experience, Askren stated, “There were multiple times where they thought I was dead. I woke up and I just decided I was a Christian. So, that’s crazy.”
Despite attending church with his wife for 15 years without feeling a personal connection to faith, Askren described the moment he woke up as a turning point. “I went with my wife to church for 15 years because that was part of the deal. I said, ‘Well, I’m not Christian, but I’ll support you.’ And it was really weird when I woke up, I’m like ‘I gotta do it.’”
Expressing immense gratitude, Askren acknowledged the support he received during his recovery. “So much gratitude for everyone who’s helped out. So many people have donated money, watched our kids, donated food, a lot of friends come and hang out with me – just so much gratitude for being around me.”
After a successful surgery, Askren has been actively updating his fans on social media about his recovery progress. In a recent post, he shared that he completed “almost third lap today” around the hospital floor, indicating positive strides in his healing journey. “Making some good progress. Hope you guys are doing the same with your lives,” he added.
At 40 years old, Askren is a celebrated athlete, having won NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007 and represented Team USA in the 2008 Olympics. He transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2010, competing in various organizations, including Bellator and the UFC. His career also included a notable boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021, where he was knocked out in the first round.
As Askren continues to recover, his story serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of faith in the face of adversity.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What led Ben Askren to embrace Christianity?**
A: After waking up from a medically induced coma following a double lung transplant, Askren felt a profound change and decided to embrace Christianity, marking a significant turning point in his life.
