**Ben Askren Released from Hospital After Double Lung Transplant**
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has announced his release from the hospital following a challenging battle with severe pneumonia that culminated in a double lung transplant. The 40-year-old shared a video update from his car, driven by his wife, Amy, detailing his recovery journey on “day 59” post-surgery. Askren revealed that he lost 50 pounds during his hospitalization and came perilously close to death.
In the video, Askren expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his ordeal. “I’m out, with my beautiful wife. Supportive. Man, that was a long journey, and it’s not over because I still can’t really walk,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of relearning basic movements and reflected on the gravity of his situation, asking his wife how close he had come to dying. She responded, “Too close. A few times.”
Askren recounted that he has no memory of 35 days during his hospitalization, noting that his surgery took place about 24-25 days ago. He acknowledged the difficulty of his experience and thanked everyone who supported him, whether through donations or by helping his family during this tough time. “It was so great to just have all this support and all the love,” he said, expressing hope that he would not face such a situation again for a long time.
In a previous update, Askren described his experience as “like a movie,” stating, “I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.” He is now focused on regaining strength and mobility, having weighed in at 147 pounds—his lightest since he was 15 years old.
Amy Askren had previously shared that her husband received a donor for the double lung transplant in early July and requested prayers for his recovery.
In addition to his health journey, Askren has recently signed with Real American Freestyle, a venture by Hulk Hogan aimed at promoting professional freestyle wrestling. A former NCAA champion in the 170-pound division and a competitor for Team USA in the 2008 Olympics, Askren has a storied athletic career, including gold medals at the 2005 Pan American Championships and the 2009 World Championships. He transitioned to MMA in 2010, competing in various organizations, including Bellator, ONE Championship, and the UFC.
As Askren continues his recovery, he remains optimistic about the future and grateful for the support he has received.
**FAQ**
*What health challenges did Ben Askren face?*
Ben Askren battled severe pneumonia, which led to a double lung transplant. He experienced significant weight loss and was close to death during his hospitalization.
