Ben Askren: Lung Transplant Possible After Ventilator Support
- Ben Askren, 40, the former MMA and amateur wrestling champion, is under evaluation for a potential lung transplant as he battles severe pneumonia.
- His wife,Amy Askren,shared an update on Facebook,noting that Askren is on a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).She said he has been able to open his eyes and...
- Amy Askren wrote about the situation and the role that community support plays.
Former MMA champion Ben Askren faces a potential lung transplant after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia. The 40-year-old is currently on a ventilator and ECMO, as his wife, Amy, seeks prayers and support. The medical team is evaluating Askren for a lung transplant, a procedure that could drastically change his health outlook. The update highlights the critical role of community support during this challenging time, with Amy expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love. While Askren awaits the transplant evaluation, his family and friends hope he can continue to play a role in his children’s lives. News Directory 3 is following the story closely. Discover what’s next for Ben Askren and the latest on his health journey.
Ben Askren, Former MMA Champion, Evaluated for Lung transplant
Updated June 17, 2025
Ben Askren, 40, the former MMA and amateur wrestling champion, is under evaluation for a potential lung transplant as he battles severe pneumonia. Askren remains hospitalized in Wisconsin.
His wife,Amy Askren,shared an update on Facebook,noting that Askren is on a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).She said he has been able to open his eyes and squeeze hands.
Amy Askren wrote about the situation and the role that community support plays. “I haven’t shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share,” she said. “I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for a lung transplant. Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily. I know transplants are such a blessing and I’m overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that.No one would take better care of that gift than Ben.”
Askren,who retired from MMA in 2019,had a celebrated career. He is a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and a 2008 U.S. Olympian. He and Amy have three children and live in Hartland, Wis., where he also runs a wrestling academy. His role as a coach is well known in the community.
Amy Askren expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Thank you for every message and all of the support,” she wrote. “Despite this awful situation, I’m feeling so blessed by the community we’re surrounded by. Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you’re prepared for situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this.”
What’s next
The evaluation process will determine if Askren is a suitable candidate for a lung transplant.His family and friends continue to offer support during this challenging time, hoping he can play a role in his children’s lives for years to come.