Ben Askren Lung Transplant Update
- Former UFC fighter and NCAA wrestling champion Ben Askren is under evaluation for a potential lung transplant as he battles a severe case of pneumonia.
- His wife, Amy Askren, shared an update on Facebook, stating that Askren remains on a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) to support his healing.
- The former MMA fighter's health battle has drawn support from across the sports world.
Ben Askren, the former UFC fighter, faces a critical health battle. He is currently under evaluation for a lung transplant after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection. Doctors are assessing his condition,as stated by his wife,Amy,on Facebook.The primary focus is on Askren’s recovery, with the sports community rallying in support. The role that community support has in his recovery cannot be understated. Athletes, wrestlers, and the UFC are offering prayers. News Directory 3 is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates. The former MMA fighter’s past achievements in wrestling and boxing are a testament to his athletic prowess. This health crisis highlights the fragility of life. What role will future treatments play in Ben Askren‘s journey? Discover what’s next in his fight.
Ben Askren Evaluated for Lung Transplant After Pneumonia Battle
Updated June 18, 2025
Former UFC fighter and NCAA wrestling champion Ben Askren is under evaluation for a potential lung transplant as he battles a severe case of pneumonia. Askren, 40, has been hospitalized in Wisconsin, fighting for his life after contracting pneumonia from a staph infection.
His wife, Amy Askren, shared an update on Facebook, stating that Askren remains on a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) to support his healing. She noted that while there are both good and bad days, doctors have been able to reduce his sedation enough for him to briefly open his eyes and squeeze hands.
The former MMA fighter’s health battle has drawn support from across the sports world. Athletes, wrestlers, and the UFC have offered their support and prayers for Askren’s recovery and potential lung transplant.
“ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this,” Amy Askren said. “Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily.”
Askren, a two-time NCAA Division I champion and 2008 U.S.Olympian in wrestling, retired from MMA in 2019. He briefly returned to combat sports for a boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021. Now, the sports world rallies behind him as he faces this new challenge, hoping for a successful lung transplant and full recovery. The role of community support is crucial during this difficult time.
What’s next
Doctors will continue to evaluate Askren’s lung function to determine if he is a suitable candidate for a lung transplant. The coming days will be critical in determining the next steps in his treatment and recovery.