Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Ben Askren's Lung Transplant Recovery: A Fighter's Journey
Ben Askren, a former MMA fighter, had a tough time with a bad infection that hurt his lungs.
He needed a double lung transplant to survive.
In a video, he showed how much his body has changed, needing a walker and struggling to lift weights.
He's now working hard to get stronger again and sharing his journey online.
He's lost a lot of weight and the transplant was a big surgery, but he's staying positive and determined to recover.
Former MMA champion Ben Askren is recovering from a double lung transplant.
Askren was hospitalized in May 2025 due to a staph infection that led to severe pneumonia.
He received a double lung transplant on June 30, 2025, after his heart stopped four times.
Askren is now at 147 pounds and uses a walker, a stark contrast to his UFC days.
Askren is documenting his recovery, expressing determination to regain strength.
- Who
- Ben Askren, former MMA fighter.
- What
- Ben Askren is recovering from a double lung transplant after a staph infection.
- When
- The infection began in May 2025, with the transplant on June 30, 2025. Askren shared an update on July 26, 2025.
- Where
- Askren is recovering in Wisconsin.
- Why
- Askren needed the transplant due to severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection.
Ben Askren's Perspective
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Recovery Focus
Ben Askren's Perspective
Askren is focusing on his recovery, sharing his struggles and determination.
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- Weight (Current)
- 147 pounds
- Weight (UFC Days)
- 171 pounds
- Surgery Date
- June 30, 2025
- Heart Stops
- Four times for 20 seconds each
- Surgery Cost
- $2 million