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Ben Askren May Need Lung Transplant As He Fights for His Life in Wisconsin Hospital: Update From His Wife Amy
- Austin Jones
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
Ben Askren Fights for His Life in Wisconsin Hospital: Update From His Wife Amy
On June 7, the world of MMA was shaken by the news that UFC veteran and former multiple-time MMA champion Ben Askren is fighting for his life in a Wisconsin hospital after being diagnosed with severe pneumonia. The announcement came from his wife, Amy Askren, who took to Facebook to share the heartbreaking update about her husband's health battle.
At 40 years old, Askren’s road to recovery has been a difficult one. According to Amy, Ben has been under sedation and on a ventilator since his hospitalization. The pneumonia, which has left him gravely ill, has required extensive medical intervention, including the use of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) to support his heart and lungs.
Amy posted on social media -
"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. I’ve had some media people contact me that they are going to share an update and I would rather it come from me.
Ben is still on a ventilator and ecmo to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands.
His body can’t handle coming off sedation too much yet. I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for 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.
Thank you for every message and all of the support. 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 situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this."
A Long Road Ahead
Amy's post revealed that Ben remains "in limbo," with his health fluctuating between good and bad days. While on his better days, Ben has been able to open his eyes and squeeze hands, his body is still struggling to handle even minimal sedation. This ongoing struggle has left the Askren family in a state of uncertainty as they await further developments in his condition.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Amy's update was filled with a mix of hope and prayer. She shared that doctors are now beginning the evaluation process for a potential lung transplant, which could be the key to Ben’s recovery. While this represents a major step, it also underscores just how dire his condition is.
As Amy shared, the Askren family is holding onto hope for a miracle, praying that Ben’s current lungs can heal enough to allow him to avoid a transplant. But if it comes to that, the family is hopeful that Ben will be able to get on the transplant list as soon as possible and receive the gift of life—a gift that, as Amy noted, Ben would cherish and care for deeply.
Community Support and the Importance of Family
Amy’s update not only provided a status on Ben's health but also expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from friends, family, and the MMA community. “Despite this awful situation, I’m feeling so blessed by the community we’re surrounded by,” she wrote, reminding everyone to hug their loved ones and to always be prepared for life’s unexpected challenges.
The MMA world has rallied around Askren, offering messages of support, prayers, and hope. From fans to fighters, the outpouring of love for the former UFC fighter has been a testament to the impact Ben has made on the sport and the people who have followed his career. His influence in MMA extends beyond his competitive nature, as he has also gained respect for his leadership and contributions to the sport.
Ben Askren: A Fighter Inside and Outside the Cage
Ben Askren, known for his unique style of wrestling and undefeated streak in MMA, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. His career, spanning both MMA and Olympic wrestling, has been marked by his mental toughness and determination. Now, in the most important battle of his life, Askren’s resilience is being tested in ways no fighter could ever prepare for.
Fans and supporters continue to hold onto hope that Ben, the fighter who once dominated the MMA world, will rise to this challenge as well. For now, his family remains focused on his recovery and the possibility of a lung transplant.
As Amy wisely put it, “Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you’re prepared for situations like this.” The outpouring of love and support surrounding Ben Askren reminds us all how fragile life is, and how important it is to cherish every moment with those we love.
Our thoughts are with Ben and his family during this difficult time. We’ll continue to monitor updates as they come in and stand alongside the Askren family, hoping for the best possible outcome in Ben’s fight for recovery.
