Ben Askren Officially on Lung Transplant List: Time for the MMA Community to Rally & How to Donate

Ben Askren Officially on Lung Transplant List: Time for the MMA Community to Rally

The MMA world has faced its share of battles, but few compare to the one Ben Askren is currently fighting. The Olympic wrestler turned MMA superstar—known for his funky grappling style and unshakable confidence—is now facing the greatest challenge of his life. After weeks of hospitalization due to severe pneumonia and a secondary staph infection, Ben Askren has officially been placed on the national lung transplant list.

Askren, 39, has been hospitalized since June 7 and is currently relying on a ventilator and ECMO machine to support his breathing. With his lungs severely compromised, doctors have determined that a transplant is his best shot at survival. Despite the gravity of the situation, there's hope: his other organs remain healthy, and his wife, Amy Askren, has shared updates that hint at signs of awareness—small gestures like squeezing her hand and mouthing the word “coffee.”

These little moments of connection are powerful reminders that the man who once stood undefeated for years in MMA—who took on the world’s best in Bellator, ONE Championship, and the UFC—is still in the fight. But now, he can’t do it alone.

The Fight of His Life

Ben Askren’s legacy in combat sports is well-documented. A former Bellator and ONE Champion, Askren transitioned to the UFC in 2019 in one of the most talked-about trades in MMA history. While his UFC stint was brief, his presence was unforgettable. From his wild comeback win over Robbie Lawler to the infamous knockout by Jorge Masvidal, Askren was never afraid to put it all on the line.

Beyond the cage, Ben is a devoted father, husband, coach, and wrestling mentor. He’s helped shape the lives of countless young athletes through his wrestling academies and continued to contribute to the MMA world as an analyst, coach, and personality.

Now, it’s the community’s turn to return the favor.

Medical Bills, Transplant Costs, and Why This Matters

In the U.S., lung transplants can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars—and that doesn’t include extended ICU care, recovery, medications, or the impact on family life. While the Askrens are not ones to ask for help lightly, the road ahead is financially daunting.

A fundraising campaign has been launched through Help Hope Live to support Ben’s medical journey. Every donation goes directly toward transplant-related expenses, giving the Askrens the resources they need to fight without the crushing weight of financial stress.

This isn’t just about Ben Askren the fighter. It’s about Ben Askren the man—one of the most influential athletes in modern wrestling and MMA. His reach spans far beyond the Octagon. If you’ve trained on a mat, followed MMA, or wrestled in the Midwest, chances are Ben has inspired you in some way.

How You Can Help

The MMA community is known for circling the wagons when one of its own is in need. Now is the time to show up:

🫁 Donate – The official fundraiser is now live: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/25865/

📣 Share the Link – Post it on your socials. Text it to your training partners. Share it with your gym group chat. Every little bit counts.

🙏 Send Prayers and Positive Vibes – The support of a community can do wonders for the spirit. Let’s flood the Askrens with messages of encouragement, hope, and strength.

Conclusion: Ben’s Legacy Isn’t Over

Ben Askren has never been a stranger to adversity. He’s beaten the odds, defied expectations, and carved out a legacy as one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history. This chapter is different, but the mindset remains the same: survive, adapt, and overcome.

Let’s help him win this one, too.

Donate Now: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/25865/

Because even champions need a corner.