Former MMA fighter Ben Askren ‘died four times’ before life-saving double lung transplant
Former UFC fighter gives emotional update after double lung transplant
- Former Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Ben Askren is recovering in hospital after undergoing a double lung transplant.
- Askren was hospitalised with severe pneumonia, placed on a ventilator in June, and added to the donor list on 24 June.
- In an emotional Instagram video, Askren revealed he has little recollection of a critical month-long period from late May to early July, during which his heart reportedly stopped four times.
- During his 45-day ordeal, Askren lost 50 pounds. He has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support he received.
- The 40-year-old, who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics and had a distinguished MMA career, now runs a youth wrestling academy in Wisconsin.