Former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren has been placed on the lung transplant list following a serious battle with pneumonia that landed him on a ventilator. Askren’s wife, Amy, confirmed the news Tuesday, calling on supporters to pray for a successful transplant and for the family of a potential donor.
Askren, 40, was hospitalized in Wisconsin earlier this month after a staph infection developed into severe pneumonia. Despite the grave condition, doctors have determined that his other organs remain healthy, giving hope for a recovery if a lung transplant is successful.
Amy Askren shared that Ben is experiencing more moments of awareness, though he remains unable to use his phone or speak. “It’s going to be a huge adjustment for Ben, but our family is so thankful that his other organs are OK and that there is a path forward,” she said. She also noted the emotional toll of the situation, adding a request for prayers for the donor and their family.
Askren, a standout in American wrestling, was a two-time NCAA Division I champion and represented the United States at the 2008 Olympics. He transitioned to mixed martial arts, where he built an impressive 19-2 record. Askren fought in major promotions including Bellator and ONE Championship before finishing his career in the UFC. His final bout took place in October 2019 against Demian Maia.
Support has poured in from the MMA community and fans across the country as Askren waits for a donor match. His situation underscores the seriousness of respiratory complications and the importance of organ donation.
