Imagine waking up from a deep, prolonged sleep, only to discover you’d been much closer to the final curtain than you could ever recall. For Ben Askren, the celebrated former UFC contender and Olympic wrestler, this isn`t a hypothetical scenario but a stark reality. In a testament to human resilience and modern medicine, Askren recently revealed he “only died four times” during his harrowing battle with severe pneumonia, which culminated in a life-saving double lung transplant. His story is a compelling narrative of survival, memory, and the profound power of human connection.
A Fighter`s Most Formidable Opponent
Ben Askren, known for his unorthodox wrestling-heavy style and an unwavering, often humorous, confidence, carved out a unique legacy in the world of mixed martial arts. His career, marked by championships in Bellator and ONE Championship before a brief but memorable stint in the UFC, solidified his reputation as one of MMA`s most distinctive figures. Yet, even the toughest fighters face battles beyond the octagon. Askren`s most formidable opponent arrived in the form of severe pneumonia, leading to a hospitalization period he can barely recall.
The Battle for Breath and Lost Time
From May 28 to July 2, a significant void exists in Askren`s memory. This period of his life, a critical fight for survival, remains largely a blank slate to him. During this time, his wife, Amy Askren, maintained a poignant journal, chronicling a fight for life that saw Ben largely unconscious as doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition. It was through her entries that Askren pieced together the harrowing reality of what transpired.
The most chilling revelation, delivered with Askren’s characteristic understated delivery, was the fact that his heart, the steadfast engine of an elite athlete, reportedly stopped on four separate occasions, each for approximately 20 seconds. A grim detail, perhaps, but one that underscores the sheer gravity of his condition and the narrow escapes he endured.
A Miraculous Awakening and the Journal`s Revelation
Ultimately, the medical team determined that a double lung transplant was his best, and perhaps only, chance at survival. This complex procedure was successfully performed, ushering Askren into a new phase of his fight: recovery. Upon regaining full consciousness, Askren was presented with a narrative not his own, a medical thriller penned by his wife. Reading her journal, he recounted, felt “like a movie. It’s ridiculous.” The entries detailed the fluctuating hopes, the desperate measures, and the sheer grit required to keep him alive.
The physical toll of such an ordeal is often immense, and Askren was no exception. He shed a staggering 50 pounds in just 45 days, his weight plummeting to 147 pounds—a figure he hadn`t seen since his teenage years. While his memory of this rapid transformation is absent, the physical evidence serves as a stark reminder of the body’s fight for survival against overwhelming odds.
The Long Road to Recovery
The journey to full recovery from a double lung transplant is long and arduous, extending for months and fraught with the risks of infection and organ rejection in the initial post-operative phase. Yet, Askren reports “gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again,” a testament to his innate resilience, perhaps a trait honed in the wrestling room and MMA cage. His current focus is on rebuilding his physical capabilities and navigating the complex landscape of post-transplant life, a challenge he appears to be approaching with the same methodical determination he applied to his athletic career.
The Unifying Power of Community
Beyond the medical marvel, Askren was profoundly moved by the global outpouring of support he received. Messages from fans, fellow athletes, and the close-knit wrestling community flooded in, offering comfort and hope to his family during the darkest hours. In a moment of striking introspection, he likened the experience to attending his own funeral—not morbidly, but appreciating the heartfelt tributes while still alive to receive them. A rare privilege, indeed, to witness the impact one has had on others while still having the chance to live out the rest of your days.
“It was almost like I got to have my own funeral… The outpouring of love from the wrestling community is just amazing. It felt so good.”
This immense wave of support served as a powerful reminder of the bonds forged through sport and shared humanity, providing solace not only to Ben but to his entire family and close circle who endured the agonizing uncertainty by his side.
Ben Askren`s story is more than a medical report; it’s a powerful narrative of human vulnerability, the incredible advancements in medical science, and the profound impact of community. From literally dying four times to embarking on a new chapter, his journey serves as a poignant reminder that even the most formidable competitors face their greatest challenges outside the arena, and that true strength often lies in enduring the unthinkable. His recovery continues, but his voice, now clearer and imbued with newfound perspective, rings with gratitude for the life he fought so hard to reclaim.
Marcus Blakely