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Ben Askren Shares Emotional Recovery Update After Double Lung Transplant

His Instagram video highlights a harrowing recovery marked by repeated cardiac arrests accompanied by drastic weight loss

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Former UFC fighter Ben Askren.

Overview

  • Askren underwent a double lung transplant on June 30 after severe pneumonia from a staph infection required ventilator and ECMO support.
  • He experienced four cardiac arrests during his ordeal and lost 46 pounds, reaching 147 pounds.
  • The fighter reported a full month of memory loss and used his wife’s journal to reconstruct his journey.
  • In the video, Askren appeared weak and coughing as he struggled to speak while recounting his near-fatal battle.
  • Prominent MMA figures including Daniel Cormier, Belal Muhammad and Chuck Norris have publicly rallied around Askren with messages of support.