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Ben Askren Undergoes Double Lung Transplant

Expressing deep gratitude to the donor family, his wife said he is beginning post-transplant recovery.

Ben Askren has undergone a double lung transplant after battling sudden pneumonia.
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Mixed Martial Arts - Ultimate Fighting Championship - UFC - O2 Arena, London, Britain - March 16, 2019 Ben Askren talks to the media REUTERS/Matthew Childs/File Photo
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Overview

  • Askren, 40, fell critically ill in early June with severe pneumonia from a staph infection and was placed on ventilator and ECMO support on June 17.
  • He was added to the double lung transplant waiting list on June 24 and successfully received the new lungs on June 30.
  • Wife Amy Askren announced the surgery on Facebook, thanking the donor family and calling each day after surgery a gift.
  • The former Olympic wrestler and MMA champion is being closely monitored in Wisconsin and is expected to share a health update once he emerges from sedation.
  • Askren retired from MMA in 2019 with a 19-2 record, now runs a Wisconsin wrestling academy and has drawn widespread support from the combat sports community.