Ben Askren has revealed via social media that he has undergone double lung surgery during which he ‘died four times’.
The former Olympic wrestler and MMA fighter has been hospitalised for over a month owing to a severe case of pneumonia, which prompted the major operation. Askren’s wife, Amy, revealed via a series of social media posts that her husband was put on a ventilator in June and was in fact placed on the donor list for a lung transplant last month.
Of his memory of the last six weeks, Askren said: “No recollection, zero idea, no idea what happened. I just read through my wife’s journal. It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous.”
Askren also made a shocking revelation, adding: “I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.”
He said that he has lost 50 pounds during his time in hospital, but was quick to praise his fans for the support he has received.
“The thing that was most impeccable to me was all the love I felt,” Askren added. “It was almost like I got to have my own funeral.”
UFC fighter Ben Askren pictured (Image: Getty)
One of those who has been heavily supportive of Askren’s recovery is Jake Paul.
On Thursday, he posted on X: “Shout out to Ben Askren. Just proved that he’s one of the toughest fighters of all time”
Askren made a brief return to combat sports in April 2021 when he fought Paul. The social media star won by technical knockout in the first round.
Paul’s support for former MMA star
Paul has previously urged his supporters to donate towards Askren’s cause and recovery.
Paul spoke out about Askren’s need for donations following his win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in California last week in his first fight since his bout with Mike Tyson last year.
“Say a prayer for Ben Askren and for his family,” Paul said in the wake of his victory over Chavez Jr. “We all need to support him. Everyone should go donate to him.”
Ahead of the fight, Paul had routinely commented on Askren’s situation, stating: “My prayers go out to him. I feel sorry for his family, I can’t imagine what they’re going through.
“I just hope that he can recover because there’s so much more to life besides fighting and careers. I’m wishing him the best and I’m here if they need any support.”
White’s backing for Askren
UFC President and CEO Dana White has also made a public donation and shared a link to his followers to donate to Askren’s cause last month.
“Click the link to help Ben Askren,” White said. A lung transplant ranges from $300,000 to $400,000 in the United States, which could come as a huge financial blow for Askren, who retired from MMA in 2019.
