Who is Ben Askren?
Ben Askren is a retired American wrestler and mixed martial artist known for his exceptional career in both collegiate wrestling and professional combat sports. Born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Askren rose to national prominence as a standout wrestler at the University of Missouri, where he became a two-time NCAA Division I champion and a four-time All-American.
His unorthodox "funky" wrestling style earned him the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy twice and a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in 2008. After transitioning to MMA, Askren went undefeated in Bellator and ONE Championship, becoming the welterweight champion in both organizations. He later signed with the UFC in 2019, where he won a controversial bout against Robbie Lawler but suffered a record-breaking five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal and later lost to Demian Maia before retiring.
In 2021, Askren made headlines again when he stepped into the boxing ring against YouTuber Jake Paul, a match he lost via first-round TKO. Outside the cage and ring, Askren has remained active in the wrestling community as a coach and commentator, while also dabbling in podcasting, disc golf, and cryptocurrency investing.
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What Happened to Ben Askren?
Ben Askren, aged 40, was hospitalized in Wisconsin in late May 2025 after developing severe pneumonia, which rapidly escalated due to a staph infection.
The infection caused his lungs to fail, leaving him unconscious and on a ventilator for weeks. During this time, Askren was placed in a medically-induced coma as doctors fought to save his life.
Askren’s condition deteriorated so quickly that he lost all memory of the events between May 28 and July 2.
He later learned, by reading his wife Amy’s journal, that his heart had stopped four times for about 20 seconds each—a harrowing ordeal he described as “only dying four times”
Why Did Ben Askren Need a Double Lung Transplant?
Askren’s pneumonia, compounded by a staph infection, led to irreversible lung damage—specifically lung necrosis (permanent tissue death). As his lungs failed to heal, he was officially placed on the transplant list. The only hope for survival was a double lung transplant, which he received at the end of June 2025.
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His wife, Amy, shared on social media:
“We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant. We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift.”
Jake Paul on Ben Askren
Call for Action: During a post-fight press conference on June 29, 2025, Jake Paul lambasted the silence surrounding Askren's situation, saying “it sucks that no one is doing anything… None of these people, like Dana [White]… are stepping in. So I feel like I have to do something.”
Personal Involvement: Paul, along with his brother Logan, pledged to donate in order to help cover the transplant costs after Askren’s insurance initially denied coverage.
The Ordeal: Coma, Memory Loss, and Recovery
Coma and Memory Loss: Askren was in a coma for 45 days and has no recollection of that period.
Weight Loss: He lost 50 pounds during his hospitalization, dropping to 147 pounds—the lightest he’d been since age 15.
Near-Death Experiences: His heart stopped four times, each for about 20 seconds.
Recovery: After the transplant, Askren began regaining strength and relearning basic functions. He credited the overwhelming support from fans and the wrestling community as a major source of motivation
Ben Askren’s Health Crisis Timeline
Social Media Reactions and Support
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The Financial Struggle: Crowdfunding and Insurance
Despite his fame, Askren’s family had to turn to crowdfunding to cover the high costs of the transplant and recovery, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over £3,235(source: hindustantimes). Discussions on social media questioned why a former UFC star would need public donations, reigniting debates about fighter pay and healthcare coverage in combat sports.
Ben Askren’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
Askren’s ordeal has brought attention to the risks athletes face even after retirement and the importance of organ donation. He remains grateful for the support and is determined to give back to the community as he rebuilds his life.
FAQ
Question 1: What caused Ben Askren’s lung failure?
Answer: A severe case of pneumonia, complicated by a staph infection, led to irreversible lung damage (lung necrosis).
Question 2: How long was Ben Askren in a coma?
Answer: He was in a medically-induced coma for about 45 days, from late May to early July 2025.
Question 3: Did Ben Askren’s heart really stop during his illness?
Answer: Yes, his heart stopped four times for about 20 seconds each during his hospitalization.
Question 4: Why did Ben Askren’s family need to crowdfund for his treatment?
Answer: The high costs of a double lung transplant and post-op care, combined with insurance complications, led the family to seek public donations.
Question 5: How is Ben Askren doing now?
Answer: He is recovering, regaining strength, and remains optimistic about his future, expressing gratitude for the support he received
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on publicly available reports, interviews, and verified social media sources as of July 2025. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, medical details, timelines, and personal accounts may be subject to updates or further clarification by Ben Askren, his family, or medical professionals.
