Former UFC fighter Ben Askren makes shocking health revelation after double lung transplant

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has spoken publicly for the first time after contracting a bacterial infection which eventually led to a life-threatening case of pneumonia and a resultant double lung transplant.

In June, the 40-year-old was admitted to hospital in Wisconsin, placed on a ventilator and put on the transplant list after developing severe pneumonia following a staph infection. Wife Amy, with whom Askren has three children, explained on social media her husband had been “completely healthy” prior to the initial infection.

Following the double lung transplant, Askren has revealed he “died four times” before having the life-saving intervention.

Ben Askren offers health update: “I died four times”

In an Instagram video taken from his hospital bed, the Iowa native shared the shocking details of what he had gone through.

“I actually just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2. No recollection. No idea what happened.

“I just read through the journal and it’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous. So, I only died four times. The ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.

“I was actually on the scale yesterday, 147lb. I haven’t been 147lb since I was 15 years old.”

Askren: “I got to have my own funeral”

Askren took the opportunity to thank fans for their support, which is driving him on to get better.

“I’m gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again.

“The thing that was most impactful to me was all the love I felt from everybody. It was almost like I got to have my own funeral.

“The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing. It felt so good. I’m more motivated than ever to give back and do what I can, help out the best I can.”

Askren won 19 of his 22 fights in MMA between February 2009 and October 2019, the month before he announced his retirement. Two years later, he faced YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul in a boxing match, losing by technical knockout in the first round.

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