In the world of combat sports, Ben Askren earned a reputation as “Funky” – an unconventional, highly effective wrestler whose grappling prowess often left opponents bewildered. Yet, his latest and arguably most profound battle unfolded not in an octagon, but within the sterile confines of a hospital Intensive Care Unit. Following a severe bout of pneumonia, the former UFC and Bellator champion underwent a double lung transplant, a life-saving procedure from which he is now remarkably recovering. His recent public statements offer a stark, sobering, yet ultimately inspiring glimpse into a fight far more intense than any he waged in the ring.
The Abyss of Unknowing: A Memory Erased
Askren`s recollection of a critical period, specifically from May 28 to July 2, remains entirely absent. This significant void in his memory highlights the sheer intensity of his medical crisis. While his wife, Amy Askren, meticulously documented his struggle in a journal, Ben himself has no conscious recall of these harrowing weeks. He describes reading his wife`s entries as akin to experiencing a “movie,” a detached observation of a period when his body battled fiercely for survival, largely without his awareness.
The Unthinkable: Four Times the Ticker Stopped
Perhaps the most chilling revelation from Askren`s update is the candid admission of his heart stopping on multiple occasions. “I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” he stated with a disarming directness. While delivered with a characteristic Askren bluntness, this detail underscores the extreme fragility of his condition and the tireless efforts of medical professionals. To be resuscitated four times, each moment a critical juncture between life and irreversible cessation, is a testament to both modern medicine and an underlying, perhaps unyielding, physical fortitude.
A Body Transformed: The Physical Toll of Survival
The severity of Askren`s illness also manifested in a dramatic physical transformation. Upon weighing himself recently, he registered 147 pounds. For context, this is a weight he claims not to have seen since he was 15 years old. The loss of approximately 50 pounds in a mere 45-day period paints a vivid picture of the metabolic and physiological demands placed upon his body during its fight against severe infection and the subsequent recovery process. It is a stark visual representation of the internal war that raged, leaving him profoundly weakened but ultimately victorious.
The Road to Recovery: A Gradual Ascent
The double lung transplant was a pivotal moment, yet it marks the beginning, not the end, of Askren`s recovery journey. While specific timelines for his hospital stay remain undisclosed, such procedures typically necessitate months of rehabilitation. The immediate aftermath is fraught with risks, particularly infection and organ rejection. Askren acknowledges the ongoing challenge, noting he is “gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again.” This phase requires immense patience, rigorous physical therapy, and constant medical monitoring as his body adjusts to its new organs.
A Unique Form of “Funeral”: The Outpouring of Love
Beyond the clinical details of his medical battle, Askren reflected on the profound emotional impact of the support he received. He expressed immense gratitude for the “outpouring of love” from the wrestling community and beyond. With a characteristic blend of introspection and subtle irony, he noted, “It was almost like I got to have my own funeral.” This rare, somewhat macabre, but deeply human experience allowed him to witness the depth of affection and respect people held for him while he was still able to process it – a privilege many do not receive. This unique perspective highlights the universal human need for connection and validation, especially in times of crisis.
Ben Askren`s journey is more than just a medical update on a sports personality. It is a compelling narrative of resilience in the face of near-insurmountable odds, a tribute to the advancements in medical science, and a powerful demonstration of the human spirit`s capacity to endure, recover, and find gratitude even after peering into the abyss. His fight, once confined to the mat and the cage, has now taken on a far more fundamental and inspiring dimension, echoing the core tenets of perseverance that define champions in every walk of life.