Ben Askren—once known for his grit inside the cage—is now fighting a very different kind of battle.
The 41-year-old former MMA star recently returned home after undergoing a double lung transplant, and he’s shared an emotional and raw update on just how tough the road to recovery has been.
Finally Home, But a Long Way from Normal
In a heartfelt Instagram video posted on Saturday, Askren reflected on being back home after his terrifying health scare.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “Sleeping in my own bed, eating my own food, being with my family—it’s the best.”
But he didn’t sugarcoat what came next.
Despite the comfort of home, Ben revealed that his body is nowhere near where it used to be.
He’s down 35 pounds and says he struggles to even lift a five-pound dumbbell.
“It’s actually hard for me to curl this,” he admitted.
Not long ago, he was doing hill sprints and curling 45 pounds with ease.
From Fighter to Fighter Again
Even though he paused to catch his breath during parts of the video, Askren’s determination hasn’t wavered.
“I am where I am now,” he said, “but I know I’ll be somewhere different in a month.”
It’s clear the same discipline that made him a world champion is now fuelling his recovery.
Four Near-Deaths and a Miraculous Comeback
Askren also revealed a harrowing detail: during his health crisis, he actually “died” four times.
“The ticker stopped for about 20 seconds,” he said.
It took a double lung transplant to save his life, and when he finally came through the worst of it, he weighed just 147 pounds—something he hadn’t seen on the scale since he was 15 years old.
Overwhelmed by the Support
In what might’ve been the most touching part of his update, Askren spoke about the outpouring of love from fans and the wrestling community.
“It felt like I got to have my own funeral,” he said, describing the overwhelming support. “It was just amazing.”
He made sure to thank everyone: “I love you guys and I appreciate you guys.
This has been tough—not just on me, but on my family and community.”
He added that he and his wife Amy hope to share more details of the journey in the future.
A Family Standing Strong
Amy Askren, Ben’s wife of 15 years, confirmed the transplant news last month, sharing how the family had been hit hard not just emotionally, but financially too.
With lung transplant costs in the U.S. ranging from $300,000 to $400,000, the family turned to the public for help. Donations have been pouring in, showing just how much support the Askrens have behind them.
The Legacy of “Funky” Ben Askren
Before all this, Ben Askren was a fighter through and through.
He entered the MMA world in 2009 after a stellar wrestling career that included two NCAA Division I championships and a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.
He went on an undefeated streak in Bellator and ONE Championship, dominating outside the UFC and earning a reputation as one of the best welterweights in the world.
A Complicated UFC Chapter and Post-Retirement Battles
Askren finally joined the UFC in 2019 in a high-profile trade deal that saw Demetrious Johnson head to ONE.
He won his debut against Robbie Lawler, but tough losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia followed.
He officially retired later that year.
His competitive spirit didn’t die, though. Even after major hip surgery, Askren returned to fight Jake Paul in a boxing match, which ended in a first-round TKO loss.
Still, it showed he never lost that fighter’s heart.
A Husband, A Father, A Fighter
Askren’s not just a public figure—he’s a family man too.
He and Amy share three children—two daughters and a son.
Through everything, his family has been by his side, and now, as he recovers, they remain his biggest source of strength.