Ben Askren Speaks Out After Lung Transplant – ‘I Died Four Times’

Ben Askren has addressed his fans from the hospital bed in the aftermath of his double lung transplant. 

Askren has been facing a major battle with his health after he was hospitalized with pneumonia. The former welterweight champion in Bellator and ONE Championship had been placed on a ventilator. Askren was also on an ECMO machine, which took over the functions of his heart and lungs. His wife, Amy Askren, then revealed that Askren was on a waiting list for the lung transplant, which he subsequently had.

Askren’s condition raised a lot worry in the combat sports community. Jake Paul addressed the situation, telling his fans to help cover the medical care costs by donating if they were in a position. Askren has now addressed his health, revealing he felt as though as he had died, showing the severity of the situation. The following video shows Askren speaking from the hospital bed. 

Askren Reacts

“I haven’t given you an update in a while and figure you deserve one. Whenever this is all the way over. I just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2. I have no recollection. No idea. No idea what happened. We’ll kind of go through it all. I just kind of read through my wife’s journal. It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous.

“I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal. You guys know that. But I got a double lung transplant. I made it out to the other side of it, gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again. I was actually on the scale yesterday, 147 pounds. I haven’t been 147 pounds since I was 15 years old. I lost 50 pounds in a 45-day period. So, man. That was a battle. Obviously, I don’t remember most of it.

Further Reaction

“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. Right? I still remember 30 years ago when Dave Schultz died and you listen to all these older people recollect how much they enjoyed him and how much they loved him. Obviously, he never got to hear that.

“So, the outpouring of love from the wrestling community was amazing. It felt so good. I’m more motivated than ever to give back and do what I can. I love you guys. I appreciate you guys. This has been tough, not only on me but my whole family, and my close community. I appreciate everything. I hope you guys appreciate the update. Like I said, sometime down the road maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more,” Askren said