Dana White Confirms Financially Helping ex-UFC Star Ben Askren with Lung Transplant

On June 24, Askren was placed on the transplant list and by June 30 had successfully received life‑saving double lung replacement surgery. After weeks of silence, a physically lean Askren finally updated his fans and followers on social media about his positive updates.

During the 45 days in hospital, his heart stopped four times, his ticker flatlined briefly, and he lost fifty pounds, hitting just 147 lbs at one point. Now, Askren began regaining strength, relearning basic movement, and shared heartfelt gratitude alongside optimism about his road to recovery.

Ben Askren’s latest updates about his health

Ben Askren began his fighting career as a dominant wrestler and became a champion in promotions like Bellator and ONE Championship. He joined the UFC in 2019 through a rare exchange deal that sent Demetrious Johnson to ONE in return for Askren. Dana White, who was initially skeptical of Askren, eventually welcomed him into the UFC due to fan demand and curiosity.

Despite losing most of his UFC fights, including to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia , Askren remained respected for his past accomplishments. The decorated college wrestler and Olympian has mentored numerous UFC fighters and continues offering strategic guidance. In a recent video on his Instagram account, the Olympic wrestler talked about his current mindset after the surgery.

Man, I never smoked one cigarette, never smoked any weed, never did anything. Why did my lungs get stolen from me? Why isn’t this happening to someone who smokes? Then I realized…it happened. I can be bitter and angry, I could whine and cry, but that’s not going to help anybody. I am where I am now and I’m going to move forward the best that I can. So I hope you guys are enjoying the updates. I will not feel sorry for myself. I’m going to be out of here very soon.

Ben Askren via his Instagram

After news of Askren’s recovery surfaced, Jake Paul took to social media to wish him strength and a speedy recovery publicly. Other combat sports figures like Chael Sonnen and Michael Chandler also expressed support and prayers for Askren’s full recovery online. The overwhelming wave of well-wishes showed how respected the ex-UFC star remains in the combat sports world.