Ben Askren: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Ben Askren returns to wrestling training just months after life-saving double lung transplant

Ben Askren underwent a life-saving double lung transplant this summer, and just months later is already back training. While it’s unlikely that Askren will ever compete in wrestling again, he is one of the sport’s most recognizable names.

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Could Ben Askren compete again? Doctor explains why inspirational comeback ‘isn’t crazy’

Ben Askren was excited by the prospect of competing again before having to overcome the biggest challenge he’s faced. 2025 has been an incredibly difficult year for Askren and his loved ones following a serious health scare that came out of nowhere.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / October 22

Ben Askren Highlights Late Coach Duke Roufus’ Impact on His Life in Emotional Tribute Amid Lung Transplant Recovery

Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren — these are just a few of the elite fighters trained by Duke Roufus, the renowned kickboxing champion and founder of Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / October 18

Ben Askren Reveals Undergoing Second Surgery in Emotional Health Update Months After Double Lung Transplant

“Prochazka comes back and wins that fight… I don’t think Merab gets stopped… I’m leaning towards Ankalaev.” Two weeks ago, reaching out to fans on Instagram, Ben Askren shared his predictions for UFC 320.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / October 13

Ben Askren proves he can still wrestle as his ‘insane recovery’ from near-death experience continues

Ben Askren has wowed fans by showing he’s still got the wrestling skills that made him famous. Earlier this year, the former two-promotion MMA champion

MMA News / EssentiallySports / September 24

Tears Flow as 14-Year-Old Cancer Warrior’s Heartbreaking Fight Ends Leaving Lasting Impact on Ben Askren’s Wife & Netizens

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has had a very rough 2025 as he narrowly escaped death. ‘Funky’ suffered a serious lung infection caused by a staph infection that later escalated to pneumonia.

MMA News / NY Fights / September 3

MMA Community Rallies Behind Ben Askren as He Jogged for the First Time Since Life-Saving Double Lung Transplant

Ben Askren has always embodied what it means to be a fighter. Not just inside the cage but in life itself. For those unaware, the former UFC star endured a terrifying battle with necrotizing pneumonia, spending 45 days in a coma before undergoing a double lung transplant.

Ben Askren Opens Up on Near-Death Scare and Wife’s Heroic Decision

Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren owes his life to his wife, Amy Askren, after a routine wrestling session nearly killed him in May 2025. As a fighter,

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / August 23

Ben Askren slams Conor McGregor for recent sparring footage showing him beating up young fighter

Conor McGregor is clearly trying to get into fighting shape ahead of a potential comeback to the UFC Octagon. Having not fought since 2021 when he broke his ankle during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, it seemed as though Conor McGregor would never step foot back in the Octagon.

Ben Askren Calls Out Conor McGregor for ‘Bullying’ Youngsters in Italy

There is no doubt that fans have anticipated former double champion Conor McGregor‘s return. The Irishman has been teasing a return to the Octagon ever since his last fight in 2021.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / August 15

‘I was unconscious’… Ben Askren walks back Patchy Mix prediction after learning about UFC debut disaster

Ben Askren is still catching up on the world of MMA after his recent stints in the hospital. In June, the former fighter was placed into a coma as he battled a life-threatening case of pneumonia.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / August 6

Ben Askren Reveals What Awakened in Him After His 45-Day Coma

Ben Askren opens up after dying four times and waking from a 45-day coma The combat sports world has seen its share of comebacks—but none like this. After a 45-day coma, multiple cardiac arrests, and a life-saving double lung transplant, former UFC star Ben Askren has returned home and broken his silence.

MMA News / Dice City Sports / August 5

Ben Askren gives a ‘humbling’ update

UFC legend Ben Askren has had one heck of a ride as of late. A few months ago, Askren was healthy with no plans for the remainder of the year. Askren had no plans of fighting for his life for months and undergoing a double lung transplant.

MMA News / Dice City Sports / July 29

New Developments in Ben Askren’s Recovery

It is being reported by MMA Weekly that Ben Askren has been readmitted into the hospital following a complication with his double lung transplant recovery.

MMA News / BoxingNews.com / July 29

Ben Askren Returns To Hospital After Chest Infection

Ben Askren has been hospitalized again following a chest infection, which came shortly after the news that he had come home. Askren had been in the hospital after suffering from a 58-day battle with pneumonia, which began in June.

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MMA News / Dice City Sports / July 23

Positive Ben Askren Update

It is being reported that after spending 59 days in a hospital in Wisconsin, former UFC and Bellator legend Ben Askren has been released and headed home.

MMA News / MMA Weekly / July 23

Ben Askren exposes lying celebrities for false surgery donations

Ben Askren's life-threatening battle with pneumonia saw an entire community come together in hopes Askren made it through alive. However, it seems not everybody's intentions were pure.

MMA News / MMA Weekly / July 23

Ben Askren released from hospital after 59 days

Former UFC and Bellator fighter Ben Askren turned 41 and hoped to be released from the hospital on his birthday. Disappointed, but positive, Askren provided an update hoping to be discharged. On Tuesday, Askren revealed that he had been released from the hospital after 59 days following having a double lung transplant surgery.

MMA News / Dice City Sports / July 21

Ben Askren to remain hospitalized following transplant

It is being reported that UFC and Bellator fighter Ben Askren will remain hospitalized after double lung transplant. Askren turned 41 on last Friday. In early June, Askren’s wife, Amy publicly revealed that he was hospitalized but it was for “severe pneumonia” in a Nevada hospital.

MMA News / Larry Brown Sports / July 9

Ben Askren says he ‘died four times’ during health scare

Ben Askren on Wednesday appeared on camera to share a message with his fans for the first time since his significant health scare.

MMA News / Larry Brown Sports / June 17

Ben Askren might need lung transplant

Famous wrestling/MMA figure Ben Askren may need a lung transplant as he continues to deal with serious health issues.

MMA News / Larry Brown Sports / June 9

Ben Askren in hospital with severe pneumonia, staph infection

Prominent MMA and wrestling figure Ben Askren is in the hospital with severe pneumonia, his wife disclosed via social media on Saturday. Amy Askren shared a post on her Facebook page that provided an update about her husband.

MMA News / The Spun / June 8

Prayers Pouring In For Former MMA Star Ben Askren

Former MMA champion Ben Askren is facing some serious health complications, according to his wife. Taking to Facebook on Saturday, Ben's wife Amy announced that the 40-year-old ex-fighter has been hospitalized with "severe pneumonia" and his body hasn't been responding to the treatment.

MMA News / MMA Weekly / June 8

Ben Askren in critical condition with severe pneumonia and staph infection

Ben Askren is currently fighting for his life in hospital after he was struck with a severe case of staph infection and pneumonia. Askren is one of mixed martial arts brightest personalities, with his style of entertainment on the mic somewhat reminiscent of old school professional wrestling.

MMA News / Yardbarker / July 25, 2023