Ben Askren's Health Update After Lung Transplant
The successful double lung transplant surgery is a significant step forward for Askren, who was in critical condition just weeks ago, and his family is grateful for the outpouring of support from the MMA community and beyond, as he begins his journey towards recovery.
Former MMA champion Ben Askren, 40, has undergone a successful double lung transplant surgery after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia and a staph infection, with his wife Amy sharing that the surgery was successful but warning that the situation can change quickly.
Askren, a former two-time NCAA Division I champion in wrestling and member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, was hospitalized in Wisconsin and added to a lung transplant list, showing small signs of improvement before the surgery. His wife Amy stated that his other organs are "OK" and that he had even requested coffee, a sign that his mind is healthy.
The MMA community, including Jake Paul, has shown support for Askren, with Paul criticizing UFC president Dana White for his lack of support and announcing that he and his brother Logan would be making donations to help fund the surgery. Paul stated that insurance had denied Askren the transplant, which is one of the most expensive surgeries, and that White's inaction was "insane" and "f***ed up."
Askren's successful surgery is a positive development, and his fans and loved ones are hoping for a full recovery. Amy expressed gratitude for the support and hopes Ben will address his fans soon, as the former UFC fighter begins his road to recovery.