Ben Askren, the former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler, faced a life-threatening medical crisis in 2025. What happened to Ben Askren was severe pneumonia linked to a staph infection that led to lung failure, ICU care, and a double lung transplant. He later said he remembers little of the ordeal and is now focused on recovery and rebuilding strength.
Timeline: What happened to Ben Askren
Ben Askren’s 2025 health crisis escalated fast, ending in a double lung transplant after severe pneumonia linked to a staph infection. Reports stated he was added to the lung transplant donor list on June 24, 2025, before surgery later that month.
- Late May 2025: Hospitalised in Wisconsin with severe pneumonia tied to a staph infection.
- June 2025: Placed on a ventilator and ECMO during the worst phase.
- 24 June 2025: Added to the lung transplant donor list.
- Late June 2025: Underwent a double lung transplant.
- Early July 2025: He later described the stretch as roughly 45 days, with little memory
- 2025: Askren said his heart stopped four times during the crisis
Where is he now?
Ben Askren is in recovery after the double lung transplant, focusing on regaining strength and normal breathing capacity. His public status has centred on rehab progress rather than competition.
The Ben Askren lung story does not erase his sports résumé. He was a two-time NCAA champion at Missouri and a 2008 U.S. Olympian before becoming a Bellator and ONE champion.
If you’re asking, “Ben Askren, what happened to him,” the short answer is a medical emergency that turned into a transplant fight. His current public role is closer to coaching and family life than elite MMA.
FAQ
Did Ben Askren get a lung transplant?
Yes, Ben Askren received a double lung transplant in late June 2025 after severe pneumonia linked to a staph infection caused lung failure and required ICU support. He had been placed on the donor list on 24 June 2025.
What illness did Ben Askren have?
He battled severe pneumonia connected to a staph infection, which led to lung failure. During the most decisive phase, he required intensive care support, including mechanical ventilation and ECMO, before doctors pursued a double lung transplant.
Where is Ben Askren now?
He is recovering post-transplant and rebuilding strength. Public updates concentrate on rehabilitation and day-to-day recovery rather than any return to fighting. He has also been linked with youth wrestling work in Wisconsin alongside his long career in combat sports.
Is Ben Askren okay?
He survived a life-threatening medical crisis and made it through a double lung transplant, but recovery is a long process. Askren has spoken about how serious the ordeal was, including that his heart stopped multiple times, and his focus now is rehabilitation and health.
