Ben Askren’s prognosis is great after lung transplant recovery kicked off a wave of hope across the combat sports world as the former MMA and wrestling standout revealed doctors have cleared him for a potentially long, healthy life. His journey—from near-fatal illness to courageous comeback—has captured global attention, fueled by emotional support from friends, rivals, and fans alike.
A Life‑Threatening Health Crisis
In early June 2025, Ben Askren was admitted to the hospital with severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he required ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Eventually, his only chance to survive was a double lung transplant, a procedure that insurers declined to cover. After raising nearly half a million dollars through community efforts, he received the transplant—and his family later announced the lifesaving surgery was successful.
In a deeply emotional video from his hospital bed on July 9, Askren disclosed that he “died four times”, with his heart stopping for up to twenty seconds at each episode. He also admitted he had lost around 50 lbs, dropping to just 147 lbs—his leanest weight since adolescence.
Released Home After 59‑Day Hospital Battle
After 59 days in the hospital, Askren was finally discharged in late July and reunited with his wife, Amy, at home. In an emotional update posted from a car, he explained: “Day 59, I’m out… it was a long journey,” but warned recovery was just beginning. He still cannot walk unassisted and is re-learning basic movements. Nonetheless, his message was resolute: he promised to “work my a‑s off” to rebuild strength.
Askren praised the flood of support—from fans, friends, fellow fighters, and strangers—who rallied around his family during the ordeal. He emphasized how deeply moved he was by people flying across the country to provide help, emotional messages, and donations.
Support from Former Rivals and UFC Leadership
What has surprised many most: messages of solidarity came from Askren’s former opponents. Jorge Masvidal sent a heartfelt note, saying: “God bless you… When I get back to America, I could come shake your hand… and share a prayer.” Jake Paul, who famously knocked Askren out in his 2021 boxing debut, donated roughly $500,000 to help with the transplant costs—and hailed Askren as “one of the toughest fighters of all time.”
Even Dana White, UFC President, admitted he contacted Amy privately to offer help and said he found Askren’s survival story “unbelievable.” White added that Askren’s physical recovery deserves deep respect, given how dire the situation became.
Doctor’s Prognosis: Great Health Ahead
In the most recent update, Askren emphasized that despite the trauma, his medical team has given him a very positive long‑term prognosis. According to interviews with TMZ and other outlets, doctors believe he can go on to live a full, happy, and active life, even potentially running marathons down the road.
Now at home, he is slowly regaining mobility—attempting light curls, bed tasks, family time, and home‑cooked meals—as he continues his rehabilitative effort, medication regimen, and emotional reset. tmz.com
Ben Askren’s Recovery Message to Fans
Askren’s post‑hospital message has been both vulnerable and motivational. He shared that at times he didn’t recall much—he learned his own history by reading Amy’s journal entries. He made it clear: this is not the end, but a new beginning. In the most recent video, he challenged anyone feeling stuck: “What are you waiting for? Let’s make it happen.” His determination to bounce back has resonated worldwide.
Through all this, Askren remains thankful—not just for survival, but for the opportunity to rebuild, to live more and give back in ways he hadn’t before.
Conclusion
Ben Askren’s story—severe bacterial pneumonia, a staph infection, four cardiac arrests, and a double lung transplant—ought to have ended in tragedy. Instead, it turned into a comeback of resilience, solidarity, and unwavering spirit. Today, doctors say his prognosis is great, rivals have reached out with respect and prayer, and the fencing combat community has rallied like never before.
Askren may not walk unaided yet, may have lost unimaginable weight, and faces a long road back—but he’s alive, accepted the help he needed, and is determined to thrive again. That’s not just recovery—it’s transformation.
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