Former MMA star Ben Askren has reportedly received a double lung transplant, according to his wife, Amy Askren.
Askren was hospitalized several weeks ago after developing a severe case of pneumonia. About a week ago, Amy revealed that he had been officially placed on the lung transplant waiting list.
On Monday morning, Amy took to Facebook to share the latest update: Askren underwent a successful double lung transplant. The well-known former UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship fighter is now on the road to recovery following the life-saving procedure.
“We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant,” Askren wrote. “We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift. It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago. So much can change so quickly. Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own. I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now. I can’t wait to tell Ben all about It.
“I’m hopeful that in coming weeks Ben will be able to give the next update, but hopefully he will wait until the drugs wear off.”
Ben Askren’s health battle took a serious turn after he was diagnosed with a severe case of pneumonia, which led to his hospitalization and required both a ventilator and an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine to support his lungs.
Throughout his time in the hospital, the MMA community has rallied behind the former fighter, sending support and well wishes with every update shared by his family. That support appears to be making a difference, with recent developments pointing to progress in his recovery.
Askren’s former boxing opponent, Jake Paul, expressed a willingness to help with Askren’s medical journey. Following his win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. this past weekend in Anaheim, Paul publicly stated his intention to support Askren during this difficult time.
