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The Unbelievable Comeback: Ben Askren’s Double Lung Transplant And His Shocking Recovery Update

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Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren has faced down opponents from around the globe, but his toughest fight came not in the cage, but in a hospital bed. In a stunning turn of events that captivated the combat sports world, the man known as "Funky" underwent a life-saving double lung transplant in the summer of 2025, following a catastrophic health crisis. The latest updates, as of December 19, 2025, reveal a recovery process that is nothing short of miraculous, showcasing the same relentless determination that defined his legendary career on the mats.

The health scare began with a severe staph infection that quickly escalated into a dire case of pneumonia, leading to complete lung failure. After spending over a month in intensive care, Askren received the life-saving surgery. His journey from near-death to hitting the wrestling mats again in a matter of months is a powerful testament to his warrior spirit and the incredible advancements in modern medicine.

The Life and Career of Benjamin Michael Askren: A Biography

Benjamin Michael Askren, born on July 18, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of American grappling. His career is a roadmap of elite-level competition across multiple disciplines.

  • Full Name: Benjamin Michael Askren
  • Nickname: Funky
  • Born: July 18, 1984 (Age 41 as of late 2025)
  • Hometown: Hartland, Wisconsin, U.S.
  • Collegiate Wrestling: University of Missouri
  • NCAA Career Highlights: Two-time NCAA Division I National Champion (2006, 2007); Two-time NCAA runner-up (2004, 2005); Career record of 153-7 with 93 wins by fall.
  • Olympic Wrestling: Member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team in Beijing (Freestyle).
  • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Former Bellator Welterweight Champion and former ONE Championship Welterweight Champion.
  • Professional MMA Record: 19 wins, 2 losses, 1 No Contest.
  • UFC Career: Fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) before his retirement.
  • Professional Boxing: One professional boxing match (a loss to Jake Paul).
  • Family: Father of three children.

Askren's unique, unorthodox "funky" wrestling style made him a fan favorite and a dominant force, leading to an undefeated run for much of his MMA career before his eventual retirement and brief boxing venture.

The Near-Fatal Health Crisis: Staph Infection, Pneumonia, and Lung Failure

The health battle that led to the double lung transplant began with a common, yet dangerous, adversary: a staph infection. Staph infections (Staphylococcus) are bacterial infections, and while common, they can become life-threatening if they enter the bloodstream or attack major organs.

For Askren, the staph infection rapidly developed into a severe case of pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid. In Askren’s case, the severity led to complete lung failure, a catastrophic condition where the lungs cannot get enough oxygen into the blood or remove enough carbon dioxide.

The former champion spent a grueling 45 days in intensive care (ICU) and was placed on ventilator support as his condition rapidly deteriorated in June 2025. The medical team's only recourse to save his life was to add him to the urgent lung transplant list.

In a candid and shocking revelation about the ordeal, Askren later shared that he "only died four times" during his hospitalization, underscoring the extreme, life-or-death nature of his fight.

The Miraculous Recovery: Hitting the Mats Just Months Later

In the summer of 2025, Askren successfully underwent a double lung transplant. This complex and high-risk surgery replaced his damaged lungs with healthy donor lungs, giving him a second chance at life.

The initial recovery was challenging. Askren lost a significant amount of weight—reportedly 50 pounds—and had to relearn basic motor functions due to the prolonged period of sedation and muscle atrophy.

Key Milestones in Askren's Post-Transplant Journey

  • August 2025: Askren confirmed that his time competing professionally was officially over, acknowledging the life-changing nature of the surgery.
  • Late 2025: He shared updates on his strength gains, working diligently in physical therapy to regain his fitness and lung capacity.
  • November 2025: In a truly astonishing update, Ben Askren was filmed back on the wrestling mats, actively wrestling just months after receiving his new lungs. This rapid return to physical activity is a powerful indicator of his remarkable progress and the success of the transplant.

His recovery is a beacon of hope for others facing severe respiratory illnesses and organ transplants. It highlights the importance of organ donation and the incredible human capacity for healing and resilience. The process involves a lifetime commitment to anti-rejection medications, known as immunosuppressants, to ensure his body accepts the new organs.

Topical Authority: Lung Transplants and Athlete Health

Askren's case raises important questions about athlete health, especially in high-contact sports. While his condition was triggered by a staph infection, the intense physical demands of wrestling and MMA, which require peak cardiovascular health, make any respiratory compromise particularly dangerous.

A double lung transplant is a major medical procedure, typically reserved for end-stage lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis, or, as in Askren's situation, acute lung failure from severe infection. The recovery process is extensive, involving physical rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, and careful management to prevent infection and rejection.

Ben Askren's journey from an Olympic-level athlete to a patient fighting for his life, and now a survivor making an incredible comeback, is a story of profound courage. His willingness to share his vulnerable health updates provides crucial awareness about the severity of common infections like staph and the life-saving role of organ transplantation. His "Funky" spirit is now applied to a new fight: a full, healthy life.

ben askren lung transplant
ben askren lung transplant

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