Lots has happened since Ben Askren underwent life-saving double lung transplant surgery, now the former UFC competitor has posted an update and reflection of the last 6 months.
Askren (19-2 MMA) competed with Bellator between 2010 and 2014 before moving to Japan to fight with ONE Championship. Following his time with ONE, he spent 2019 with the UFC before deciding to step away from MMA. Following his MMA career, he continued to coach wrestling and even briefly got into professional boxing with a fight against Jake Paul.
Earlier this year, things took a rough turn for Askren, who ran into health troubles and would eventually require a double lung transplant to save his life. Things looked very concerning for a period of time, but luckily Askren was able to make a full recovery. He says that he is still dealing with some issues as a result of the surgery, but despite the hardships, Askren has been able to remain positive.
6 MONTHS post transplant today!!! The last 6 months brought so many tough days and even as they are starting to get easier I know I’m still a long way off normal. The last 6 months have also brought so many amazing moments to me through relationships with friends, getting to… pic.twitter.com/4v3X7Vp9f1
— Funky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Benaskren) December 29, 2025