From Coma to the Mat: How Ben Askren Fought Back From a Double Lung Transplant in Just Four Months
Ben Askren’s Unbelievable Road to Recovery
It all started as a normal spring day for Ben Askren coaching kids at his wrestling academy in Wisconsin, spending time with his wife Amy and their three kids, and enjoying life after his fighting career. He had retired from MMA, celebrated his achievements as an Olympic wrestler, and seemed to have settled into a peaceful routine. But life can throw the unexpected at anyone, and for Ben, it did in a terrifying way. In early June 2025, he was rushed to the hospital with severe pneumonia that escalated faster than anyone could have imagined. His lungs were failing, and within days, doctors informed him and his family that he would need a double lung transplant to survive.
The situation was grim. Ben slipped into a coma, his heart stopped multiple times, and for a while, it seemed impossible he would make it. His wife later revealed he had experienced cardiac arrest four times during the ordeal. The competitive fighter who had once dominated wrestling mats and MMA cages now faced his most personal fight the fight for life. The story of survival that followed is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Ben’s journey from near-death to regaining his strength is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Grueling Road Back
The recovery process was grueling. Post-surgery, Ben weighed only 147 pounds, having lost nearly 50 pounds in just over a month. The simplest tasks, like walking or lifting a light weight, felt monumental. For someone used to peak physical conditioning, it was a humbling experience. Yet, despite these setbacks, Ben approached his recovery with the same mental toughness that made him a champion. Every day was a small victory relearning to walk, breathing without assistance, regaining stamina. The dedication to reclaiming his life was evident in every movement he made, and in every message he shared with fans and supporters.
Recovery was not just physical but emotional. Ben expressed immense gratitude toward the family of the lung donor and to the medical staff who saved his life. He shared glimpses of his journey online, showing raw moments of vulnerability and determination. Fans, wrestlers, and MMA enthusiasts poured support, celebrating every small milestone along the way. Ben’s story became more than a personal triumph it became a symbol of resilience, hope, and the power of human will.
Back on the Mat
Four months later, Ben returned to the mat not as a competitor in the octagon, but as a testament to perseverance and recovery. Seeing him train again, even at a slower pace, was a visual reminder of how miraculous his journey had been. Each movement on the mat was proof that the human body, when paired with determination and support, can achieve extraordinary things. The same fighter who had faced countless opponents in MMA now demonstrated the courage to confront life’s ultimate challenge and emerge stronger.
For those watching from home, this story resonates on a deeply personal level. It reminds us that health, strength, and everyday life can change in an instant. It shows the importance of gratitude, the power of support networks, and the strength that comes from perseverance. Ben’s recovery is a reminder that even after facing life-threatening odds, it’s possible to reclaim life with patience, care, and relentless effort.
Ben Askren’s journey isn’t over he still faces challenges, ongoing therapy, and the emotional work of recovery. But what he has achieved in just four months is nothing short of miraculous. His story transcends sports; it’s a human story about fighting when the odds are stacked against you, about appreciating life when it hangs by a thread, and about showing courage in moments when fear could easily take over.
As fans and observers, we can draw inspiration from his journey. It reminds us to cherish our loved ones, to never take a single breath for granted, and to face adversity with a determined heart. Ben Askren may have left the competitive fighting world behind, but his fight continues and it teaches us all a powerful lesson in resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit.
