Ben Askren, the former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler, remains in critical condition, with his wife, Amy Askren, revealing that doctors are considering a lung transplant as a possible solution to his ongoing health issues. The 40-year-old athlete, who once competed in the NCAA and won gold medals in the 2008 Olympics and the 2009 World Championships, is currently hospitalized following a sudden onset of severe pneumonia. Amy shared her thoughts on Facebook, expressing her emotional struggle as she waits for her husband’s recovery. She wrote, ‘I haven’t shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share…’
The update comes after Ben’s recent hospitalization, with his wife explaining that her husband has been experiencing both good and bad days, with fluctuations in his condition. Amy emphasized that the medical team is now evaluating the possibility of a lung transplant, highlighting the life-threatening nature of his illness. ‘Ben is still on a ventilator and ECMO to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can’t handle coming off sedation too much yet. I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for a lung transplant,’ she described.
Amy revealed that the illness began abruptly, with her husband developing severe pneumonia that required immediate hospitalization. She also mentioned that Ben recently signed with Real American Freestyle, a venture led by Hulk Hogan, aiming to popularize freestyle wrestling. His career has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the 2005 Pan American Championships and the 2009 World Championships, before making the transition to MMA fighting. After competing in Bellator and ONE Championship, he joined the UFC, where he had notable fights against Robbie Lawler and Jorge Masvidal, and even faced Jake Paul in a boxing match in 2021.
The situation has sparked public interest and hope for Ben’s recovery, as his wife’s emotional appeal resonates with many. While the focus remains on his health, the broader implications of his condition serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of illness and the potential of medical interventions like lung transplants. As the medical team continues to monitor his condition, the Askren family’s journey underscores the emotional and physical challenges faced by those battling severe health crises.