Ben Askren, the well-known former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler, recently faced the toughest battle of his life—not inside the cage, but in a hospital bed. In late May 2025, Askren was hospitalized in Wisconsin after coming down with a severe case of pneumonia, which quickly escalated into a critical medical emergency.
Coma, Memory Loss, and a Fight for Life
Askren’s condition deteriorated so rapidly that he was placed on a ventilator and eventually required a double lung transplant to survive. He spent about 45 days in a coma, losing 50 pounds during that time and now weighing just 147 pounds—the lightest he’s been since he was a teenager. In a video update from his hospital bed, Askren admitted he has no memory of what happened between late May and early July, learning about his ordeal only by reading his wife Amy’s journal.
“I only died four times when the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal,” Askren said, referring to moments when his heart stopped during the ordeal.
An Outpouring of Support
Askren’s story shocked the MMA community and fans worldwide. He expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support he received, saying it felt “almost like I got to have my own funeral” because of the outpouring of love and messages from friends, family, and fans. Even Jake Paul, who famously knocked out Askren in a 2021 boxing match, pledged to help cover his medical bills, criticizing the lack of support from UFC leadership and the insurance industry.
The Road to Recovery
Now awake and slowly regaining strength, Askren is focused on rehabilitation and learning to use his body again after the traumatic experience. Despite the ordeal, he remains motivated to recover and give back to the wrestling and MMA communities that supported him.
Askren’s case is a reminder of how quickly life can change—even for elite athletes. His story is still unfolding, but for now, he’s grateful to be alive and surrounded by support, ready to face the next round in his remarkable life.