UFC legend Ben Askren gives rare health update after life-or-death double lung transplant: ‘I left earth for 40 days’

Former UFC star Ben Askren has given fans a rare update on his health after he underwent a terrifying life-or-death double lung transplant last year. 

Last summer, the 41-year-old ‘flatlined’ four times and lost 50 pounds due to his battle with pneumonia – which required the intense procedure. 

Askren was in hospital for 59 days as he recovered but has now told TMZ that his health is finally moving in a ‘positive direction’ heading into 2026.

He said: ‘I kind of died once, you know, like for all intents and purposes, left Earth for 40 days.

‘I had no real communication to anyone. I had no recollection of anything. 

‘So I get to kind of reflect on like, okay, had I not woken back up? How do I feel about what I did prior to this time?’ 

When asked how his life will change after his health scare, Askren continued: ‘Things are going to look significantly different. For example, I can’t go to the wrestling tournaments with my kid, you know, my own biological children.

‘I would like to, which would be very normal. So it’s going to look different. 

‘But I feel like I’m finally at that point where I can kind of take a deep breath and easily accomplish the things I need to in the day.’

Askren first made a name for himself in the college ranks, as he became a two-time D1 champion with the University of Missouri.

He also participated in the 2008 Olympics and put together an impressive decade-long undefeated streak, winning world titles in Bellator and ONE before making the jump to UFC in 2019.

He defeated Robbie Lawler in his UFC debut but then suffered losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia before announcing his retirement from MMA.

He briefly returned to fighting briefly in 2021 when he boxed against Jake Paul, losing to the social media star via TKO. 

Askren married his wife in 2010 and they share three children, two daughters and a son.