According to an update from his wife, Amy Askren, former MMA fighter Ben Askren has successfully undergone a double lung transplant procedure.
Askren had been hospitalized for several weeks while battling a severe case of pneumonia. Approximately a week prior, Amy Askren shared an update indicating that Ben had been officially placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant.
On Monday morning, Amy Askren provided further information via her Facebook page, announcing that the surgery for the former UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship competitor was successful.
Sharing the news, Amy expressed profound gratitude for the outcome. She wrote:
“We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant. We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift. It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago. So much can change so quickly. Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own. I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now. I can’t wait to tell Ben all about It.”
She also added her hope for the near future: “I’m hopeful that in coming weeks Ben will be able to give the next update, but hopefully he will wait until the drugs wear off.”
Askren`s hospitalization was a direct result of the severe pneumonia, which required him to be placed on a ventilator. He also needed an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine to support his lung function. The mixed martial arts community has consistently sent prayers and support throughout his health struggle, and it appears these well wishes are making a significant difference.
Even his former opponent, Jake Paul, had publicly committed to helping Askren with potential surgery costs following his decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. the previous Saturday in Anaheim.
