Ben Askren – Alive After Double Lung Transplant in 2025

Former UFC fighter and Bellator champion Ben Askren is alive and recovering after a life-threatening medical crisis in 2025. Reports from early 2026 confirm he underwent a double lung transplant following a severe pneumonia and staph infection, a health event that led to widespread rumors about his death. This article provides a verified update on his condition, his storied MMA career, and what his future holds.

Is Ben Askren Alive? Understanding the Health Rumors

Yes, Ben Askren is alive. Contrary to viral rumors that have circulated online, the former champion survived a critical medical emergency. In 2025, he was hospitalized in Wisconsin with severe pneumonia that developed after a staph infection. The situation deteriorated to the point where a double lung transplant became necessary to save his life.

Key Insights on the Health Crisis

• Ben Askren is alive and active as of early 2026, contrary to viral rumors.
• He suffered a severe pneumonia and staph infection in 2025 that required a double lung transplant.
• Askren described the experience as life-threatening, saying his heart stopped multiple times.
• He lost approximately 50 pounds in 45 days during the worst of his illness.
• He has little memory of the hospitalization period and relied on his wife’s journal to reconstruct events.
• By late 2025 and early 2026, his health numbers were improving, and he reported moving in a “positive direction.”

Snapshot Facts

What is Ben Askren’s UFC Record and Overall MMA Career?

Ben Askren’s professional MMA record stands at 19 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest. His career is defined by a dominant run before joining the UFC, followed by a brief and controversial stint in the promotion.

The Undefeated Run

Askren began his career with an unblemished record, running to 18-0 before being acquired by the UFC. He was a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and an Olympian in 2008. In Bellator, he became the welterweight champion and successfully defended his title four times, as noted by CBS Sports. He also captured the ONE Championship welterweight title.

The UFC Stint

Askren’s UFC tenure was short, consisting of three fights. He won his debut via a controversial submission against Robbie Lawler. He then suffered a knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal and a submission loss to Demian Maia. His fight with Lawler was later overturned to a no contest.

What is Ben Askren Doing Now (2026 Updates)?

Askren’s primary focus in 2026 is on his recovery and rehabilitation. According to recent reports, he is gaining strength, relearning normal physical activities, and working to rebuild his day-to-day capacity after the double lung transplant.

Recovery and Rebuilding

In a 2026 video update, Askren stated that he does not remember much of his hospitalization. His wife’s journal helped him piece together what happened. He has said that 2026 will look different from his previous life, but he expects to continue recovering and gradually returning to activities.

Future Plans

Askren has mentioned involvement with Real American Freestyle, a wrestling organization. While a return to professional MMA is highly unlikely, his focus remains on his grappling academy, Askren Wrestling Academy, and his podcast, “The Funky & Bisping Show.” He remains active on social media, where he provides updates to his followers.

Timeline of Ben Askren’s Health Crisis and Career

1. 2008: Represents the USA in Olympic Wrestling (Beijing).
2. 2014–2017: Bellator Welterweight Champion; dominates competition.
3. 2019: Traded to UFC; wins debut via submission against Robbie Lawler.
4. 2019–2020: UFC losses to Jorge Masvidal (KO) and Demian Maia (submission).
5. 2023: Returns to combat sports via a boxing exhibition against Ken Wins.
6. 2025: Hospitalized in Wisconsin with severe pneumonia and staph infection; undergoes a double lung transplant. His heart stopped multiple times; he describes the ordeal as “dying four times.”
7. Late 2025 / Early 2026: Reports indicate his health is improving and he is moving in a “positive direction,” gaining strength and relearning daily activities.

Rumor vs. Reality: Health Status

Why the Ben Askren ‘Death’ Rumor Went Viral

The misinformation cycle appears to have started after Askren used the phrase “near-death experience” to describe his pneumonia. Social media algorithms and clickbait sites misinterpreted “near death” as “death.” This, combined with a lack of clear, consolidated reporting from a single source, allowed the rumor to spread rapidly on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). Articles like Jon Kay – Age, Wife, Children, and Illness Rumors Fact-Checked show a similar pattern of health rumor debunking for public figures. For further context on how health updates for aging celebrities are handled, see How Old Is Dick Van Dyke – Age, Wife, Children & 100th Birthday Update.

Sources and Quotes on Ben Askren’s Condition

“I only died four times.”

Ben Askren, referring to episodes where his heart stopped for about 20 seconds, as reported by CBS Sports.

Askren said his numbers were improving and he felt he was moving in a “positive direction.”

Multiple reports from TMZ and his own video update.

He described the experience as life-threatening, saying his heart stopped multiple times, he lost about 50 pounds in 45 days, and he has little memory of the worst period of his illness.

Reports from CBS Sports and TMZ.

What’s Next for Ben Askren?

Ben Askren continues to focus on his health and gradual return to an active lifestyle. His future plans include continued involvement with his grappling academy and his media work. A boxing or grappling exhibition match is possible, but a full return to professional MMA is not expected. He is taking his recovery day by day, with the goal of continuing to improve his quality of life after his major surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions