Former UFC Fighter Ben Askren Makes Stunning Return After Four Near-Deaths and Double Lung Transplant

About a year ago, former UFC and ONE Championship fighter Ben Askren shocked the MMA world when he was hospitalized with what began as a simple pneumonia but rapidly worsened into a life-threatening condition. After spending six weeks in a coma, sedated and on a ventilator, Askren underwent a double lung transplant. He described his ordeal emotionally, saying, "I died four times but was revived each time. I reached a weight I hadn't seen since I was 15 and felt like I was attending my own funeral."

Now, just over a year since his near-fatal health crisis, Askren is making an extraordinary comeback. This weekend, he is set to face American-Palestinian UFC fighter Belal Muhammad in a wrestling match organized by RAF. Reflecting on his recovery, Askren expressed amazement at his progress, acknowledging ongoing limitations and medications but emphasizing that he feels more like himself every day. "Life has changed, but that doesn't mean it can't be good," he said.

Askren highlighted his continuous improvement, stating, "A year later, I keep getting stronger and breaking personal records weekly. Compared to before my injury, I still have goals to reach, but life is amazing. Everyone faces hardships; God didn't intend life to be easy. A person without challenges doesn't feel fulfillment or satisfaction." His return to competition marks a remarkable chapter in his life and career after a near-death experience that united the MMA community in support of his recovery.