Ben Askren retired with a record of 19 wins in 22 fights Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has received a "double lung transplant" after being hospitalised with "severe pneumonia". Askren, 40, retired from MMA in 2019 after a short stint in the UFC. Earlier this month, Askren was admitted to hospital in Wisconsin and placed on ventilator and put on the transplant list. His wife, Amy, wrote on Facebook that her husband was "completely healthy just five weeks ago". "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," she said. "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 developed pneumonia after suffering from staph infection and on Saturday,Jake Paul made a public pleafor donations to be made for his recovery. Paulbeat Askren in a boxing matchin 2021. Askren is considered one of the best American wrestlers of his generation and was a welterweight champion in Bellator and ONE Championship. Before moving into MMA, Askren was a two-time national champion in wrestling and a member of the 2008 United States Olympic team. Askren was unbeaten in 20 fights when he signed for the UFC in 2019, in what was an unusual move in MMA. The UFC traded their flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship, receiving Askren in return. It is still the only time a type of "trade" has happened in major MMA and was a huge shock at the time in 2018. Askren was hugely popular in the UFC, winning his debut against Robbie Lawler before slipping to defeats toJorge Masvidaland Demian Maia. He retired from MMA with 19 wins in 22 fights. He has three children and runs his own wrestling academy in Wisconsin.
Former UFC fighter Askren gets double lung transplant
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"Former UFC Fighter Ben Askren Undergoes Double Lung Transplant After Severe Pneumonia"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Ben Askren, a former UFC fighter known for his remarkable career in mixed martial arts, has recently undergone a double lung transplant following severe pneumonia that led to his hospitalization. The 40-year-old retired from MMA in 2019 with an impressive record of 19 wins out of 22 fights. His health declined rapidly after he developed pneumonia, which was exacerbated by a staph infection. Just five weeks prior to his hospitalization, Askren was reported to be in good health, as noted by his wife, Amy, who expressed profound gratitude towards the donor and their family. She emphasized that this transplant marks a new beginning for Askren, who is now looking forward to a healthier lifestyle. Amy also mentioned her hope that he would soon be able to provide updates on his recovery journey as he starts to regain his strength post-surgery.
Askren's journey in the world of combat sports is notable; he was a standout wrestler, having won two national championships and represented the United States in the 2008 Olympics. Transitioning into MMA, he became the welterweight champion in both Bellator and ONE Championship before joining the UFC in 2019, a move that stirred significant attention in the MMA community. The UFC's unique trade of their flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson for Askren was unprecedented, making headlines at the time. In the UFC, Askren quickly gained popularity, notably winning his debut match against Robbie Lawler, although he faced setbacks in subsequent bouts against Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. Beyond his fighting career, Askren is also a family man, being a father of three and operating his own wrestling academy in Wisconsin, where he continues to contribute to the sport he loves.
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