Former UFC fighter Ben Askren shocked the mixed martial arts world by revealing he died four times during a life-saving double lung surgery, marking one of the most harrowing medical battles in recent sports history. The 40-year-old former Olympic wrestler has been hospitalized for over a month due to severe pneumonia that nearly claimed his life multiple times.
Askren’s wife Amy documented the terrifying ordeal through social media posts, revealing that her husband was placed on a ventilator in June and added to the donor list for a potential lung transplant. The severity of his condition required immediate surgical intervention, leading to the double lung operation that would test the limits of medical science and human endurance.
The former fighter’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, though the physical toll has been enormous. Askren lost 50 pounds during his hospitalization, highlighting the devastating impact of his illness and the intensive medical treatment required to save his life.
1. Memory loss reveals extent of medical crisis
Askren‘s most disturbing revelation centers on his complete memory loss from the past six weeks. The former athlete has no recollection of his medical emergency, the surgical procedures, or the critical moments when his life hung in the balance.
Reading through his wife’s journal provided the first glimpse into what he described as a movie-like experience. The disconnect between his memory and the reality of his near-death experience demonstrates the severity of his medical condition and the impact of intensive medical interventions.
The fact that Askren required his wife’s documentation to understand his own medical journey speaks to the profound nature of his illness. Medical experts often see memory loss in patients who experience severe oxygen deprivation or undergo extensive anesthesia during critical procedures.
2. Four clinical deaths during surgery
The most shocking aspect of Askren’s revelation involves the four separate instances when his heart stopped beating during the surgical procedure. Each episode lasted approximately 20 seconds, representing critical moments when medical teams fought to restart his cardiac function.
These cardiac arrests during surgery indicate the extreme complexity and risk involved in his double lung procedure. The fact that medical teams successfully resuscitated him four times demonstrates both the skill of his surgical team and the fighter’s incredible resilience.
Clinical death followed by successful resuscitation is relatively rare in surgical settings, making Askren’s survival particularly remarkable. The repeated cardiac episodes suggest his body was under enormous stress throughout the procedure.
3. Combat sports community rallies for support
Jake Paul, who defeated Askren in a boxing match in April 2021, has emerged as one of the most vocal supporters of his former opponent’s recovery. The social media star praised Askren as one of the toughest fighters of all time, demonstrating the respect that transcends competitive rivalries.
Paul has actively encouraged his followers to donate toward Askren’s medical expenses, understanding the financial burden that accompanies such extensive medical treatment. The support from someone who was once a competitor highlights the brotherhood that exists within combat sports communities.
UFC President Dana White has also made public donations and shared fundraising links with his followers, recognizing the need for community support during Askren’s medical crisis. The backing from major figures in combat sports demonstrates the respect Askren has earned throughout his career.
4. Financial challenges of medical treatment
The cost of lung transplant procedures in the United States ranges from $300,000 to $400,000, representing a potentially devastating financial burden for Askren and his family. Even with insurance coverage, the associated costs of extended hospitalization, specialized care, and recovery can be overwhelming.
Askren retired from professional MMA competition in 2019, meaning he likely doesn’t have the same earning potential as active fighters. The medical expenses associated with his current condition could impact his family’s financial security for years to come.
The combat sports community’s fundraising efforts reflect an understanding of these financial realities. Professional fighters often face significant medical expenses during their careers, and retired athletes may lack the resources to handle catastrophic medical emergencies.
5. Recovery brings new perspective on life
Despite the traumatic nature of his experience, Askren expressed profound gratitude for the support he received from fans and the broader combat sports community. He described feeling overwhelmed by the love and support, comparing the experience to attending his own funeral.
The near-death experience appears to have given Askren a new appreciation for life beyond competitive athletics. His comments about feeling the love from his supporters suggest a deeper understanding of the relationships and connections that extend beyond professional achievements.
Recovery from such a severe medical crisis often brings psychological changes alongside physical healing. Many patients who experience near-death situations report lasting changes in their priorities and perspectives on life’s most important elements.
The fact that Askren survived four cardiac arrests and is now coherent enough to discuss his experience represents a remarkable medical outcome. His story serves as both an inspiration to others facing serious health challenges and a reminder of the fragility of life, even for the world’s toughest athletes.
As Askren continues his recovery, the combat sports community remains united in supporting one of their own through this extraordinary medical journey.
