Jorge masvidal applies hard knockout Ben askren in 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The health problems faced by Ben askren moved the fighting world and fans. A former UFC, ONE, and Bellator fighter, the 40-year-old American faced severe pneumonia associated with a staph bacterial infection. The condition led to a double lung transplant. A historic rival, Jorge masvidal forgot the apologies and sent a message of support to the former fighter.
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“This goes to the one and only Ben askren. Hey, my brother! I know we were rivals in the ring… I just want to say, God bless you. And when I get back to the States, if I can shake your hand, brother, and pray with you, that would be amazing, man,” Masvidal said in video published on social media.
"I know you'll get through this because you're a fucking warrior, bro. God bless you! Your story is insanely inspiring, what you're going through right now. God bless you. And I hope to come back and shake your hand. I hope everything is okay, bro," Masvidal concluded.
Jorge Masvidal x Ben Askren rivalry
Jorge masvidal became the author of the fastest knockout in UFC history by winning Ben askren in 5 seconds. Photo: UFC Reproduction
The rivalry between the two dates back to 2019. Askren had just arrived in the UFC after stints at ONE and Bellator. In his second fight for the new organization, he faced Jorge masvidal. 'Funky' had dominated the welterweight division (up to 77 kg) outside of the Ultimate and arrived full of 'trash talk' towards the veteran. In the fight, Ben askren was knocked out in five seconds, a record in UFC history, and lost his undefeated record.
Ben Askren claims he 'died' four times
Ben-Askren posts a shocking video after his lung transplant. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/Ben askren
In video published on social media Recently, Askren revealed that he doesn't remember anything between May 28 and July 2, a period during which his health rapidly deteriorated. He reported that he "died four times" during treatment, including one episode in which his heart stopped for about 20 seconds.
"I just read my wife's diary because I don't remember anything from May 28th to July 2nd. I don't remember anything. I have no idea what happened. Let's just kind of go through it all. I just read my wife's diary. It's like a movie. It's ridiculous," Askren said.
Additionally, he lost about 22 pounds in just 45 days, weighing 66 pounds for the first time since he was 15.
Ben Askren's wife started a crowdfunding campaign online
Askren's wife, Amy, was instrumental throughout the process, sharing updates with fans and thanking the donor and his family for their generosity.
She also started a fundraising campaign to cover medical costs, which can exceed $300 in the United States.
Ben Askren in the UFC Octagon
Ben askren is part of a select group of fighters who arrived in the UFC with star status. The American debuted in the organization undefeated, after reigning in the ONE Championship. In his first fight in the world's most famous octagon, the wrestling specialist submitted the former champion. Robbie Lawler. However, he then suffered a brutal knockout with a flying knee de Jorge masvidal and then it was finished by Demian Maia, ending his career in the Ultimate.
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