Visibly weakened, Ben Askren speaks out after transplant and recalls the drama in the ICU: 'It's humiliating'

Ben askren publishes video after lung transplant. Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS – Ben askren

Away from the spotlight of the octagon and the intense training routine, Ben askren Today, he faces a much more delicate battle: that of reclaiming his life after facing serious health complications. At 41, the former UFC fighter and Bellator champion had to undergo a double lung transplant as a result of severe pneumonia and a bacterial infection that nearly led to his death.

After weeks of hospitalization, including stays in the ICU and critical moments where his heart stopped, Askren was discharged and is now beginning a slow and difficult process of physical rehabilitation. The American recently posted a video on social media showing the reality of the post-operative period. Visibly thinner and having difficulty walking, he reported being about 16 kg below his ideal weight and still relies on a walker to get around.

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"It's humiliating. I'm walking with a walker, and a two-kilogram dumbbell feels like an Olympic barbell. But it doesn't matter where I am now. What matters is where I'll be in the future. I'll try my best, I'll get better. Almost no one is in worse physical shape than me right now. I walk with a walker and can barely lift four pounds. It's pathetic," Askren said.

The hospitalization left deep scars. The former fighter said he doesn't remember anything between the end of May and the beginning of July, the period during which he was hospitalized and underwent surgery. Still, he prefers to focus on what lies ahead, maintaining a positive tone and challenging his followers to also face their own obstacles.

"Almost no one is in worse physical shape than me right now. But if I can try, so can you. Let's start, let's change. But no matter where I start, I'll end up different. For those who haven't started, get your asses moving, get started. I have a long way to go, maybe you do too. Let's make it happen," he declared.

Don't talk about it, be about it! pic.twitter.com/UecxXK7798

— Funky (@Benaskren) July 28, 2025

Ben Askren and the fight for life

The health crisis that led Ben askren pushed to the limit began with aggressive pneumonia, aggravated by a staph infection. The severity of the situation caused his lungs to fail, forcing doctors to perform a double transplant on July 1st.

During this time, the American was revived four times after cardiac arrests and lost more than 22 kg in just 45 days. He is now home.