Ben Askren walks with a walker in the hospital after a transplant and reinforces his optimism: 'I'm still going strong'

Ben askren publishes video after lung transplant. Photo: Reproduction/X/Ben askren

Just over a month after undergoing a delicate double lung transplant, Ben askren took to social media again to share a new chapter in his recovery with fans. The former UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship fighter posted a video this week of himself walking through the hospital hallways with the aid of a walker.

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At 41, Askren has candidly documented the ups and downs of his rehabilitation process. In his most recent video, the American appears visibly tired after completing a lap of the hospital corridor, but he maintains his good humor and reaffirms his determination to return to normal life.

"This is progress. I'm exhausted, but I'm still going strong. This is almost my third lap today," commented the former fighter.

Update #9- Making progress (i didn't pee my pants, I spilled my water pic.twitter.com/6UoFGtxk6H

- Funky (@Benaskren) August 4, 2025

Surgery and recovery

The former fighter has been facing a complex recovery process since being hospitalized at the end of May with a serious case of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection.

The situation worsened in the following weeks, resulting in lung failure and multiple cardiac arrests. In emotional posts on social media, Askren even said he "died four times," describing the critical moments he went through.

The double lung transplant surgery was performed at the end of June and, according to doctors, was successful. However, the effects of the prolonged hospitalization and the severity of his condition led to significant weight loss—about 23 kg in 45 days—and the need to relearn basic motor functions. In one of his posts, he reported weighing only 147 pounds (about 66 kg), a mark he hadn't reached since adolescence.

Ben Askren's return to the hospital

After being discharged from the hospital, Askren shared an emotional video of himself and his wife, Amy, in the car on the way home. He reflected on his close encounter with death and expressed gratitude for the support he received during his most difficult moments.

Once at home, the former fighter surprised his followers by showing his gradual return to physical activity, with light sessions on an adapted exercise bike, installed in his private gym.

The recorded walk comes just days after Askren was hospitalized again. He had been discharged at the end of July but had to return to the hospital on the 22nd after routine tests revealed signs of infection in one of his still-functioning chest tubes. The medical team acted quickly, starting him on antibiotics and ordering additional tests to monitor his condition.