Ben Askren shares major health update after lung transplant ends his fighting days

Ben Askren, former Olympic wrestler and MMA star, shared on August 27, 2025 that his time competing is over. He had a double-lung transplant this summer after getting very sick. Now, he can’t fight or wrestle anymore.

Instead, he wants to help from behind the scenes. He posted this news on RAF Wrestling USA’s Instagram. He said he still loves wrestling and will help young athletes in a new way.

Ben Askren says he can’t be competitive but hopes to live well

In a video from his home, Ben Askren talked through his recovery. He said that when he first came home, he needed a walker to move just from his bedroom to the living room. “I needed help,” he said. But soon after, he made food for himself. He smiled: “That was hard!”

Askren didn’t sugarcoat things. He said, “I probably won’t be actively competitive in anything ever again, from a physicality standpoint. But, you know, I’ll be able to live a really good life.” That means he still hopes to enjoy each day even though he can’t fight.

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Ben Askren shares journey from hospital to heartwarming support and next chapter

Ben Askren’s fight was not in the ring it was for his life. He had pneumonia and a staph infection. In late June, doctors gave him a double-lung transplant. During a 45-day hospital stay from late May to early July, his heart stopped four times. He didn’t remember anything from that time. He also lost about 50 pounds. He weighs 147 pounds now his lightest weight since he was 15.

On July 23, 2025, he returned home after 59 days in hospital. In a video, he thanked Dana White, Jake Paul, and many fans for their love. He said he would “work his a** off” to keep getting better. But his recovery is still not simple. He went back to the hospital recently after doctors found a possible infection in a chest tube. He is getting treated and checking in regularly with his medical team.