“I’m going to work my a*s off”: Ben Askren shares emotional video thanking Dana White and Jake Paul as he recovers from near-death experience

Returning home on July 23, 2025 after 59 days in the hospital was former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren. Following the onset of terrible pneumonia that resulted in double lung transplantation, he had been fighting for his life.

Fans had patiently awaited news, and when he finally revealed one, it was full of both strength and emotion. Ben Askren made it clear he is not giving up on recovery even as he described how serious things had become.

Ben Askren opens up about lung transplant and coma

41-year-old Ben Askren was admitted to Wisconsin early in June 2025. Rapidly growing staph infection caused him pneumonia diagnosis. After days on a ventilator, his condition got so bad that his organs started to fail and he needed a double lung transplant, carried out on June 24.

What shocked fans most was his confession that he had actually “died four times” while waiting for the transplant. He was unconscious for forty-five days and his heart stopped many times. Ben Askren reduced over 50 pounds between now and his teenage years, reaching around 147 pounds.

Ben Askren thanks supporters and focuses on recovery

Having finally returned home, Ben Askren posted a video message on social media. He claims in it he can't walk without assistance and is concentrating on basic activities like lifting modest weights and strolling slowly.

He agreed that it will be a protracted path, but he is determined. “I’m going to work my a– off and get better,” he said. Then he added, “Why can’t you too?” Ben Askren thanked his fans, family, and even some surprising names like Jake Paul, Jorge Masvidal, and Dana White, all of whom gave emotional and financial assistance to him. His procedure and therapy cost roughly $500,000, and several people helped toward it. Though the trip was challenging, Ben is nevertheless hopeful, ambitious, and focused on healing. His tale still inspires warriors and supporters all across the globe.

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Ben Askren is back home and recovering slowly, learning to walk again and staying positive about his healing journey.