UFC fighter Ben Askren’s wife shares terrifying health status before emergency lung transplant

MMA legend Ben Askren has just undergone a life-altering double lung transplant after a sudden, terrifying health collapse. Once active and healthy, the 40-year-old fighter was rushed into critical care in early June 2025.

What followed was shocking, even for his family. On June 30, he underwent major surgery in Wisconsin. How did things turn so fast for the former UFC star? Here’s what happened, when, and the incredible fight that followed.

UFC fighter Ben Askren Undergoes Double Lung Transplant Surgery

On June 30, 2025, Ben Askren, aged 40, received a double lung transplant at a hospital in Wisconsin, according to his wife Amy Askren. The surgery came after he fell sick in early June, suffering from severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection.

Amy shared on her Facebook page that the transplant team found a matching donor, and the operation was successful. She asked fans to pray that his body will accept the new lungs. “Every new day he has is a gift,” she wrote .Askren had fallen critical, requiring a ventilator and ECMO machine in late May and early June. By June 24, Amy confirmed he was placed on a lung transplant list .Amy said the surgery marked “the beginning of a new lifestyle” and that they are deeply grateful to the donor and their family.

She also mentioned shock over how fast things changed—“It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago”.

Ben Askren’s Future Outlook Healing Begins Amid Support

Askren is known for many achievements: he was a two-time NCAA wrestling champion, 2008 Olympian, and a former champion in Bellator, ONE Championship, and the UFC . After retiring from MMA in 2019, he briefly boxed in 2021 against Jake Paul .His former opponent Jake Paul has publicly offered support and said his prayers are with Askren and his family .

UFC President Dana White also called for help, asking fans to donate to the family because insurance did not fully cover the costs—billing around $300,000–$400,000 .Amy noted that Ben is now resting and will need time to recover. She hopes he will “wake up and be the one to decide what to share,” but she is ready to tell him all about the community support he has received .The MMA world and fans worldwide have been sending prayers and good wishes. His wife said she is “constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now”.