This is one of the hardest comeback stories ever. Ben Askren, a former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler, has once again shown what real grit looks like by getting back on the wrestling mats just months after having a double lung transplant that saved his life.
It looked impossible just a few months ago, but now it’s one of the most remarkable recovery stories in the history of combat sports.
Ben Askren: A Fight for His Life
Askren’s health took a catastrophic turn in June 2025. A particularly severe case of pneumonia became progressively worse, threatening his lungs and pushing physicians to think about the worst thing they could do: a double lung transplant.
The 40-year-old athlete later said that during the worst of it, he “died four times,” with each episode lasting almost 20 seconds. He was sedated for more than a month and doesn’t remember what happened. He lost about 50 pounds while he was in the hospital, and his body could barely handle the strain.
During the crisis, his wife Amy was his rock. She kept fans updated, worked with physicians, and kept faith when all hope seemed lost. In late June, Askren finally found a donor match and had surgery that would transform his life forever.
A Miraculous Comeback
Fast forward just a few months, and Askren is doing the unthinkable, he is on the mats again! Footage shared online shows him running light drills, practicing balance, and moving across the mat with careful but determined energy.
He paired the video with a now-viral caption that perfectly captured his mindset:
“Four months ago, I was on my death bed. Three months ago, I couldn’t stand unassisted. Two months ago, I was using a walker. What’s your excuse?”
The post instantly spread through the MMA community, with fighters and fans flooding his feed with messages of awe and respect calling his recovery one of the most inspiring in recent memory.
A Champion’s Spirit
Askren’s journey shows what it means to have a fighter’s heart, both in the cage and in life. His drive to rebuild, even when odds are against him, delivers a strong lesson about faith, tenacity, and the importance of being strong.
Getting better after a double lung transplant is not easy. Most patients have to go through months or even years of careful therapy. But Askren’s growth is surprising everyone, thanks to the same competitive spirit that helped him win wrestling and MMA championships.
Looking Ahead
Ben Askren isn’t focused on fighting anymore since he retired in 2019. Instead, he’s focused on life itself. He keeps getting stronger and acknowledges his medical staff, wife, and fans for always being there for him.
His story is a message to both athletes and regular people that no matter how bad things get, they can always come back.
In a world that loves to count out the underdog, Ben Askren has proved once again why you should never bet against a fighter’s heart.
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