Former MMA Champion Ben Askren Awaits Lung Transplant

Ben Askren, the former MMA champion and two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion who retired from MMA in 2019, was hospitalized on June 7 in Wisconsin after contracting pneumonia. His condition has since worsened, and his wife has announced that he is now on the waiting list for a lung transplant.

According to Askren’s wife, his other organs are functioning well. She also noted that the former MMA fighter has shown signs of recovery and improvement, even requesting coffee on Monday.

Askren’s wife shared the update, stating that he is officially listed for a transplant and requested prayers for his health and a successful match.

“As of late last night, Ben is officially on the transplant list,” Amy posted.

“Please pray he can get stronger and stay stable without complications while he waits, and they find an amazing match for him and he accepts it smoothly.”

She also mentioned an incident from the previous day when he was trying to say something, and they eventually realized he was asking for “coffee.” Although he cannot have it yet, she expressed relief and gratitude that he was craving something so ordinary.

“Yesterday, he kept mouthing something for a while and we finally figured out he was saying, ‘coffee!’ (He can’t have it yet lol). What a huge relief to see him asking for something so normal. I’m so thankful his mind is healthy and I can’t wait to have him back.”

Askren spent his entire professional career fighting out of Hartland, Wisconsin, where he also manages a wrestling academy with several locations throughout the United States. He was also a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.