Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is finally speaking out after surviving a terrifying health ordeal… and his emotional message has fans across the world cheering him on.
In a heartfelt video filmed from his hospital bed, the 40-year-old Olympian revealed he endured an intense battle with severe pneumonia that led to a double lung transplant. Askren described the experience as surreal, saying, “It was like watching my own funeral. I don’t remember anything from the entire month of June.”
His memory of the events only came together after reading through his wife Amy’s journal, which detailed everything he had gone through. Askren revealed that at one point, his heart stopped for 20 seconds. “Not exactly ideal,” he joked in classic Ben fashion.
Despite the trauma, he’s maintained his sense of humor… even noting that he dropped nearly 50 pounds during his hospital stay. “I weighed 147 for the first time since I was 15 years old,” he shared.
But what moved him the most wasn’t just surviving… it was the support. “The overwhelming love from the wrestling and MMA communities was unbelievable. I’ve never felt anything like it,” he said. “That love… that’s what helped pull me through.”
Until now, his wife Amy had been the one updating fans on his condition, giving the world hope when things looked uncertain. Now, Ben himself is back with a powerful message: “I’m getting stronger every day.”