MILWAUKEE (AP) — Former Olympic wrestler and MMA star Ben Askren, who has been hospitalized in Wisconsin after a severe case of pneumonia, said in a post on social media Wednesday that he had undergone a double lung transplant and is in recovery.

Former Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Ben Askren says his heart stopped four times, leading to him receiving a double lung transplant.

Askren is on the road to recovery after undergoing a double lung transplant and losing more than 50 lbs. during his illness

In an Instagram post, Ben Askren updated fans and friends on his health from his hospital bed after a double-lung transplant.

Former U.S. Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Ben Askren shared an emotional update for the first time since undergoing lung transplant surgery.

Ben stepped down from professional mixed martial arts in 2019, and he suffered from a serious health crisis in 2025. Learn more about the decorated ex-fighter and wrestler.

Former UFC fighter and ex-Bellator and ONE champion Ben Askren knows he is lucky just to be alive. Askren is currently recovering following a double lung transplant. Askren suffered severe pneumonia that became a staph infection. He was placed on life support but provided his first public comments recently.

The latest update from Amy Askren, the former UFC star’s wife, was a positive one last week as she confirmed he had been given a double lung transplant. The expensive surgery wasn’t covered by their insurance, but the family received support from the fight world through online donations.