By FCF Staff

Ben Askren is reporting doctors had to resuscitate him on four occassions, while the retired fighter battled a severe case of pneumonia, which ultimately led to a double-lung transplant.

Recently, Askren’s wife reported that the decorated wrestler and fighter had received a double-lung transplant, following a prolonged stay in a hospital. Since then, Askren has posted a video statement via social media. Here is some of what the former ONE and Bellator champ had to say (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“I just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2. No recollection. No idea. No idea what happened. I just read through my wife’s journals and it’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous.”

“I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal. But I got the double lung transplant. I made it out the other side of it. Gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again.

“I was actually on the scale yesterday — 147 pounds. I haven’t been 147 pounds since I was 15 years old. So that’s like 50 pounds [lost] in a 45-day period. That was a battle. I don’t remember most of it.”

The 40-year-old Askren also thanked his family, fans, and the wrestling community for the support he’s received over the preceding weeks.