By FCF Staff

After being hospitalized due to an extremely severe case of pneumonia, Ben Askren has received a double-lung transplant.

The decorated wrestler and former ONE and Bellator champion was hospitalized several weeks ago due to the illness, and several days ago, Askren’s wife Amy reported he was on the list for a double lung transplant. More recently she reportedly confirmed via Facebook that the now 40 year-old Askren has undergone the procedure.

“We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant. We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift. It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago. So much can change so quickly. Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own. I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now. I can’t wait to tell Ben all about It.”

Askren ultimately retired from MMA competition following a loss to Demian Maia in 2019. The renowned grappler faced Jake Paul in a 2021 boxing match was knocked out. Paul recently called on the combat sports world to donate to Askren to assist with his medical bills.