Ben Askren released from hospital, delivers tearful video message on ride home
Ben Askren is finally home.
An MMA and wrestling legend, Askren revealed he was released from the hospital Tuesday nearly two months after he entered due to a severe case of pneumonia. Askren underwent a double lung transplant four weeks ago.
"Day 59, I'm out with my beautiful wife supporter," Askren said. "Man, that was a long journey, and it's not over because I still can't really walk. I've got to reteach myself to do that, among many other things. I guess I can make light of it because it was me, and I don't really remember it. ... I don't remember 35 days of this journey. I think surgery was 24 or 25 days ago. It was hard. It was hard.
"I said this already in one of the videos, but the support you guys gave me, whether it was starting a GoFundMe, whether it was helping my kids and wife get through it, I had friends come from all over the country to hang out for a couple days. It meant so much. It was so great to just have all the support and all the love. Hopefully I'm not in this situation again for a really, really, really, really long time. I plan on living a while. Thank you guys again for all the positive comments online, everything. It means so much. Love you guys."
Askren, 40, recently revealed he died four times as he battled for his life. He lost 50 pounds in 45 days and was not aware for nearly half of that time. Askren said when he became conscious, he read through all of the supportive messages and felt as if he had attended his own funeral. He was on a ventilator prior to his transplant procedure.
It's still unclear how Askren ended up being hospitalized, though he and his wife Amy have indicated they might reveal more details as time progresses.
The news drew widespread reaction from the combat sports world, with numerous athletes, wrestlers, and the UFC publicly expressing thoughts and prayers for the former ONE and Bellator champion. The UFC's June 14 broadcast featured a segment wishing Askren well.
A T-shirt fundraiser has been launched to help with Askren's medical bills, as well as his mission to help support high-level athletes. After his win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. last month, Jake Paul used his post-fight interview time to express support for Askren and raise awareness about his life-changing situation.
Dana White was asked and confirmed that he donated $10,000 to Askren's GoFundMe.
Askren retired from MMA in 2019 but returned for a one-off boxing bout vs. Paul in 2021. Widely considered one of the greatest amateur wrestlers in U.S. history, Askren remains heavily involved with the wrestling community and recently joined Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle.
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