### Ben Askren's Health Journey: From Hospitalization to Double Lung Transplant Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has undergone a double lung transplant following a severe health crisis that began with pneumonia caused by a staph infection. His wife, Amy Askren, has been providing updates on his condition, which has shown significant improvement since his hospitalization over three weeks ago. The transplant marks a hopeful turning point in his battle for recovery, as he had been placed on a ventilator and subsequently added to the transplant list due to his deteriorating health. ### Breakdown of Ben Askren's Health Situation 1. **Initial Health Crisis**: - Ben Askren was hospitalized after contracting pneumonia linked to a staph infection, leading to severe respiratory issues [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/ben-askren-ufc-fight-news-35448758]. - His condition worsened to the point where he required a ventilator [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/ben-askren-ufc-fight-news-35448758]. 2. **Transplant Process**: - After being placed on the transplant list, Amy Askren reported that Ben was stable enough to request coffee, indicating a positive shift in his awareness and health [https://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/ben_askren_receives_great_news/s1_17391_42372284]. - On June 30, 2025, it was confirmed that he successfully received a double lung transplant, a critical step in his recovery [https://nypost.com/2025/06/30/sports/ben-askrens-wife-reveals-ex-ufc-stars-double-lung-transplant]. 3. **Family Support and Community Response**: - Amy Askren has been vocal about the emotional toll of the situation, expressing gratitude for the support from fans and the community [https://www.outkick.com/sports/ben-askren-lung-transplant-wife-update-pneumonia]. - She emphasized that each day is a "gift" as they navigate this challenging journey together [https://www.outkick.com/sports/ben-askren-lung-transplant-wife-update-pneumonia]. ### Evidence of Progress and Community Support - **Health Updates**: - Ben's condition has improved significantly, with reports of him being more aware and responsive during his hospital stay [https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/article/ufc-veteran-ben-askren-awaiting-lung-transplant-having-more-periods-of-awareness-184833143.html]. - His other organs were reported to be functioning well, which is crucial for the success of the transplant [https://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/ben_askren_receives_great_news/s1_17391_42372284]. - **Community Engagement**: - The MMA community and fans have rallied around the Askren family, providing emotional and financial support during this difficult time [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/ben-askren-ufc-fight-news-35476765]. ### Conclusion: A Hopeful Future for Ben Askren In summary, **Ben Askren's journey from a critical health crisis to receiving a double lung transplant represents a significant milestone in his recovery**. The support from his family, friends, and the broader community has been instrumental in navigating this challenging period. 1. **Initial hospitalization due to pneumonia and staph infection**. 2. **Successful double lung transplant on June 30, 2025**. 3. **Continued community support and positive updates from his wife**. As Ben continues to recover, the hope is that he will regain his strength and health, allowing him to return to a normal life post-transplant [https://nypost.com/2025/06/30/sports/ben-askrens-wife-reveals-ex-ufc-stars-double-lung-transplant].