Former UFC star Ben Askren being evaluated for potential lung transplant, wife says

Former UFC star Ben Askren being evaluated for potential lung transplant, wife says
MMA and wrestling legend Ben Askren continues to battle in a Wisconsin hospital, according to his wife.
Askren, 40, is sedated on a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and could need a lung transplant, Amy Askren said in a Facebook post Tuesday.
"I haven't shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share," Amy Askren wrote on her personal Facebook page. "I've had some media people contact me that they are going to share an update and I would rather it come from me.
"Ben is still on a ventilator and ecmo to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can't handle coming off sedation too much yet. I'm still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant."
Askren was recently hospitalized with a sudden and severe case of pneumonia, with reports first surfacing June 7. The news drew reactions from every corner of the combat sports world, with numerous athletes, wrestlers, and the UFC publicly expressing thoughts and prayers for the former ONE and Bellator champion.
Amy Askren said in her post Tuesday that the outpouring of support has been a blessing.
"Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily," Askren said. "I know transplants are such a blessing and I'm overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. No one would take better care of that gift than Ben.
"Thank you for every message and all of the support. Despite this awful situation, I'm feeling so blessed by the community we're surrounded by. Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you're prepared situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this."
Askren retired from MMA in 2019 but returned for a one-off boxing bout vs. Jake 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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