Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@benaskren
Topics: UFC, MMA, Sport, Extreme Sports, Health
Anish Vij
Fight legend Ben Askren has shared an update on his health after he was hospitalised with severe pneumonia.
The UFC star, considered as one of the world's top lightweight fighters in his prime, was taken to hospital for emergency surgery last month.
Askren, 41, has now returned home after doctors performed a double lung transplant to save his life.
In a video message shared on social media, the MMA cult hero from Lowa said it's been 'awesome' to be home for four days, and being able to sleep in his own bed.
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Despite enjoying time with his family, he said there's 'still so many physical challenges to deal with'.
Severe pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can lead to organ failure and death if not treated quickly. In Askren's case, his condition was treated just in time.
"I'm still down about 35 pounds from where I should be," he continued.
"I can't walk. This five-pound weight, it's actually hard for me to curl.
"Right before I had to go to the hospital I was feeling strong, I was able to curl 45 pounds. I was out doing hill sprints."
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During points of the video, the UFC star is seen struggling to speak as he catches his breath.
"I am where I am now," he acknowledged. "But I know I'll be somewhere different in a month."
The former wrestler - who fought Jake Paul in 2021 - said he couldn't remember anything from 28 May to 2 July and had to read his wife's journal to keep up with what had happened.
He claimed he 'died four times' before undergoing life-saving surgery.
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"The ticker stopped for about 20 seconds," Askren said.
"But, I got the double lung transplant and made it out to the other side of it. I was actually 147lbs. I haven't been 147lbs since 15 years old."
He added: "The thing that was most impactful to me was the love I felt from everybody. It was almost like I got to have my own funeral."
Issuing a special thanks to his fans, he said: "The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing. It felt so good.
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"So I'm more motivated than ever to get back and do what I can to help out.
"I love you guys and I appreciate you guys. This has been tough. Not only on me but on my whole family and community.
"I hope you guys appreciate the update and sometime down the road maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more."