Ben Askren health update as ex-UFC star’s wife confirms he has undergone double lung transplant

BEN ASKREN has undergone a double lung transplant after being left in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

The former UFC welterweight star, 40, was brought on by a staph infection.

Ben Askren has undergone a double lung transplant, according to his wife, AmyThe former UFC star took on Jake Paul in a boxing match in 2021Askren (right) made his name in wrestling and even appeared at the 2008 Olympics

was in a critical condition in a Las Vegas hospital and, at one stage, was even “unresponsive”;, according to his wife, Amy.

After a number of small, yet positive, updates from Amy – as well as friends and former rivals – there has now been cause for real relief.

Askren’s wife has now revealed the former MMA ace has undergone a double lung transplant.

Amy called it a “gift”; and claimed they will be “forever thankful”; while urging fans to keep him in their thoughts while his body adjusts to the new organs.

In a statement, she wrote: “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.”;

She continued: “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 carryingus through right now. I can’t wait to tell Ben all about it.

“I’m hopeful that in coming weeks Ben will be able to give the next update, but hopefully he will wait until the drugs wear off.”;

Askren – who made his name in wrestling and appeared at the 2008 Olympics – retired from MMA in November 2019 having won one of his three fights in the promotion.

But he briefly reentered the world of combat sports in April 2021 for a lucrativematch against, which he .

Askren’ssaw 500,000 PPV buys.

Paul, then aged 24, won the bout via TKO in one minute and 59 seconds of the opening bell.

Askren’s fight with Paul drew 500,000 PPV buys