Ben Askren reveals he ‘only died four times' in first update since double lung transplant surgery
In a video posted to Instagram on Wednesday, Askren, 40, said he has 'no idea what happened' from May 28 to July 2, and only pieced together the month-plus period through his wife, Amy's, personal journal.
'It's like a movie. It's ridiculous,' he said in the clip. 'So, I only died four times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That's not ideal. I don't think you guys know that. But I got the double lung transplant. I made it out to the other side of it, gaining quite a bit of strength.'
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4 Ben Askren gave an update on his health.
Ben Askren/Instagram
Askren said he dropped to 147 pounds since late May, losing 50 pounds over a 45-day period.
Since regaining consciousness, Askren said he's overwhelmed with the 'outpouring of love' from his supporters.
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'I'm more motivated than ever to keep giving back and do what I can and help out the best I can help out,' Askren said.
'I love you guys. I appreciate you guys. This has been tough, not only on me, but my whole family and my close community. So, I appreciate everything. Hope you guys appreciate the update. And like I said, sometime down the road, maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more.'
4 Ben Askren revealed that he 'died four times' in a shocking health
update.
Ben Askren/Instagram
Askren's wife had been updating his fans on his condition, asking for thoughts and prayers along the way.
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In late June, Amy revealed that a donor for a new set of lungs had been found, and Askren underwent a successful transplant procedure.
4 Ben Askren punches Demian Maia of Brazil in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Singapore Indoor Stadium on Oct. 26, 2019 in Singapore.
Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
'We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant. We are forever thankful to the donor and his family,' Amy wrote. '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.'
Askren holds a 19-2 MMA record across his career, including Bellator and ONE titles.
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4 Ben Askren and Amy Askren.
Facebook/Amy Askren
He had a very brief UFC career, going 1-2 before retiring from the promotion in 2019.
Askren was also a member of the 2008 U.S. wrestling team in the Beijing Olympics.
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