Former UFC Star Ben Askren Being Prepared for Lung Transplant, Says Wife
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Former Bellator and UFC star Ben Askren continues to fight for his life in the hospital. There were rumors that he died, which were immediately shot down by his wife, Amy Askren.
Read more: Former UFC Star is 'Fighting for Life' As Wife Shoots Down Death Rumors
Amy has updated fans as much as possible via her personal Facebook page. Initially, she stated that Ben was dealing with severe pneumonia and that he was still hospitalized.
Now, she has revealed a far more harrowing update, as Ben is currently on sedation and is being prepped to receive a lung transplant.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 02: Robbie Lawler (R) and Ben Askren trade punches during their welterweight bout during UFC 235 at T-Mobile Arena on March 02, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 02: Robbie Lawler (R) and Ben Askren trade punches during their welterweight bout during UFC 235 at T-Mobile Arena on March 02, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada."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. I've had some media people contact me that they are going to share an update and I would rather it come from me.
Her post on Facebook reads:
"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.
"Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily. 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."
Though the update offers some hope in the form of Ben being weaned off sedation, the aspect of his potentially needing a lung transplant is very worrisome.
The hope is Ben can recover fully, or is able to find a transplant should his lungs stop working due to whatever medical issue he is going through.
The entire MMA community has been shouting out Ben, including his podcast co-host and former UFC champion Daniel Cormier. Cormier co-hosts the "Funky and the Champ" podcast with Ben.
For more on the UFC, head to Newsweek Sports.
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