Former UFC Star Ben Askren Placed on Lung Transplant List After Severe Pneumonia

Ben Askren, the 40-year-old former UFC fighter and Olympian, has been placed on the lung transplant list after battling severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection, which critically damaged his lungs. Hospitalized in Wisconsin since early June and reliant on life-support, Askren has shown signs of increasing awareness, including mouthing a request for coffee, according to updates from his wife Amy. Despite the severity of his condition, his other organs remain healthy, providing a hopeful path forward while he awaits a suitable lung donor. The MMA and wrestling communities have rallied around Askren, with family launching a fundraiser supported by UFC President Dana White to help cover mounting medical expenses. Amy Askren has expressed gratitude for the wide support and remains optimistic about his recovery, hoping he will soon be able to communicate more fully and adjust to life post-transplant. Ben Askren's career highlights include being a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion, competing in the 2008 Olympics, and a successful MMA career across Bellator, ONE Championship, and UFC.