Ben Askren has been officially released from the hospital after a 59-day treatment.
Former UFC star Ben Askren is heading home after 59 days in a hospital bed which included a double lung transplant.
Askren, 41, is a former Bellator and ONE welterweight champion who fought three times under the UFC banner. He defeated UFC Hall of Famer Robbie Lawler at UFC 235 in his lone victory in the promotion.
2025 has been a whirlwind for Askren after a staph infection spread to his lungs, leading to him receiving a double lung transplant and as he’s described, leading him to ‘dying four times’ in the hospital. After weeks of medical care, Askren is reunited with his family and is returning home following his horrific ordeal.
Ben Askren has to relearn how to walk after departing hospital following lung transplant
In a recent video posted on X, Askren shared the good news with his friends, family, and supporters.
“What’s up guys! Day 59, and I’m out!” Askren announced.
“With my beautiful wife, supportive. Man, that was a long journey, and it’s not over because I still can’t really walk. I have to re-teach myself to do that, among many other things. I guess I can make light of it because it was me, and I don’t really remember it…
“It was hard, it was hard. And I said this already in one of the videos, but the support you guys gave me, whether it was sending a GoFundMe, helping my kids and wife get through it, I had friends come from all over the country to just hang out for a couple of days. It meant so much, it was so great to get all the support and love.
“Hopefully, I’m not in this situation again for a really, really, really long time. I’m planning on living a while. So thank you guys again, all of the positive support and the comments online. Everything. It means so much. Love you guys.”
Update #4- GOING HOME pic.twitter.com/O4Rx9Psyuu
— Funky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Benaskren) July 22, 2025
Jorge Masvidal shared a heartwarming message for Ben Askren after hostile UFC rivalry
Many top fighters, fans, and pundits have expressed support for Askren during his health struggles. This includes Jorge Masvidal, who shared a heated feud with Askren during their UFC careers.
In a recent social media post, Masvidal shared a heartwarming message for Askren and offered to visit his former UFC rival and ‘pray with him’. Masvidal knocked out Askren in the fastest finish in UFC history at UFC 239.
UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed he donated a large sum to Askren to help cover his medical costs following the transplant. White and Askren had a checkered relationship during their time working together.
Askren retired from MMA following a loss to Demian Maia in October 2019. He retired with a 19-2 professional MMA record and turned his full-time attention towards coaching wrestling prospects.