A look at the remarkable near-death experience and recovery of Ben Askren
We dive into the case of Ben Askren, and it is both an inspiration and a cautionary tale for athletes.
During his competition days, Ben Askren was a passionate wrestler. Known as “Funky” for his unique approach to wrestling, he became an NCAA Division I National Champion and a four-time All-American. The Iowa native also competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
After his wrestling career, Askren turned to mixed martial arts and submission grappling. His wrestling-based style allowed him to control opponents and collect win after win, amassing an incredible 19-0 unbeaten streak to begin his professional career.
Along the way, Askren became a Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion. In 2018, he moved from ONE to the UFC in exchange for Demetrious Johnson.
In his UFC debut, Askren submitted fan favorite Robbie Lawler. Then came two devastating losses — Jorge Masvidal’s flying knee KO and a unanimous decision loss to Demian Maia.
The Maia fight convinced Askren to retire. He focused on coaching young wrestlers at his Askren Wrestling Academy. It seemed he would spend his days with family and students — until disaster struck.
A health crisis caused by a staph infection
In May, Askren contracted a staph infection, which led to pneumonia. Askren’s lungs were so damaged that doctors placed him in a medically induced coma.
Askren was connected to a ventilator and an ECMO machine to help him breathe. During his time in a coma, Askren’s heart stopped four times for 20 seconds each. His wife, Amy, shared updates with fans throughout.
By late June, Askren’s only chance of survival was a double lung transplant. The surgery took place on June 30 and succeeded. Despite that success, Askren remains a shell of his former self, having lost a massive amount of weight to drop under 150 pounds. He had no memory of any events between May 28 and July 2, and he had to read his wife’s daily journal simply to understand what happened to him.
Ben Askren’s long road to recovery
After surgery, Askren stayed in the hospital to avoid infection or organ rejection. In July, he could communicate and post a video thanking supporters.
He faced setbacks, including another hospital stay for a possible infection. Still, the beloved wrestler reported progress in August, saying he was regaining strength and relearning how to use his body. Remarkably, he recently began walking again.
The family then learned their insurance would not cover much of the $2–3 million transplant cost. Post-surgery care, medications, and rehab added even more expenses.
That’s when the combat sports community stepped in.
Ben Askren receives support from all sides
Former opponents, MMA fighters, and grappling fans launched fundraising efforts.
BJJ Fanatics started a GoFundMe, raising $5,161 of a $24,000 target by July 22. Founder Michael Zenga personally donated $2,500.
Jake Paul, Askren’s only boxing opponent, offered money and criticized others for not helping. UFC president Dana White shared a donation link to his 11 million Instagram followers.
Fellow former Bellator MMA champion and current UFC standout Michael Chandler revealed he and others helped “behind closed doors.” Wrestling brand Rudis sold “Funky Strong, Funky Tough” shirts, donating all proceeds.
Lessons from this ordeal
As Askren works toward recovery, one question remains — could this have been prevented?
Unfortunately, staph infections are common in combat sports gyms, and some fighters even compete while infected.
It may be time for stricter health and hygiene rules in combat sports. As Askren’s case shows, a simple infection can turn deadly.
Take care of yourself and protect your training partners.