UFC Fighter Ben Askren Placed on Lung Transplant List amid Critical Pneumonia Battle

Published: June 24, 2025

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has been officially placed on the list for a lung transplant, his wife Amy revealed on social media. Askren, a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion, is awaiting a lung transplant after contracting a critical case of pneumonia.

Amy Askren shared a lengthy Facebook update about her husband's health, saying "As of late last night, Ben is officially on the transplant list." She asked friends and family to "please pray he can get stronger and stay stable without complications while he waits, and that they find an amazing match for him and he accepts it smoothly."

Amy also expressed gratitude for the support they have received, saying "our family is so thankful that his other organs are ok and that there is a path forward." She added that her husband is having more periods of awareness recently, but is still unable to look at his phone or respond to messages.

Ben Askren, 40, was hospitalized with "severe pneumonia" and was "unable to respond" on June 7. His wife shared a somber update about his health, describing his condition as "in limbo." She said she was "hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share," but decided to speak out on her own after receiving media inquiries regarding her husband's health.

Askren is a two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner who won titles in the ONE Championship and Bellator. He also competed in the 2008 Olympics. In 2019, he announced his retirement from the UFC after just three fights, citing "hip issues."

Ben Askren on UFC Fight Night Ultimate Media Day on Oct. 24, 2019.