Ben Askren, a retired UFC fighter, recently revealed the terrifying details of his battle with pneumonia, which followed a common staph infection. The 40-year-old, who retired in 2019 after a successful career, shared a hospital video explaining his loss of memory from late May to early July.
The staph bacteria, usually harmless, became dangerous when it infected his lungs. Askren was admitted to a Wisconsin hospital, placed on a ventilator, and listed for a double lung transplant as his condition worsened.
His wife confirmed he was healthy before falling ill. Askren discovered from her journal that his heart stopped four times during his hospital stay. “I only died four times,” he said, likening the experience to attending his “own funeral.”
He lost 50 pounds in 45 days but is now recovering and motivated to regain his fitness. Askren expressed deep gratitude for the support from fans and the wrestling community.
Influencer Jake Paul urged fans to pray for Askren and contribute to his recovery efforts.
