Ben Askren never did anything the easy way. The former Olympic wrestler turned MMA star built his career on being different. While other fighters threw spinning kicks and flying knees, ‘Funky’ relied on his wrestling skills and unorthodox style. He talked trash with a smile and backed it up in the cage. His fights weren’t always pretty, but they were effective. Askren captured titles in Bellator, ONE Championship, and made waves in the UFC before retiring. But his biggest fight wasn’t against any opponent in the octagon.<\/p>
Life threw Askren a curveball that no amount of training could prepare him for. After spending 59 grueling days in the hospital, Askren underwent a double lung transplant that saved his life. The procedure came after a health crisis so severe that doctors had to bring him back from death four times. Now, the man who once dominated world class athletes struggles with five pound weights and needs a walker to move around. It’s a humbling reality that would break many people’s spirits.<\/p>
Askren’s recent social media update painted a picture of both vulnerability and strength. Speaking from his home after being released from the hospital, he didn’t sugarcoat his current condition. The fighter who once weighed in at a solid 170 pounds (at the weight ins) now sits 35 pounds lighter than where he should be. Simple tasks that most people take for granted have become major challenges.<\/p>
“I am where I am right now, but I’m going to be somewhere different in a month. I’m going to work my ass off. I’m going to get better, so why can’t you too? What are you waiting for? Right? I’m going to finish somewhere different. And so some of you guys who aren’t getting started, get your butt movin. Get started. I’ve got one way to go. I think you do too. Let’s make it happen.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>