Former UFC fighter Ben Askren recovering from double lung transplant after ‘sudden’ bout of pneumonia

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is recovering from a double lung transplant after weeks awaiting a donor, his wife said on Monday.

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is recovering from a double lung transplant, his wife said on Monday. Askren had been in hospital with severe lung damage caused by a sudden bout of pneumonia during which he spent time on life support, Amy Askren wrote. After weeks of waiting for a donor, Amy wrote on Facebook that the 40-year-old had finally undergone a lung transplant. “We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift,” Amy wrote. “It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago. So much can change so quickly. “Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own.” Earlier this month, Askren had been admitted to hospital with severe pneumonia, Amy wrote, and a donation page was organized to help fund his medical treatment.