Former U.S. Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Ben Askren shared an emotional update for the first time since undergoing lung transplant surgery.

Ben Askren feels like he's attended his own funeral – but he hasn't. He's still alive. And not only that, he's now talking. In an emotional video posted to his social media account Wednesday, Askren provided a health update himself for the first time since he was hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia that ultimately led to a lung transplant.

Former UFC and mixed martial artist Ben Askren took to his Instagram handle on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, to give his fans and followers an update on his health.

The latest update from Amy Askren, the former UFC star’s wife, was a positive one last week as she confirmed he had been given a double lung transplant. The expensive surgery wasn’t covered by their insurance, but the family received support from the fight world through online donations.

Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda MMA News Roundup! A former Bellator champ paid an emotional tribute to Ben Askren.