Former UFC fighter Ben Askren recently opened up about his life-altering experience that began after waking from a medically induced coma following a double lung transplant due to a severe pneumonia case. In an interview with FloWrestling, Askren shared the profound moment when he decided to embrace Christianity upon regaining consciousness. He reflected on the gravitas of his situation, recalling instances when medical staff believed he might not survive. His subsequent spiritual awakening marked a significant shift in his life, as he stated, “I just decided I was a Christian. So, that’s crazy.”
Throughout his journey, Askren noted his past relationship with faith, emphasizing that although he had attended church with his wife for over 15 years, he had never felt a genuine call to faith until that pivotal moment in the hospital. He described how his initial reluctance transformed into a heartfelt commitment, saying, “I gotta do it.” This unexpected spiritual transformation has filled him with gratitude for the support he received from friends and family, who rallied around him during his recovery. “So much gratitude for everyone who’s helped out,” he expressed, acknowledging their contributions, whether through financial assistance or simply spending time with him.
Askren’s health crisis began in May, when he initially experienced back pain, which led to a swift decline in his health. By June, he was on a ventilator and subsequently placed on the organ donor list for a lung transplant. His surgery occurred on June 24, ultimately proving successful. Since the operation, he has actively communicated with fans through social media, sharing updates regarding his recovery journey. Recently, he expressed optimism by stating he had made “almost third lap today” around his hospital floor, indicating his growing physical strength and recovery progress.
At 40 years old, Askren has an impressive athletic background, including accolades as an NCAA champion in the 170-pound division in 2006 and 2007. He represented Team USA at the 2008 Olympics and earned gold medals at both the 2005 Pan American Championships and the 2009 World Championships. His transition into mixed martial arts saw him debut in Bellator in 2010, followed by stints in ONE Championship and the UFC. In 2021, he faced Jake Paul in a boxing match, which resulted in a swift defeat.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Askren’s current journey illustrates resilience and the capacity for personal transformation in the face of adversity. His newfound commitment to faith, coupled with the support of his community, highlights the profound impact of human connection during challenging times. He has emerged from his health crisis not only physically stronger but also spiritually renewed, embodying a message of hope and gratitude to others facing their own trials.
As Askren continues to heal both physically and spiritually, his story serves as an inspiring testament to the potential for growth and change following life-threatening experiences. By sharing his journey, he amplifies the importance of support networks and highlights the power of faith in navigating life’s unpredictable challenges. As he progresses through recovery, he remains an influential figure in sports and beyond, encouraging others to cultivate resilience and gratitude in their lives.
