Olympic wrestler and former UFC fighter Ben Askren has undergone a double lung transplant after battling severe pneumonia.

Former Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Ben Askren says his heart stopped four times, leading to him receiving a double lung transplant.

Askren transitioned to MMA after an amateur wrestling career that saw him represent the United States in the 2008 Summer Olympics. He quickly found success in the cage after winning the Bellator Season 2 welterweight tournament before capturing the welterweight title in 2010.'

The multi-time MMA champion said he lost 50 pounds in a 45-day period as he fought for his life in a Wisconsin hospital.

Askren is on the road to recovery after undergoing a double lung transplant and losing more than 50 lbs. during his illness

UFC fighter and former Olympic wrestler Ben Askren is sharing an update after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia. In a video filmed from his hospital bed and shared via Instagram on Wednesday, July 9,

Similarly to all of Ben Askren’s supporters, Dana White was stunned after hearing the former UFC fighter talk about his current status and what he has been through in the past few weeks.

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

In his first update since his life-saving surgery, Askren said he had no memories from May 28 through July 2 but is starting to recover.

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.