Ben Askren Inspires Millions with Exercise Bike Workout Recovering from Double Lung Transplant

Ex-UFC star Ben Askren has started his recovery process after surviving near-death situation multiple times in the last two months.

Ben Askren Inspires Millions with Exercise Bike Workout Recovering from Double Lung Transplant

Ben Askren's latest updates (via Instagram)

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The life of Ben Askren took an unforeseen turn towards the end of May. A staph infection turned into pneumonia, and the former UFC fighter required a double lung transplant to survive. It was a worst-case scenario for the fighter-turned-wrestling coach. Luckily, all the prayers from his family and the combat sports fan base were answered and the wrestler is now better.

During this adverse time, Ben Askren lost a lot of weight. In all of his combat sports career, he didn’t weigh below 170-pounds as he fought in the welterweight weight class. However, the health crisis saw him lose around 35lbs and weigh close to 147-pounds. Askren admitted that he hadn’t weighed that much since his high schooling days.

The recovery for Askren is long and the double lung transplant means that he will have to make certain changes in his life. Nevertheless, the ex-UFC fighter is not afraid of what the road ahead has in store for him. As part of his recovery, Askren exercised with stationary bike workout equipment in his garage.

Not too long ago, the wrestler went home from hospital with his wife. However, ‘Funky’ admitted that he couldn’t walk. Improving the muscle strength in his legs remains the first step, and the bike workout certainly aids in that process. Fans showered in with praises for the wrestler in having the right mindset to overcome his health problems.

The tweet had over a million views in less than 12 hours and over 35,000 likes till now. Fans felt that Askren has been inspiring them ever since waking up from his coma-induced stage. Some fans even joked that they would not be able to grind through like the wrestler has after his life-threatening situation.

The decorated college wrestler also admitted that he had never smoked in his life and losing his lungs was not a good feeling. As such, Askren said that he would not feel sorry for himself and will count his recovery from near-death as a blessing.

Joe Rogan upset with Insurance companies after denying payout to Ben Askren

To cover the cost of double lung transplant, the insurance company of Ben Askren didn’t issue the full payout. It led to combat sports stars like Jake Paul and Andrew Tate to offer help. In the end, an anonymous donor helped out with the double lung transplant. Many fans and fighters were outraged by the decision of the insurance company.

Ben Askren shares details about his latest health update
Ben Askren was denied payout from insurance company (via X)

It turns out that UFC commentator Joe Rogan was also enraged by the incident. In his JRE episode with Joe DeRosa, Rogan spoke about the issue with insurance company while an athlete was on the verge of death. He blasted them for their evil business strategy that prioritize money over people’s health.

It’s such a weird game they’re playing. Their business is pay you as little as possible and get you to give money every month. Maybe, if something happens, they’ll pay for it. Maybe not! Maybe you need a double lung transplant, and they’re like, ‘Nope, we’re not gonna cover that.’ Come to court or figure it out.

Joe Rogan via JRE

Joe Rogan has never shied away from talking about serious issues that affects even the common man. The insurance company’s role in the Ben Askren health crisis has certainly opened a lot of eyes of fighters as well as the fan base.

Due to the generosity of the anonymous donor, the Askren family didn’t have to take the insurance company to court in order to sort the matter. Imagine having to hear that their insurance payout was denied at a time where loved ones’ life are in danger. This is precisely why Rogan condemned the insurance companies for playing weird games with their customers.

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