‘Healing’ Ben Askren Readmitted To Hospital After Double Lung Transplant: “Not All Sunshine And Rainbows”

Former UFC star Ben Askren is once again in trouble as new update of hospitalisation emerges on social media.

‘Healing’ Ben Askren Readmitted To Hospital After Double Lung Transplant: “Not All Sunshine And Rainbows”

Ex-UFC star Ben Askren shares an update from the hospital (Source: X)

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Tough times don’t last, but tough men do. And it is safe to say that Ben Askren is living proof of this statement. However, it seems ‘Funky’ is once again facing adversity, as the former UFC star recently shared a concerning update from the hospital, revealing he’s back under care after a near-death scare earlier this month.

For those unaware, Askren was placed on a ventilator and ECMO for nearly three weeks before finally receiving a life-saving double lung transplant. According to close friends, family, and FloWrestling’s Mark Bader, the former UFC fighter had developed a severe case of pneumonia, which stemmed from a previous staph infection. At one point, Askren was barely responsive, leaving loved ones deeply concerned for his life.

The former ONE FC kingpin later returned home safe and sound and gave almost daily updates on his condition via social media. However, it seems that ‘Funky’ is not in the clear yet. In another update on his Instagram, the former UFC fighter reiterated being back in a hospital setting in a video with the caption, “Update #6- not all sunshine and rainbows.“

In the video, the ex-ONE FC kingpin shared detailed updates on his condition while being admitted to the hospital yet again.

Well, as you guys can probably tell, I’m not home anymore, unfortunately… had my first checkup this morning. They didn’t like the way the last chest tube looked. Thought it was infected, put me on some antibiotics, and then, had a few X-rays. Hopefully get this solved fast. But right – Stockdale Paradox, it wasn’t always gonna be smooth!

Ben Askren via Instagram

Askren, 41, is married to his wife Amy and is a proud father of three children. He retired from combat sports in 2021 following a loss to Jake Paul in a professional boxing match. After his recent health scare, the entire fight community rallied around him, and there was a wave of relief and celebration when he finally made it home safely.

The fighter had made leaps of improvement in his health. He even improved his breathing and working out his new lungs by spending some time on a stationary Air Bike. In a previous post, he also updated his fans while being shirtless to showcase his visibly diminished physique. It is being said that ‘Funky’ lost around 35 pounds during the entire process and still relies on a walker for limited mobility.

Top UFC names lambasted the insurance company for denying medical payout to Ben Askren

In 2018, Ben Askren was part of a groundbreaking and highly publicized trade between the UFC and ONE Championship, marking the first of its kind. The former ONE and Bellator welterweight champion was exchanged for UFC flyweight great Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. By 2019, Askren remained undefeated and quickly climbed the welterweight rankings to #6 after beating Robbie Lawler.

MMA voices raise awareness in support of Ben Askren
MMA voices raise awareness in support of Ben Askren (Source: X)

At the time, ‘Funky’ was at the pinnacle of the sport. However, all the momentum and legacy in the world aren’t enough sometimes. In June 2025, everything changed with the onset of a vicious staph infection and severe pneumonia. Moreover, Askren was in a dire state with shrinking respiratory functions.

While he did make the donor list, Amy Askren stated they had to pay out of their own pocket without insurance. As per United Healthcare Insurances, families are left farming for a bare minimum of $300,000 to $400,000 to pay for such transplantation surgeries. Social media influencer and boxer Jake Paul himself voiced displeasure, calling corporate insurance a huge scam. Now, among others, Joe Rogan has followed suit.

During episode #2354 of his ‘JRE’ show with guest Joe DeRosa, Rogan expressed his frustration with the healthcare system, criticizing how people pay into insurance pools monthly, only to be denied help when they truly need it, as seen in Askren’s case.

He developed some kind of crazy pneumonia, and then it became necrotic. So it like ate holes in his lungs. He had to get a double lung replacement surgery at 40, and insurance didn’t want to cover it. Their business is to pay you as little as possible and get you to give them money every month, so that maybe if something happens, they’ll pay for it. Maybe. But maybe not.

Joe Rogan via JRE Show

Beyond Rogan’s comments, Askren has received well-wishes from across the fight world, including some surprising sources like former rivals Paul and Jorge Masvidal. While the healthcare system may feel stacked against everyday people, fans and fellow fighters alike are rooting for ‘Funky’ to make a full recovery and get his spark back.


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