Joe Rogan Reminisces ‘Good Ol’ Days’ of Ben Askren Amidst Current Battle after Double Lung Transplant

UFC veteran commentator Joe Rogan talks about Ben Askren's Bellator days and how the wrestler dominated everyone. 

Joe Rogan Reminisces ‘Good Ol’ Days’ of Ben Askren Amidst Current Battle after Double Lung Transplant

Joe Rogan shares Ben Askren's prime days (via Imago/X)

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Recently, MMA veteran Ben Askren had to go through a huge ordeal after both his lungs collapsed due to a staph infection. He was immediately admitted to the hospital, where doctors closely monitored his condition before deciding on further medical procedures. Eventually, he received a double lung transplant and is currently recovering while being supported by fans and fellow UFC experts.

After spending almost two months in the hospital, Askren was finally discharged and looked extremely skinny due to massive weight loss. Throughout the entire medical battle, the fighter nearly died four times but showed incredible strength to survive and recover. On a recent podcast episode, UFC commentator Joe Rogan reflected on Askren’s prime fighting days and praised his mental toughness.

If you go back and watch him in the Bellator days, he would just dominate guys. They would have no clue of what’s happening. He would take some of the best fighters in the world and as soon as he grab a hold them, they were f**ked. 

Joe Rogan via JRE #2356

Despite being an Olympic wrestler and dominating Bellator, Askren struggled in the UFC and suffered multiple defeats in a short time. He was beaten by top UFC contender Demian Maia, but gained a controversial win over Robbie Lawler.

Askren’s most infamous loss came against Jorge Masvidal, who knocked him out in just five seconds with a flying knee. That knockout remains the fastest in UFC history and a defining moment in Askren’s otherwise highly respected MMA career. ‘Funky’ came into the UFC when he was 34, and many felt he came too late. Nevertheless, he was largely active, competing thrice in just seven months.

I always wanted Askren to fight in the UFC long before he did and unfortunately he did prime of his career in Bellator and nobody got to see it. He was throwing those guys around, there’s nothing they could do to him. 

Joe Rogan continued.

Askren’s move to the UFC came through an unprecedented trade that sent Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship in exchange. Many fans criticized the deal, feeling the UFC undervalued Johnson, one of the most dominant champions in MMA history. Askren’s underwhelming UFC performance further fueled backlash, making the trade seem unfavorable in the eyes of longtime MMA fans.

Ben Askren talks about his future after getting a double lung transplantation 

After his double lung transplant, Ben Askren began a slow and difficult recovery process under strict medical supervision and rehabilitation routines. Unfortunately, his insurance didn’t cover the full treatment cost, leaving ‘Funky’ with huge medical bills and financial pressure. Fans, fellow fighters, and the MMA community donated generously, and UFC CEO Dana White also stepped in to offer support.

Ben Askren on the hospital bed
Ben Askren on the hospital bed (via X)

Askren was a respected wrestling coach who helped many UFC fighters sharpen their grappling and improve overall cage performance. Though he can no longer coach as he did in the past due to health limitations, he’s promised to work hard and cherish this second chance. In a recent interview, the veteran talked about his immediate plans and what his next six months could look like. 

I’m gonna take ways of coaching because of the all those danger type things that could happen. I can’t be around bigger groups of people. It’s gonna be weird because I have been grinding since I was 14. Well, now it’s like, I can’t. In six months, your body can reject your new body part. After six months, the chances of rejection goes down and after a year, the chances go way down. 

Ben Askren via FloWrestling

Recently, the American fighter shared clips of himself riding a bicycle machine, which sparked hope and excitement among MMA fans and supporters. However, during his first medical check-up after the activity, he was again admitted to the hospital due to complications. 

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