MMA icon Ben Askren, a former champion across promotions like ONE Championship and Bellator, recently underwent a double lung transplant. This critical surgery followed a severe battle with pneumonia. The news prompted an outpouring of support from the combat sports community worldwide, including figures like Dana White and Jake Paul. Updates from Askren`s wife, Amy, shared on social media, indicate he is making progress towards recovery.
Among those deeply affected and vocal about Askren`s impact is Bellator champion Corey Anderson. Anderson emphasized Askren`s crucial role, not just in his fighting career, but in his personal life as well.
Corey Anderson`s Heartfelt Homage
Anderson, a highly respected fighter with a strong wrestling background who was close to a UFC title shot before moving to Bellator and becoming champion last year, spoke to MMAFighting`s Damon Martin about Askren`s influence. Anderson stated the Olympian`s effect extended far beyond the sport.
“Not just my career but my life – my life wouldn’t be what it was if it wasn’t for Ben,” Anderson explained. “That’s not just competing. That’s my life. I met my wife because of Ben Askren. I have two beautiful kids. I have a wife. I’ve got a fight career. It’s kind of like everything I have in an adult life, it came because of Ben Askren.”
He elaborated on how their connection led to meeting his wife: “Because this guy invited me to an MMA gym and the day I walked into an MMA gym, my wife was working behind the desk that day. That’s when I first met her. Years later we ended up starting a relationship and then she moved here.”
Update: Ben Askren Undergoes Double Lung Transplant
Last week, Ben`s wife, Amy Askren, shared the positive news that Ben had received a double lung transplant. The procedure was expensive and not fully covered by insurance, leading to the fight community stepping up with support through online fundraising.
In an Instagram story post, Amy conveyed their gratitude:
“We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant. We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift. It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago. So much can change so quickly. Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own. I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now. I can’t wait to tell Ben all about it. I’m hopeful that in coming weeks Ben will be able to give the next update, but hopefully he will wait until the drugs wear off.”
