Update #4- GOING HOME pic.twitter.com/O4Rx9Psyuu
— Funky (@Benaskren) July 22, 2025
“Funky” is headed home!
Retired Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Ben Askren has officially been released from the hospital following double lung transplant surgery after suffering a life-threatening illness last month, in which he died four times.
Askren shared an update today on social media, announcing his discharge.
“What’s up, guys? Day 59, I’m out!” Askren said. “With my beautiful wife — so supportive. That was a long journey, and it’s
not over because I still can’t really walk. I have to relearn how to do that, among many other things. I guess I can make light of it because it was me, and I don’t really remember it.”
Askren then asked his wife, Amy, how many times he nearly died during his hospitalization, to which she replied, “Too close. A few times.”
The combat sports community rallied behind Askren during this scary time, with Jake Paul and UFC CEO Dana White reportedly providing financial support.
“I said this already in one of the videos, but the support you guys gave me — whether it was starting a GoFundMe or helping my kids and wife get through it — was incredible. I had friends come from all over the country to hang out for a couple of days,” Askren said, tearing up. “It meant so much. It was so great to have all the support and love. Hopefully, I’m not in this situation again for a really, really, really long time. I plan on living a while. Thank you all again for the positive comments online and everything. It means so much. Love you guys.”
Askren retired from UFC after a submission loss to Demian Maia at UFC Singapore back in 2019, then boxed the aforementioned Jake Paul in 2019. He has remained active in the wrestling community, coaching and mentoring young wrestlers to achieve their dreams.
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