Ben Askren’s Journey to Faith

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren recently opened up about his newfound faith in Christianity following a life-altering medical experience. After undergoing a double lung transplant due to severe pneumonia, Askren awoke from a medically induced coma with a renewed perspective on life. In an interview with FloWrestling, he shared the pivotal moment when he decided to embrace Christianity, stating, “I woke up and I just decided I was a Christian. So, that’s crazy.” This decision marked a significant shift for Askren, who had attended church with his wife for 15 years without feeling a personal connection to the faith.

A Life-Changing Medical Ordeal

Askren’s health crisis began in May when he experienced what he initially thought was back pain. This quickly escalated, leading to his hospitalization and placement on a ventilator in June. By June 24, he was on the donor list for a lung transplant. The successful surgery marked the beginning of his recovery journey, which he has been sharing with fans through social media updates. In his latest post, Askren expressed gratitude for the support he received from friends and family during this challenging time.

From Wrestling Champion to MMA Fighter

Before his health ordeal, Askren had an illustrious career in sports. He was an NCAA champion in the 170-pound division in 2006 and 2007 and represented Team USA in the 2008 Olympics. His achievements include winning gold at the 2005 Pan American Championships and the 2009 World Championships. Transitioning to mixed martial arts, Askren debuted in Bellator in 2010 and later competed in ONE Championship before joining the UFC. In 2021, he faced Jake Paul in a boxing match but was knocked out in the first round.

Gratitude and Recovery

Throughout his recovery, Askren has expressed immense gratitude for the support network that rallied around him. Friends and family provided emotional and practical support, including financial donations and help with childcare. As he continues to make progress, Askren remains optimistic about his future and encourages others to pursue their own paths of recovery and growth.