Ben Askren’s near-death ordeal and sudden Christian conversion spotlight a rare, raw intersection of faith, resilience, and public life.
Story Snapshot
- Former UFC champion Ben Askren survived a double lung transplant after a life-threatening illness in 2025.
- Askren experienced a profound spiritual awakening, declaring a newfound Christian faith after awakening from a medically induced coma.
- His dramatic recovery and conversion have drawn widespread attention, highlighting the rarity of such medical and spiritual transformations among elite athletes.
- Askren’s story is documented by direct statements, media reports, and corroborated timelines, with no major factual disputes.
Elite Athlete Faces Life-Threatening Medical Crisis
Ben Askren, renowned for his dominance in collegiate wrestling, international competition, and MMA—including stints as a Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder—faced an unexpected battle for survival in 2025. In May, severe pneumonia symptoms were initially misattributed to back pain. As his condition rapidly deteriorated, Askren was hospitalized, placed on a ventilator, and by June 24, added to the transplant donor list. The severity and rarity of a double lung transplant in a high-profile athlete intensified public and medical interest in his case.
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren reveals why he turned to Christianity after double lung transplant https://t.co/5WbeLhaOaA
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 7, 2025
Askren’s medical emergency unfolded against the backdrop of his post-athletic career, where he remained active in coaching and media. The ordeal mobilized his family, fans, and medical staff for support. After a successful transplant in July, his rehabilitation began with cautious optimism. Unlike previous rare cases, Askren’s journey was highly public, with real-time updates shared through interviews and social media, reflecting the collective concern and hope of the broader MMA and wrestling communities.
Watch: Ben Askren provided an update on his health after receiving a double lung transplant.
Spiritual Transformation Follows Medical Recovery
Upon regaining consciousness from a medically induced coma, Askren revealed a profound and immediate spiritual shift. Despite years of church attendance without genuine faith, he declared, “I woke up and I just decided I was a Christian. So, that’s crazy.” This abrupt conversion was characterized by Askren as deeply meaningful and life-altering.
Askren’s openness about his newfound faith and gratitude for support underscores a narrative of humility and resilience. He publicly thanked his family, medical team, and supporters, stating, “So much gratitude for everyone who’s helped out.” His recovery progress—walking laps around the hospital floor and engaging with fans—provided visible evidence of physical endurance and renewed purpose, reinforcing the broader message of hope and transformation after adversity.
Broader Implications: Faith, Recovery, and Public Influence
Askren’s public embrace of faith following a brush with death offers a counter-narrative to left-leaning media depictions of postmodern spirituality and moral relativism. The rarity of double lung transplants in young, elite athletes further elevates the story, drawing attention to the critical importance of organ donation, the challenges of post-transplant life, and the strength found in personal conviction.
Askren’s transparency, combined with direct, fact-based reporting from outlets like Fox News and FloWrestling, ensures the story is grounded in verified events and statements, reinforcing credibility for skeptical audiences.
Sources:
Ben Askren – Wikipedia
Who is Ben Askren? Age, Net Worth, Biography, Career
Ben Askren — Fanatic Wrestling
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren reveals why he turned to Christianity after double lung transplant
Ben Askren UFC Stats
