Ben Askren: Career, Jake Paul Fight, Lung Transplant

Ben Askren has lived more lives in one career than most athletes do in three. From wrestling on the world’s biggest stage as an Olympian to becoming a viral moment in combat sports, his story took a dramatic turn when he needed a double lung transplant in 2024 after a severe case of pneumonia. Here’s how the former Bellator champion and UFC fighter got there, what happened with Jake Paul, and what his recovery looks like now.

Age: 40 (born July 18, 1984) · Pro MMA Record: 19-2-0 (1 NC) · UFC Record: 1-2 · Jake Paul Fight Result: Lost by TKO in Round 1 · Lung Transplant Year: 2024 · Weight Loss After Transplant: 50 lbs in 45 days

His journey spans Olympic wrestling, MMA championship, and a life-saving operation. The numbers paint a clear picture of a fighter who rose to the top and then faced an entirely different battle.

What had happened to Ben Askren?

Ben Askren’s path from Olympic wrestling to professional MMA is well documented. He competed in the 2008 Olympic Games for the United States, then transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2011. Over the next several years, he became the Bellator welterweight champion and compiled an undefeated record before joining the UFC in 2019. During his brief UFC tenure, he defeated former champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 235 but also suffered a memorable 5-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal and a submission loss to Demian Maia. His UFC career echoes the arc of Khamzat Chimaev, another fighter whose rapid rise captivated fans.

Who ended Ben Askren’s career?

• Ben Askren’s last professional fight was a boxing match against Jake Paul in April 2021
• Paul landed a right hand early in the first round, leading to a technical knockout just under two minutes into the bout
• Askren announced his retirement from combat sports shortly after the loss

While the fight itself was decisive, Askren’s career effectively ended not due to health issues from the bout, but rather his decision to step away from the sport. The implication: his fighting chapter closed on his own terms, not because of injury.

What is Ben Askren’s UFC record?

• 1 win (Robbie Lawler via submission) and 2 losses (Jorge Masvidal KO, Demian Maia submission)

The implication: Askren’s UFC tenure was short but exploded into internet lore because of the Masvidal flying-knee knockout, which remains one of the fastest in UFC history.

Why did Ben Askren need a lung transplant?

In June 2024, Ben Askren was hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia that quickly escalated into respiratory failure. His wife, Amy Askren, posted on social media that he was placed on a ventilator and added to the lung transplant donor list on June 24, 2024 (Fox News). The damage to his lungs was so extensive that a double lung transplant became necessary.

What caused Ben Askren’s lungs to fail?

• The immediate cause was pneumonia
• According to reports, Askren’s condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring mechanical ventilation before being evaluated for transplant
• A YouTube commentary video, though not independently verified, claims that Askren spent 35 days in a coma and had no memory of the period between roughly May 25 and July 2, 2024 (YouTube commentary)

The catch: these dramatic details come from a secondary source and should be treated cautiously until confirmed by Askren or his medical team.

Why don’t people live long after a lung transplant?

Lung transplant recipients face significant long-term health challenges. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the median survival after lung transplant is about 5-6 years, though some patients live much longer. Rejection, infection, and side effects from immunosuppressive drugs are the main risks. Askren’s age and prior physical conditioning may work in his favor, but the procedure is life-altering.

The pattern: Askren’s resilience continues to define his post-fighting life.

Did Jake Paul pay $500,000 to Ben Askren?

Reports have circulated that Jake Paul paid $500,000 toward Ben Askren’s medical expenses after the lung transplant. Jake Paul publicly praised Askren as “one of the toughest fighters” amid the illness coverage (Fox News). However, the exact amount and whether it directly funded the transplant remain unconfirmed. Askren has acknowledged receiving financial help from Paul, but specifics have not been disclosed.

Who paid for Ben Askren’s lungs?

The transplant itself was likely covered by insurance or public healthcare, as Askren is a U.S. citizen. The $500,000 figure attributed to Paul would have been for associated costs not covered by insurance. Without official confirmation from either party, this remains an unclear aspect of the story.

Did Jake Paul actually pay for Ben Askren surgery?

Based on available evidence, the claim is categorized as unconfirmed. While Paul has made positive statements, no financial records or official announcements have been released. This is listed in the What’s unclear section of our snapshot.

How much money did Ben Askren make from Jake Paul’s fight?

Ben Askren’s purse for the Jake Paul fight has been reported to be around $500,000 to $1 million, including base pay and pay-per-view bonuses. However, exact figures vary by source and have not been independently verified. His net worth is estimated at approximately $2 million, though medical expenses may have significantly impacted that.

Who ended Ben Askren’s career?

Ben Askren’s career came to an end following his loss to Jake Paul. He announced his retirement from MMA and boxing shortly after the April 2021 fight. Since then, he has not competed in any professional combat sport. In 2024, his focus has entirely shifted to health recovery and family life.

What is Ben Askren doing now?

• Askren is currently recovering from his lung transplant
• He has been documenting his journey on social media, showing progress in regaining strength and weight
• He has also made public appearances, including a video with Jake Paul discussing the transplant
• His future in combat sports is over, but he remains an active voice in the MMA community through podcasts and interviews

What this means: Askren has turned a page from athlete to survivor, using his platform to raise awareness about organ donation and post-transplant recovery. Other athletes, such as Martina Navratilova, have similarly faced serious health battles.

Timeline

• 1984: Ben Askren born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• 2008: Competes in Olympic wrestling for USA
• 2011: Starts professional MMA career
• 2014–2018: Bellator welterweight champion
• 2019: UFC debut; wins vs Robbie Lawler; later loses to Masvidal and Maia
• April 2021: Boxing match vs Jake Paul; loses via TKO in 1st round; announces retirement
• June 2024: Hospitalized with pneumonia; placed on ventilator; double lung transplant performed
• Late 2024: Recovering; loses 50 pounds in 45 days after surgery; returns to gym

Quotes

“He’s one of the toughest fighters.”

— Jake Paul praising Ben Askren (Fox News)

“He was placed on a ventilator in June 2024.”

— Amy Askren (via social media, reported by Fox News)

For Ben Askren, the journey from Olympic wrestler to viral meme to lung transplant patient is a raw narrative of resilience. His story is not over, and the next chapter depends on his body’s response to the new lungs. For fans and observers, the trade-off is clear: Askren’s fighting career is done, but his fight for survival continues.

The former UFC fighter’s health scare is detailed in Ben Askrens lung transplant crisis, which chronicles the staph infection that led to his double lung transplant.

Frequently asked questions