After a double lung transplant, former UFC fighter Ben Askren leaves the hospital and updates his health status.

B. Askren has been retired from MMA since 2019. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube ESPN MMA

PUBLICITY:

Former Bellator and ONE Championship champion, with a stint in the UFC, Ben Askren has been discharged from the hospital after an intense battle with severe pneumonia and a serious bacterial infection. The 40-year-old fighter spent nearly two months hospitalized and underwent a double lung transplant, losing over 20 kg in the process.

In a video posted on social media, Askren appears in a car, next to his wife, and gives an emotional speech.

See too

Magomed Ankalaev makes bold promise after rematch with Alex Poatan confirmed for UFC 320

It's official! UFC announces rematch between Alex Poatan and Magomed Ankalaev; check the date

"Hey guys. Day 59. I'm out with my beautiful wife. Man, it's been a long journey, and it's not over yet, because I can't even really walk. I need to keep teaching my body how to do this and so many other things. I can look on the bright side, because it was me, and I don't remember things, but Amy, how close was I to dying?" Askren began.

After his wife confirmed that the fighter had been close to death several times, Askren made a point of thanking everyone for the support and encouragement he received from friends and fans.

"Man, I don't remember 35 days of this journey, but my surgery was 24 or 25 days ago. It was really difficult. I already said this in a video, but the support you guys sent, making me laugh, helping my kids and my wife get through this. I have friends who came from all over the country, and that meant a lot. It was so wonderful to have all this support and love. I hope I don't have to go through this for a long time. Thank you all for the positive words, the online comments, and everything. It meant a lot. I love you all," he concluded.

Ben Askren has collected achievements outside of the UFC

Ben Askren was, for many years, considered one of the best fighters in the world outside of the UFC. The American was the Bellator champion between 2010 and 2013 and the ONE Championship champion between 2014 and 2018, when he was signed by the UFC.

In the world's largest MMA organization, Askren had just one win and two losses before retiring in 2019.