Ben Askren has shared another update after surviving a near-death case of pneumonia and getting a double lung transplant.
Askren has been in the hospital since the end of May and it was really touch and go for a while. Now that he’s had a transplant he’s on the long road to recovery. The former Bellator and ONE champion discussed his progress and mindset in a new Instagram video.
“I got another tube out, I only have one tube left,” he said, adding that he hoped to be out of the hospital and back home soon.
It’s a horrible thing that Ben and his family went through and there’s still many more challenges in his future. But “Funky” promised to take everything that was coming with the grit and determination that made him such a tough opponent in the cage.
“I’m gonna plead guilty, I felt bad for myself one time,” Askren said. “And that doesn’t do anyone any good. ‘Man, I never smoked one cigarette. Never smoked any weed. Never did anything. Why did my lungs get stolen from me? Why isn’t this happening to someone who smokes?’ Then I realized…it happened.”
“I can be bitter and angry, I could whine and cry, but that’s not going to help anybody,” he continued. “I am where I am now, and I’m going to move forward the best that I can. So I hope you guys are enjoying the updates. I will not feel sorry for myself. I’m going to be out of here very soon.”
We’ll keep you updated on Askren’s recovery and any future updates he shares with his supporters.
