MMA icon Ben Askren opens up on life after health care as he enters 2026 with renewed outlook towards life

Ben Askren has opened up about the toughest year of his life after a serious health crisis nearly took everything from him. The former MMA star spent much of 2025 fighting for survival after developing severe pneumonia. His condition became so serious that it led to a 59-day stay in the hospital and eventually required a double lung transplant.

In the New Year, Askren believes his life will finally move in a better direction. Looking back, the experience feels unreal, almost like a nightmare he never fully remembers. He now enters 2026 with gratitude, reflection, and a calmer view of what truly matters.

Ben Askren looks ahead in life after a near-death experience

Ben Askren explained to TMZ that large parts of his illness remain a blur. He recalls having no real awareness or communication for weeks. In his mind, it felt like he had briefly left the world and then returned. That time forced him to reflect deeply on his life and what he had done before the health scare. He asked himself whether he would have felt satisfied if he had never woken up.

After thinking it through, Askren said he felt proud of how he lived his life up to that point. At the same time, he admitted there are changes he wants to make. He sees 2026 as a chance to apply the lessons he learned during his recovery and to live with more purpose going forward.

Right now, Askren’s main focus remains on continuing to regain his health. However, he feels he is finally strong enough to start thinking about the future again. He said his next steps will look very different from before. Simple things, like attending wrestling tournaments with his own children, are no longer easy or even possible right now.

Askren explained that while those limitations are hard to accept, he is learning to adapt. He feels relieved to have reached a point where daily tasks no longer feel overwhelming. Being able to breathe comfortably and get through the day is now a major win for him.

One project already confirmed is his involvement with Real American Freestyle. The wrestling organization, co-founded by Hulk Hogan, remains part of his plans. Askren is optimistic about the group’s future and is excited to build on what was achieved in its first year.

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