Askren transitioned to MMA after an amateur wrestling career that saw him represent the United States in the 2008 Summer Olympics. He quickly found success in the cage after winning the Bellator Season 2 welterweight tournament before capturing the welterweight title in 2010.'

Former Olympic wrestler and UFC fighter Ben Askren says his heart stopped four times, leading to him receiving a double lung transplant.

Olympic wrestler and former UFC fighter Ben Askren has undergone a double lung transplant after battling severe pneumonia.

Ben Askren feels like he's attended his own funeral – but he hasn't. He's still alive. And not only that, he's now talking. In an emotional video posted to his social media account Wednesday, Askren provided a health update himself for the first time since he was hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia that ultimately led to a lung transplant.

Olympic wrestler and former UFC fighter, Ben Askren, will be honored in his hometown as he faces a serious health challenge.