Ben Askren, a former UFC star renowned for his tenacity inside the cage, is now fighting the toughest battle of his life-one far beyond the realm of mixed martial arts.
After facing serious health complications, Askren underwent a double lung transplant, a grueling medical ordeal that has tested his resilience like never before.
Amidst this difficult time, Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer who famously defeated Askren by first-round knockout in 2021, has stepped forward with a powerful message of respect and admiration, highlighting the strength Askren has shown in this fight for his life.
Jake Paul recently took to social media to publicly praise Askren.
“Shout out to Ben Askren. Just proved that he’s one of the toughest fighters of all time,” Paul wrote on Twitter.
This rare moment of respect from a former opponent struck a chord throughout the combat sports community.
It came shortly after Askren shared his first health update in over a month, revealing the severity of his condition and the challenges he faced during his recovery.
Fans shocked by news of Askren’s condition
The news of Askren‘s double lung transplant deeply affected not only fans but also prominent figures within the UFC and MMA world.
Voices such as Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier joined in offering prayers and positive thoughts for Askren’s recovery.
This collective support highlights the tight-knit nature of the combat sports community, where respect and compassion often extend beyond rivalries and competition.
In his recent update video, Askren opened up about his experience during the darkest days of his illness.
He revealed that he has no memory of what transpired between late May and early July, a gap he has been piecing together by reading entries from his wife’s journal.
Askren described the surreal sensation of “dying multiple times” during this period, including a terrifying moment when his heart stopped beating for nearly 20 seconds.
Despite these frightening experiences, what stood out most to him was the overwhelming love and support he received from friends, family, and fans alike.
Askren reflected on how witnessing the care and concern from so many people felt almost like attending his own funeral while still alive.
This profound emotional experience reinforced his appreciation for the strong bonds within the fight community and the genuine connections that exist beyond the sport itself.
Now steadily progressing on the road to recovery, Askren continues to regain his strength with each passing day.
The encouragement he has received from fans, fellow fighters, and loved ones has played an essential role in his healing journey.
What he is enduring off the mat is by far the most challenging test he has faced, but Askren‘s fighting spirit remains unbroken.
This story serves as a powerful reminder that true toughness is not only measured by victories inside the octagon or boxing ring but also by the courage to face life’s most harrowing challenges.
Jake Paul‘s heartfelt tribute and the outpouring of support from the combat sports world underscore Ben Askren‘s legacy, not only as a fighter, but as a survivor who continues to inspire through his strength and resilience.
This news was originally published on this post .
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