Former UFC fighter and multiple-time world champion Ben Askren has opened up about the lessons he hopes people can take from his extraordinary journey over the past year.
Askren recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show following his 6-3 defeat to former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at Real American Freestyle (RAF), a result that ultimately marked the end of his competitive career.
However, Askren’s recent struggles have extended far beyond the wrestling mat.
Less than a year ago, ‘Funky’ was fighting for his life after developing a severe case of pneumonia that left him hospitalized in critical condition. The illness became so serious that the 40-year-old eventually underwent a double lung transplant, with his family providing regular updates throughout the ordeal.
Having made a remarkable recovery, Askren reflected on the importance of overcoming adversity. He said:
“At the end of the day, if you’re going to live any kind of meaningful life, you’re going to go through hard things.”
Ben Askren hopes his story inspires others
Ben Askren explained that success in life is often determined by how people respond to difficult situations. The former Olympian stated:
“A lot of how successful you are in life comes down to how you deal with those obstacles.”
Askren also spoke about the value of suffering and personal growth:
“Whether you believe in God or not, struggle makes you better. Trials and tribulations build you up.”
He concluded by encouraging people to embrace adversity rather than complain about it:
“Hopefully, people can take something from that. Instead of whining or crying when something difficult comes your way, ask yourself, ‘How do I deal with this, and how do I allow it to make me a better person?'”
Check out Ben Askren’s comments below:
Askren’s comments carry additional significance considering the challenges he has faced in recent months.
A former NCAA champion, Olympian, Bellator welterweight champion and ONE Championship titleholder, Askren has enjoyed one of the most accomplished careers in combat sports. Yet his greatest battle may have come outside competition.
After nearly losing his life to pneumonia and subsequently undergoing a double lung transplant, Askren’s return to public life and competition represents a remarkable recovery.
Although his defeat to Muhammad ultimately led to his retirement, the former champion hopes his journey serves as a reminder that adversity is inevitable and that personal growth often emerges from life’s toughest moments.
About The Author
