Ben Askren: Double Lung Transplant, Net Worth & 2026

Few athletes pivot from the octagon to a hospital bed and back to the wrestling mat as swiftly as Ben Askren, who in 2025 underwent a double lung transplant after pneumonia and a staph infection pushed his lungs into failure, according to BBC Sport (UK broadcaster). What followed was a wave of financial support, including a reported $500,000 donation from Jake Paul, and a recovery that has brought Askren back to coaching and competition.

Net worth: $500,000‑$2 million (estimated) ·
UFC record: 19‑2‑0 (W‑L‑D) ·
Fight vs Jake Paul earnings: Reported $500,000+ ·
Health event: Double lung transplant (2025) ·
Donation received: $500,000 from Jake Paul

Nine key facts about Ben Askren, from his wrestling roots to his post‑transplant life:

What happened to Ben Askren?

Ben Askren’s health crisis unfolded rapidly in early 2025. What began as a staph infection developed into severe pneumonia that overwhelmed both lungs, leaving him in critical condition, according to BBC Sport. By mid‑2025, he underwent a double lung transplant—a procedure that saved his life but put his combat sports future in doubt.

Health crisis timeline

• Early 2025: Askren hospitalized with pneumonia and staph infection (BBC Sport)
• Mid‑2025: Double lung transplant performed
• June 2025: Jake Paul publicly requests donations for Askren’s recovery (BBC Sport)
• Late 2025: Askren begins coaching again (TMZ (celebrity news))
• 2026: Returns to freestyle wrestling with a match scheduled for July 18 (ESPN)

The implication: Askren’s rapid decline shows how a common infection can become life‑threatening for athletes under chronic physical stress.

Double lung transplant surgery details

According to BBC Sport, the pneumonia developed after a staph infection, and the damage to both lungs was so severe that transplantation was the only option. The surgery was performed at an undisclosed hospital, and Askren spent weeks in intensive care.

The implication: without the transplant, Askren would not have survived. The surgery cost, partially covered by insurance, still left a significant gap that donations helped fill.

Why did Ben Askren need a lung transplant?

The chain of events started with a staph infection that turned into pneumonia, according to BBC Sport. Askren had a history of respiratory issues dating back to his wrestling training days, but the infection was unusually aggressive.

Cause of the lung disease

• Staph infection progressed to pneumonia
• Both lungs failed due to septic damage
• No prior COVID‑19 link confirmed, but respiratory vulnerability was known

Role of pneumonia

Pneumonia caused inflammation and fluid buildup in the alveoli, leading to respiratory failure. Sportskeeda (MMA news) reported that Askren’s insurance covered only part of the transplant, and the gap became a public fundraising issue.

The pattern: even a minor abrasion can trigger a cascade of organ failure when the immune system is already taxed by intense training.

Who donated $500,000 to Ben Askren?

The $500,000 donation came from Jake Paul, according to multiple sources. MARCA (Spanish sports daily) reported that Paul made the donation to cover Askren’s transplant and recovery costs. Hindustan Times (Indian newspaper) confirmed that Askren thanked Paul and Jorge Masvidal for their support.

Purpose of the donation

Times of India reported that Paul and Dana White were among the biggest donors. Askren said he did not expect anything from them and was grateful for their generosity. The funds were used for transplant costs not covered by insurance.

Did Jake Paul give $500,000 to Ben Askren?

Yes. Early rumors suggested an anonymous donor, but MARCA and Hindustan Times both reported that Jake Paul made a $500,000 donation. Sports Illustrated (US sports magazine) noted that no proof was available at the time of Paul’s claim in mid‑July 2025, but later reporting and Askren’s own statements confirmed the donation.

Clarification on the rumor

Earlier speculation that an anonymous donor gave $500,000 was incorrect. The donor was Jake Paul. Askren himself told Times of India that Paul and Dana White were the biggest supporters, calling their help “very generous.”

What is Ben Askren’s net worth?

Estimates vary. Celebrity Net Worth (wealth tracker) lists Askren’s net worth between $500,000 and $2 million. His UFC career paid around $300,000 per fight, and his boxing match against Jake Paul reportedly earned him $500,000.

Career earnings breakdown

Askren’s career earnings come from multiple sources, each contributing to his overall net worth.

The trade‑off: Askren never reached the superfight paydays of today’s UFC stars, but his post‑fight career as a coach and commentator provides steady income.

Current financial status

Askren lives in Missouri, runs his own wrestling gym, and co‑hosts a podcast. His medical bills were largely covered by insurance and donations, so his net worth has not been devastated by the transplant.

What is Ben Askren doing now?

Ben Askren is alive, recovering, and back in the gym. ESPN reported in 2026 that he is returning to wrestling, with a freestyle match scheduled against Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 on July 18, 2026. TMZ confirmed he had been back coaching for three months as of June 2026.

Post‑recovery life

• Coaching wrestling at his own gym in Missouri
• Appears on MMA podcasts and commentary shows
• Active on Instagram and X (Twitter)
• Plans to compete in freestyle wrestling in July 2026

Coaching and media work

Askren first signed with Real American Freestyle in May 2025, before his health issues escalated, according to TMZ. Now fully recovered, he is one of the most recognizable figures in the sport.

The catch: his comeback will be closely watched as a benchmark for post‑transplant athletic performance.

Ben Askren’s story is one of resilience: from NCAA champion to UFC fighter, from a near‑fatal illness to a life‑saving transplant, and now back to the sport he loves. For fighters and fans alike, the implication is clear: Askren’s path forward is a return to the mat, not away from it. For the combat sports community, the lesson is that even after a double lung transplant, an athlete can reclaim their passion — if they have the support and the will.