Ben Askren believes that the perseverance of his wife is, which ultimately saved his life earlier this year.
The former UFC hunter spent 45 days in a coma before he underwent a double lung transplant after he had been brought down by necrotizing pneumonia.
Ben Askren lost more than 50 pounds during his brush with death, but he lived to tell the remarkable story.
During a recent interview, the 41-year-old MMA icon became emotional when he discussed the crucial role that his wife, Amy, played in preventing his premature death.
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Ben Askren credit the woman with saving his life
On Wednesday, Real American Freestyle Wrestling released a YouTube video about Ben Askren's near-death experience.
'Funky' described the events that led to his go to the hospital, which he did not want to do.
Amy Askren's insisting that he was checked out by doctors was probably what his life saved.
“In May I struggled on Thursday, Friday, Saturday,” said Askren.
I came home. I felt completely good. Then a few hours later my back started to hurt really badly. And I'm something like “Damn!” That night I was awake like every 45 minutes.
“I don't want to become emotional, but if it wasn't for my wife, I would probably have died. She plays me to sleep. I look like S-I breath hard and fast.
“So she wakes me up, she's” you have to go to the hospital. ” I am like: “I'm not going to the hospital.” We fight for 30 minutes. My wife convinces me to go to the hospital.
“I remember that I came out of the building in the Uber, and that's it. I don't remember anything.”
Askren added: “My wife was great. You know, she visited 70 days almost every day. It is as if she also has to take care of our children. I still get emotional. There is a considerable chance that I could have died.”
Ben Askren's second hospital stint
Ben Askren was admitted to the hospital when an infection was noticed during his first check.
The former two-promotional MMA champion documented his recovery process, including learning how he could walk again after he had been locked up to a bed or a wheelchair for several months.
On August 12, Askren announced that he 'had escaped' again after he was fired for the second time.
Askren is now looking forward to enjoying 'a really good life' while his recovery journey continues.
He concluded: “I will probably no longer be active in something competitive from a physical position. But I will be able to have a very good life.”