In a testament to human resilience and the indomitable spirit of an athlete, Ben Askren, the former two-promotion MMA champion and celebrated wrestler, has recently astounded fans by showcasing his signature grappling skills. This demonstration isn`t merely a display of retained talent; it`s a profound declaration of recovery from an ordeal that, just months prior, pushed him to the very brink of existence.
The Brink of No Return: A Battle Beyond the Cage
Earlier this year, the world watched with bated breath as news emerged of Askren`s severe health crisis. A virulent staph infection escalated into a grave case of pneumonia, precipitating a 45-day medically induced coma. During this agonizing period, Askren technically “died” four times, a chilling detail that underscores the severity of his condition. His survival ultimately hinged on a life-saving double lung transplant performed in June, an intricate procedure that offered a fragile lifeline when all other avenues had dimmed.
Such an experience would irrevocably alter anyone`s life, likely ushering in a prolonged period of cautious recuperation, far removed from the physical demands of elite athletics. Yet, for Askren, known colloquially as `Funky` for his unorthodox wrestling style, the journey back appears to be a spirited charge rather than a tentative crawl.
Back on the Mat: The Arm Drag Heard `Round the World
Just a few short months post-transplant, Askren has been meticulously documenting his recovery process on social media, offering glimpses into his remarkable progress. The latest update, however, transcended mere progress reports; it was a defiant exhibition of skill. Askren shared a video of himself executing an “arm drag,” a fundamental yet effective wrestling maneuver, with a caption that resonated deeply: “Almost died…. Won’t ever forget how to hit an arm drag.”
The online reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Fans, who had followed his harrowing journey, expressed a mixture of shock, relief, and profound admiration. Comments ranged from heartfelt well-wishes like, “So glad to see you doing better,” to more playful comparisons: “Bro is Wolverine, just slower healing factor.” One Reddit user perfectly encapsulated the sentiment, noting, “Considering obituaries seemed imminent for Ben back in June, this is remarkable. That’s insane recovery. Good to see.”
Unifying Force: Support Across Rivalries
The adversity faced by Askren managed to accomplish something rare in the often-fractious world of combat sports: it fostered a genuine sense of unity. Even former rivals, such as the YouTube boxing sensation Jake Paul and UFC star Jorge Masvidal, extended their well wishes during his darkest hours. “Man, I got only positive messages,” Askren reflected in July. “Like Jorge Masvidal and Jake Paul both messaged me. I was like, ‘Where the hell’s that come from?’ The support was insanely broad across the board.” This outpouring of universal support speaks volumes about Askren`s character and the unifying power of human struggle.
More Than a Comeback: A Testament to the Human Spirit
Ben Askren`s story transcends the realm of sports; it`s a powerful narrative about battling impossible odds and emerging, not just alive, but vibrant. For a man who technically “died” multiple times, demonstrating an arm drag on a wrestling mat feels less like a mere comeback and more like a gentle, yet firm, reminder to fate: you can`t keep a good Funk Master down. His tenacity offers a compelling lesson in the human capacity for recovery, proving that even after facing the ultimate opponent, the spirit of a true competitor can still find its footing, ready to grapple with life anew. It seems even a double lung transplant couldn`t entirely “take the wind out of his sails,” or perhaps, more accurately, *gave* him a renewed, unwavering gust.
Marcus Bellamy 
Connor Westbrook