Former UFC welterweight and ONE Championship champion Ben Askren may have a future in competitive sports following his life-saving double lung transplant, according to sports medicine expert Dr. Brian Sutterer.
The Olympic wrestler and Dan Hodge Trophy winner has been working toward an inspiring recovery after a serious health crisis involving pneumonia and a staph infection led to lung collapse.
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Dr. Sutterer addressed the possibility of Askren returning to competition, offering an optimistic assessment that has energized fans and the wrestling community.
“I don’t think it’s crazy at all,” Dr. Sutterer stated when asked about Askren’s potential comeback. “In fact, the sports medicine doctor in me thinks that’s an exciting thought and something that would be really good to have that motivation and inspiration.”
The key distinction Dr. Sutterer emphasized was the type of competition Askren might pursue. While a return to mixed martial arts or boxing would present significant risks, wrestling offers a more realistic pathway.
“Wrestling is not going to be nearly as high risk,” Dr. Sutterer explained, noting that if Askren’s lung and heart function can be objectively tested and proven adequate, there’s no reason he couldn’t return to the mat.
The recovery process involves multiple considerations beyond just lung function. Dr. Sutterer noted that Askren has visibly lost significant muscle mass, which could stem from extended hospitalization.
“You lose a lot of muscle mass even after just days of being in a hospital, let alone weeks, months,” he said. However, the more challenging question involves whether there was underlying muscle or nerve damage from his prolonged illness, which could complicate recovery timelines.
Askren, who had been planning to compete in wrestling matches before his medical emergency, has shared videos documenting his rehabilitation journey, including footage of himself relearning to walk. His determination and athletic pedigree suggest he possesses the mental fortitude necessary for such a demanding comeback.
Dr. Sutterer’s assessment hinges on comprehensive medical testing. “Assuming that they can objectively test his lung function, his heart function, and it all is up to snuff and functioning well, I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t,” he stated.
The doctor added that having competitive goals might actually benefit Askren’s recovery, providing the motivation needed to push through rehabilitation.
