“I woke up, and I decided I was a Christian, so that’s crazy,” Ben Askren revealed in a candid interview.
The revelation came after years of accompanying his wife to church services without personally embracing the faith.
“I went with my wife to church for 15 years because that was part of the deal. I said, I’m not a Christian, but I’ll support you.”
For over a decade, Askren maintained his supportive but distant relationship with Christianity, attending services as a gesture of marital solidarity rather than personal conviction. However, his recent spiritual awakening came with an undeniable sense of purpose that surprised even him.
“And it was really weird when I woke up. I’m like, I’ve got to do it, you know? So that was kind of weird,”
he explained, describing the inexplicable certainty that accompanied his decision.
This spiritual shift has brought with it an overwhelming sense of appreciation for his community. Askren expressed deep gratitude for the network of support that has surrounded him, acknowledging the countless ways people have contributed to his and his family’s well-being.
“And it’s so much gratitude for everyone who’s helped out. So many people donate money, watch our kids, donate food. A lot of friends come and hang out with me. So just so much gratitude for the community around me,”
he shared.
The transformation appears to have had a notable impact on how others perceive him as well. Askren acknowledged his previous reputation as a polarizing figure but indicated that his newfound faith has influenced public perception in unexpected ways.
“And it’s kind of wild to me. I was always like, in my head, and I think this is true, I was a very controversial figure, you know?”
he reflected.
The MMA star’s journey from skeptical church attendee to committed believer illustrates how personal transformation can occur even after years of exposure to something without full engagement.
Askren‘s openness about his faith journey offers insight into how life-changing moments can reshape not only personal beliefs but also relationships with others and the broader community. His emphasis on gratitude suggests that his Christian faith has heightened his awareness of the support system that surrounds him, fostering a deeper appreciation for human connection and generosity.
Ben Askren is recovering from a double lung transplant after a severe pneumonia infection nearly took his life. The 41-year-old former MMA champion, who suffered cardiac arrest and lost 35 pounds during the ordeal, shared an emotional update from home, where he’s relearning basic tasks like walking and lifting light weights. Despite his dramatic physical decline from elite athlete to fragile patient, Askren remains hopeful, crediting the overwhelming support from the wrestling community as a major source of strength. His heart stopped four times during the crisis, but he now looks ahead to gradual improvement, saying, “I know I’ll be somewhere different in a month.”
