Dr. Brian Sutterer explained why he wouldn’t be surprised if Ben Askren returns to combat sports once he fully recovers from his recent health issues.
Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren is one of the inspiring stories of 2025 after recovering from a 45-day coma due to a severe case of pneumonia. After being given a slim chance of surviving the ordeal, Askren eventually regained confidence and is now out of the hospital.
Askren underwent a lung transplant after the health scare and continues to recover in his hometown in Wisconsin. He is slowly regaining the weight after getting down to about 145 pounds in the hospital, about 60 pounds less than his running weight during his fighting career.
Askren continues to inspire people with his story of resilience and triumph. After retiring from MMA in 2019, Askren remained active as a wrestling coach in Wisconsin.
According to a prominent doctor, Askren could potentially wrestle competitively again once he reaches a certain point in his recovery.
Doctor endorses Ben Askren may return to wrestling after major health issues
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Showbecame Dr. Brian Sutterer asked if Askren might return to combat sports once he fully recovers.
“I don’t think it’s crazy at all. In fact, the sports medicine expert in me thinks that’s an exciting thought and something that would be really good to have that motivation and inspiration,” said Dr. Sutterer on Askren.
“If not, then it’s just a matter of time until hopefully his lung function recovers and his heart function is fine. You can test those objectively and once they’re fine, they’ll probably want him to exercise to some extent and then assume everything’s fine.”
“There’s nothing from what we know so far that I would say he shouldn’t or couldn’t work back towards becoming an athlete in some regard.” (h/t Bloody elbow)
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