“Prochazka comes back and wins that fight… I don’t think Merab gets stopped… I’m leaning towards Ankalaev.” Two weeks ago, reaching out to fans on Instagram, Ben Askren shared his predictions for UFC 320. Barring the Ankalaev setback, it looks like he got most of the predictions correct. Askren appeared happy and vivacious ahead of the showdown at T-Mobile Arena. But unbeknownst to most fans, just days after the event, the former Bellator champion had to undergo surgery. His second one, after a double lung transplant a few months ago.

So, allaying fans’ worries, Ben Askren uploaded a short video in which he spoke in detail about the latest medical procedure. Despite the severe setback to his health and the toll it took on his immediate family, Askren has always stayed positive, continuing to inspire those seeking light in times of darkness.

Ben Askren opens up about the latest procedure

Askren began by celebrating that he can finally sweat from exercise again – something he hadn’t been able to do for a long time. “I just finished working out, and I’m sweating. I haven’t been able to make myself sweat really since after the surgery, so it’s awesome to be able to actually use my body that much to make it sweat,” he said before adding the main update: “I actually had another surgery Wednesday, October 8th, so that’s nine days ago.”

Sharing details about the surgery, Askren revealed how doctors inserted a camera and a balloon down his throat to address a constricted airway. The balloon expanded the airway, allowing for easier breathing. “I felt like I could breathe better. It was really, really amazing. That’s helped me a lot,” he said.

Soon, Ben Askren transitioned into a motivational segment. He referred to a quote from Josh McAfee’s book: “Everyone wants to be great until it’s time to do what greatness requires. Don’t believe the myths. Greatness is far from sexy. It is dirty, hard work usually required to be done in the dark when no one is watching while your dreams are so far off that they feel like fairy tales. ”

He related this philosophy to his own life, especially his recent struggles.

Turning a page in life

He had been busy running his wrestling academy when misfortune struck in the form of acute pneumonia. Before the double lung transplant, his condition became so severe that doctors had to put him on a ventilator. Having faced such a life-threatening setback, he now has to start from scratch.

So at this stage, Askren isn’t focused on winning laurels or accolades. “I don’t think greatness for me is going to be getting back to where I was. It‘s not like I’m going to go win world titles or, you know, anything like that anymore. But just getting back to where I was, that’s going to be a huge win for me,” he said, sharing how it’s an “everyday battle” for him.

Summing up, Askren revealed that true greatness lies in repetition and discipline, even when it’s hard.

As details about his hospitalization and recovery emerged, there has been an outpouring of support for the MMA icon. Even a few who were once at odds with him reached out, extending warmhearted solidarity.

Fans should check out Askren’s videos as he continues to inspire through his life story. What do you think of his journey this year?