Ben Askren opens up about embracing Christianity after dying four times during 45-day coma

Ben Askren says he found faith after waking from a 45-day coma in which he died four times from a staph infection.

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has opened up about his harrowing health battle, revealing he experienced a profound transformation after dying four times during a 45-day coma.

Askren, 41, was placed on life support after a severe staph infection led to multiple cardiac arrests and required a double lung transplant.

In a video posted by Happy Punch, he confirmed that he flatlined four times and awoke from the coma with a new belief system.

Ben Askren said he woke up from his 45-day coma, where he died four times, as a Christian after denying the religion for 15 years pic.twitter.com/sLxP5anGgQ

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) August 6, 2025

“I woke up and I started as a Christian. I hadn’t gone with my wife to church for 15 years—that was part of the deal. I said, ‘I’m not a Christian, but I will support you.’ When I woke up, I knew I had to do it,” Askren said.

The former Olympic wrestler spent 59 days in hospital and returned home following his recovery. However, his health challenges are ongoing.

Askren was recently re-admitted to hospital due to concerns over a suspected chest tube infection. According to reports, he is currently being treated with antibiotics and undergoing further imaging to monitor his condition.

Despite the setback, Askren remains optimistic. He acknowledged the ups and downs of healing, saying he hopes to be back home soon.