How UFC Star Ben Askren Cheated Death - #1116
In this episode of Modern Wisdom, UFC fighter Ben Askren recounts his near-fatal battle with necrotizing pneumonia, the double lung transplant that saved his life, and the physical and mental transformation that followed. Askren discusses his 37-day medically induced coma, the difficult rehabilitation process, and how the athletic discipline from his wrestling career shaped his recovery approach.
Beyond the medical details, Askren explores how facing mortality shifted his priorities toward meaningful coaching work and family time. He shares his perspectives on greatness and legacy, arguing that exceptional achievement stems more from environment than genetics, and explains why he refuses to let public opinion define his worth. The episode covers his philosophy on living fearlessly, his spiritual transformation, and his determination to push boundaries in his recovery—including his goal to become the longest-living double-lung transplant recipient.
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1-Page Summary
Ben Askren's Journey: From Life-Threatening Illness to Renewed Purpose
Ben Askren's podcast episode details his harrowing medical crisis, subsequent double lung transplant, and the profound life changes that followed. His story reveals how athletic discipline, spiritual transformation, and a fearless philosophy shaped his recovery and redefined his priorities.
The Medical Crisis and Physical Recovery
Ben's ordeal began with what seemed like a minor elbow staph infection that he treated at home with antibiotics. When severe back pain developed days later, he initially dismissed it as a muscle spasm. However, the infection had entered his bloodstream, causing necrotizing pneumonia that was literally decomposing his lungs internally. His wife noticed his labored breathing and coordinated an emergency airlift to Milwaukee's Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.
Ben was placed in a medically induced coma for 37 days, paralyzed and on ECMO life support with only a 40% survival rate. He awoke to discover he'd undergone a double lung transplant—the transplant surgeon described his lungs as the worst case she'd ever seen. His recovery was complicated by infections and delayed healing, and he lost 60 pounds of muscle mass due to immobilization and medication side effects.
Rehabilitation meant relearning basic movements. Ben progressed from holding furniture to take a few steps to eventually walking independently for twelve minutes. Now, more than 11 months post-transplant, he continues rapid improvement through daily commitment to rebuilding his strength and mobility.
Psychological Transformation and Changed Priorities
Upon waking in the hospital, Ben learned about his transplant from his wife's detailed journal documenting the weeks he'd missed. Reflecting on his near-death experience, he realized that if he hadn't survived, he would have still considered his life well-lived—he had meaningful work coaching wrestling, a loving family, and professional accomplishments. This realization freed him to live even more intentionally with his "extra" time.
Ben reevaluated his professional commitments, withdrawing from uninspiring business ventures and reducing travel for coaching. He now prioritizes hands-on coaching at his wrestling academies and being present for his children's activities, especially as his 13-year-old daughter develops her own passion for wrestling. He credits this shift to recognizing that his limited time should focus on what truly matters.
Ben also experienced a spiritual transformation. After sixteen years of church attendance, his faith only became deeply meaningful when facing mortality. He credits prayer, community support, and his donor family's sacrifice with his survival, fostering profound gratitude. Meeting other transplant patients who endured even greater challenges—like one man who spent nine months hospitalized for a second transplant—deepened his perspective on gratitude and humility.
Athletic Mindset as a Tool For Resilience
Ben attributes his recovery progress to the discipline ingrained during his wrestling career. Even on difficult days, he refuses to surrender to inactivity, scaling back when necessary but never missing his physical therapy, breathing exercises, or medications completely. This goal-driven approach began with just four steps and expanded over time, always progressing based on his daily capabilities.
He views wrestling as a powerful teacher of resilience, discipline, and humility. The sport requires confronting defeat and persevering through continuous effort, fostering self-reliance and a forward-focused mindset. Ben applies this same mental fortitude to recovery, constantly asking "What do I need to do to get better?" rather than dwelling on setbacks.
Philosophy on Talent, Greatness, and Legacy
Ben argues that exceptional achievement comes more from environment and development than genetics. He points to the Polgár sisters, whose father declared before their birth that he would raise chess champions through intensive training—all three became among the five highest-rated female players ever. Ben illustrates this with two hypothetical seven-year-olds beginning wrestling: different upbringings put them "worlds apart" before they even start.
When Ben and a sports psychologist surveyed every Division I NCAA wrestling champion from 1956 to 2006, they expected tales of defining moments. Instead, most champions denied ever feeling "great," focusing on improvement and defeating the next opponent rather than on legacy. Ben emphasizes that champions maintain a "green belt mentality," remaining open to learning rather than plateauing by thinking they've arrived.
Ben resists letting public opinion define his legacy or self-worth. Despite nearly a decade of near-perfect success, many remember him most for his five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal. He says he ignores such reduction, explaining that he competed to test his potential, not to manage perceptions. He's had many opportunities to be defined by particular achievements—his NCAA title, undefeated streak, the Jake Paul fight, surviving serious illness—but refuses each narrative, saying: "Legacy is defined by other people if they want to. And if they don't want to think about me, I don't really care."
Living Fearlessly and Seizing Opportunities
Ben's philosophy centers on seizing opportunities and living without fear of failure. He hopes to inspire people to live fearlessly, illustrating this with a quote: "Worrying is like a rocking chair. You can move all day, but you ain't going anywhere." He relates to the myth of Sisyphus, showing up every day and working hard with a great attitude regardless of immediate reward.
His fearlessness extends to his health journey. Determined to become the longest living double-lung transplant recipient—aiming to surpass the existing record of 38 years—Ben expresses willingness to participate in experimental treatments and cutting-edge stem cell technologies. He manages the challenges of immunosuppressant medications by masking and avoiding crowds, while communicating regularly with his doctor about promising new approaches.
Ben's approach to legacy means embracing challenges others might avoid due to reputation concerns. He accepted higher-ranked opponents and pursued opportunities that tested his abilities rather than protected his image. His return to wrestling just 11 months after transplant—participating in an event for RAF, the wrestling organization he helped launch—demonstrates his commitment to living fully and inspiring others by showing that adversity doesn't have to limit one's potential.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- While Ben credits athletic discipline for his recovery, many transplant patients without athletic backgrounds also achieve significant rehabilitation, suggesting that resilience is not exclusive to athletes.
- The emphasis on environment and development over genetics in achievement may understate the role of innate talent or biological factors, which research shows can also significantly influence outcomes.
- Ben's ability to withdraw from business ventures and reduce travel to focus on family may not be feasible for individuals with less financial security or fewer resources.
- The narrative of living fearlessly and seizing opportunities may not account for the valid caution or risk management required for people with chronic health conditions or limited support systems.
- Ben's approach to legacy—disregarding public opinion—may not resonate with those whose careers or personal fulfillment are closely tied to public perception or community impact.
- The focus on gratitude and humility through adversity, while valuable, may unintentionally minimize the psychological struggles or negative emotions that many transplant patients experience and should not be expected to overcome solely through mindset.
Actionables
- you can create a daily micro-journal where you record one small act of resilience, discipline, or humility you practiced, then review your entries weekly to spot patterns and set a new mini-goal for the coming week; for example, note when you chose to persist with a task despite discomfort, or when you learned from a mistake instead of feeling defeated.
- a practical way to prioritize what matters is to set a recurring monthly reminder to audit your calendar and commitments, removing or reducing one activity that feels uninspiring or drains your energy, and replacing it with time for a hands-on pursuit or relationship that excites you, such as dedicating an hour to a hobby with a loved one or volunteering for a cause you care about.
- you can build a green belt mentality by scheduling a weekly "beginner’s hour" where you deliberately try something new or revisit a basic skill in any area of life, focusing on learning rather than mastery; for example, cook a new recipe, attempt a new exercise, or read about a topic you know little about, then jot down what surprised you or what you’d like to explore further.
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The Medical Crisis and Physical Recovery
Ben Askren’s ordeal began with an apparently minor infection and evolved into a rare, life-threatening medical crisis that required emergency intervention, a double lung transplant, and a prolonged period of recovery and rehabilitation.
Life-Threatening Rare Staph Infection Required Emergency Intervention and Transplant
Ben Treated Elbow Staph Infection At Home With Antibiotics, Believing It Resolved
Ben initially noticed a staph infection on his elbow and treated it as he had with previous minor infections: cleaning, showering, applying antibacterial ointment, and taking a single course of antibiotics. The symptoms quickly resolved, and Ben believed the infection was gone. He didn’t feel sick and experienced no flu-like symptoms.
Infection Reached Bloodstream, Causing Necrotizing Pneumonia, Decomposing Lungs Internally, Initially Presenting As Severe Back Pain Mistaken for Muscle Spasm
About four days later, Ben began experiencing severe back pain, which he attributed to a muscle spasm, given his history of such issues. Pain medication prescribed by a doctor had no effect. The pain worsened, and he was up most of the night trying to get relief. Unknown to him, the staph infection had entered his bloodstream and reached his lungs, causing necrotizing pneumonia—a condition where his body was essentially "eating" his lungs from the inside, leading to sepsis.
Pain Worsened; Wife Identified Dangerous Breathing, Coordinated Airlift To Milwaukee Cardiovascular Unit
As Ben’s pain intensified, his wife noticed he was breathing rapidly and laboriously while sleeping. Concerned, she videotaped his breathing and consulted doctor friends, who advised immediate hospitalization. Ben was resistant but eventually agreed to go. After going to the hospital—recalling only the walk into the waiting room—his condition deteriorated further. Medical friends recognized the gravity of his condition and organized an airlift to Milwaukee’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), where his condition could be better managed.
Ben: Medically Induced Coma, Paralyzed For Transport, On Ecmo With 40% Survival Rate, Unconscious 37 Days
To stabilize him for transport, Ben was fully paralyzed and sedated. Upon arrival in Milwaukee, doctors placed him on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), a life support system with only a 40% survival rate. Ben remained unconscious for 37 days, with no memory of this period. When he finally awoke, he discovered he’d undergone a double lung transplant, knowledge he pieced together from his wife’s detailed journal of his hospital journey.
Complex Surgery for Severe Tissue Damage Requiring Skilled Intervention and Extended Recovery
Ben's Lungs Worsened, Requiring Tissue Scraping Before Transplant
The infection had destroyed Ben’s lung tissue so extensively that the transplant surgeon described his as the worst case she had ever seen. The lungs had decomposed and stuck to his ribs, requiring extensive scraping to remove all the necrotic tissue before the new lungs could be transplanted.
Recovery Involved Managing Complications: Infections, Prolonged Chest Tube Removal, and Two-week Readmission
Ben’s recovery was complicated. He became the first lung transplant patient at his center sent home with a chest tube still in place due to delayed healing. He later developed an infection that required readmission for two weeks. Such complications were not attributed to personal fault but were part of the immense physiological challenge of his situation.
Ben Lost 60 Pounds of Muscle Mass Due to Immobilization, Medication Side Effects, and Critical Illness Demands
During his long hospitalization, Ben lost about 60 pounds, mos ...
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The Medical Crisis and Physical Recovery
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Clarifications
- A staph infection is caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, commonly found on the skin or in the nose. While often harmless, these bacteria can cause serious infections if they enter the body through cuts or wounds. Some strains produce toxins that damage tissues and trigger severe immune responses. If untreated, staph infections can spread to the bloodstream and organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
- Necrotizing pneumonia is a severe lung infection causing tissue death and destruction. It often results from aggressive bacteria like certain strains of staph or strep. This condition can lead to lung abscesses, impaired oxygen exchange, and systemic infection (sepsis). Treatment typically requires intensive care, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery.
- Sepsis is the body's extreme and life-threatening response to an infection. It occurs when the immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight infection, causing widespread inflammation. This inflammation can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly. Sepsis often arises from infections that enter the bloodstream, like the staph infection in Ben's case.
- ECMO is a life support technique that oxygenates blood outside the body, allowing the lungs and heart to rest and heal. It is used in critical cases when conventional ventilation cannot maintain adequate oxygen levels. The 40% survival rate reflects the severity of patients' conditions requiring ECMO, not the procedure's effectiveness. Risks include bleeding, infection, and organ complications, contributing to the overall mortality rate.
- A double lung transplant involves removing both diseased lungs and replacing them with healthy donor lungs. The surgery is complex, requiring precise connection of airways, blood vessels, and careful management of immune response to prevent rejection. Post-surgery, patients face risks like infection, organ rejection, and complications from immunosuppressive medications. Recovery demands extensive rehabilitation to restore lung function and overall physical strength.
- Lung tissue must be scraped before transplant to remove all dead and infected material, preventing further infection. Necrotic tissue can cause inflammation and hinder the new lung's ability to function properly. Removing this damaged tissue creates a clean surface for the new lungs to attach and heal. This process is critical to reduce complications and improve transplant success.
- [restricted term] is a corticosteroid medication used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, especially after organ transplants to prevent rejection. It can cause side effects like muscle weakness, weight gain, and increased susceptibility to infections. Other medications post-transplant often include immunosuppressants to prevent the body from attacking the new lungs. These drugs require careful management to balance preventing rejection and minimizing side effects.
- Intentional paralysis and restraint during critical illness prevent patients from moving in ways that could dislodge life-support devices or worsen their condition. Sedation reduces stress and oxygen demand, helping stabilize vital signs. It also minimizes pain and anxiety during invasive treatments. This approach supports healing by maintaining controlled physiological conditions.
- A chest tube is a flexible plastic tube inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space to remove air, fluid, or pus. It helps re-expa ...
Counterarguments
- While Ben’s initial self-treatment of the staph infection followed common practices for minor skin infections, medical guidelines generally recommend seeking professional evaluation for any suspected staph infection, especially in individuals with a history of recurrent infections or when symptoms persist or worsen.
- The narrative emphasizes that complications were not due to personal fault, but some might argue that earlier medical intervention could potentially have reduced the risk of severe systemic infection, though this is not certain.
- The account highlights Ben’s rapid progress post-transplant, but recovery timelines and outcomes can vary widely among lung transplant recipients, and not all pa ...
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Psychological Transformation and Changed Priorities
Ben Askren’s journey through a harrowing medical crisis and organ transplant deeply transformed his outlook on life, priorities, and spirituality. His reflections reveal profound changes in how he perceives meaning, work, and family, as well as a new sense of gratitude and faith.
Near-Death Experience Altered Ben's Sense of a Meaningful Life
Surprised, Ben Awakes to Unexpected Full Organ Transplant
Ben describes waking up in a hospital after being unconscious, confused about his circumstances. He could not recall any recent events or how he ended up in the hospital. Upon regaining clearer awareness, he learned from a nurse—since he still could not speak—that he had undergone a double lung transplant, a revelation that utterly defied his expectations, given his healthy lifestyle and never having smoked. His wife’s detailed journal about the weeks he missed documented the ordeal, helping him piece together the events.
Despite the Trauma, Ben Reflected On His Good Life—With Meaningful Work, a Loving Family, and Professional Accomplishments—Feeling Satisfied With His Achievements Even if He Had Died
Ben shares that after realizing the extent of his medical crisis and near-death experience, his primary emotions were shock and surprise. However, as he processed what had happened, he reflected on his previous life and found deep satisfaction. He recognized that if he had not survived, he would have still considered his life well-lived—having a loving family, meaningful work coaching wrestling and shaping young lives, and a fulfilling array of professional accomplishments. This sense of retrospective contentment affirmed for Ben that his priorities had been well set even before the trauma.
Realization Freed Him From Needing a Near-Death Experience to See His Fortune, Allowing Him to Find Areas to Live More Intentionally
Although Ben was proud of the life he had led, surviving gave him a renewed commitment to make the most of his “extra” time. He realized he didn’t need to come close to dying to see how fortunate he had been. Now, he feels freed to identify areas where he can be even more intentional, optimizing his remaining years to focus on what truly matters.
Ben Stepped Back From Work Misaligned With His Values and Passions
Exiting Uninspiring Business Investments to Focus On Passion Projects
Confronted by his experience, Ben reevaluated his professional commitments. He began to withdraw from business ventures that did not ignite real passion—even those requiring just small amounts of his time—requesting fair buyouts if his heart was not fully invested. Offers for new projects are now scrutinized through the lens of whether they are worthy of his limited and valuable time.
Reduced Travel For Coaching to Be More Present for Children's Lives and Events, Recognizing Missed Moments
Ben also critically examined his travel schedule for wrestling coaching, acknowledging that although he loves tournaments and coaching, frequent travel cost valuable time with his family. In the past, his wife often juggled responsibilities alone when he traveled, and he missed important family moments. Committed to changing, Ben now limits travel to be present at more of his children’s activities—especially as his 13-year-old daughter develops a passion for wrestling—ensuring he doesn’t miss irreplaceable family experiences.
Ben Prioritized Family and Core Coaching Over Other Opportunities
Ben’s main professional dedication is to the wrestling academies he operates with his brother in Wisconsin, with the part he treasures most being hands-on coaching. He prioritizes this core work and time with his family, letting go of less meaningful opportunities. This adjustment ensures t ...
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Psychological Transformation and Changed Priorities
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Counterarguments
- While Ben’s experience led him to reevaluate his priorities, not everyone who undergoes a medical crisis experiences such a profound or positive transformation; some may struggle with depression, anxiety, or ongoing trauma.
- The narrative suggests that Ben’s life was already well-lived before his crisis, but this may not be the case for everyone facing similar health challenges, and some may feel regret or dissatisfaction with their past choices.
- The emphasis on intentional living and focusing on what truly matters is subjective; others may find meaning in different ways or may not have the resources or flexibility to make similar life changes.
- Ben’s ability to exit business ventures and reduce work commitments may not be feasible for individuals with fewer financial resources or less job flexibility.
- The story highlights strong community and family support, but not all patients have access to such networks, which can significantly affect recovery and outlook.
- The transformation of faith described by Ben is a personal experience; others in similar situations may not experience a religious awake ...
Actionables
- you can create a personal “life alignment” checklist to review monthly, listing your top values, current commitments, and how each aligns with what matters most, then use it to decide what to keep, change, or let go so your time and energy match your priorities
- (for example, list family, health, and meaningful work as values, then write down your weekly activities and rate how well each supports those values; adjust your schedule or commitments based on what you find)
- a practical way to deepen gratitude is to set a recurring reminder to send a thank-you message or small gesture of appreciation to someone who has supported you, especially during tough times, and reflect on how their help shaped your journey
- (for example, text a friend who checked in during a difficult period, or write a note to a coworker who made your workload lighter, and briefly journal about the impact of their support)
- you can schedule a “legacy hour” ...
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Athletic Mindset as a Tool For Resilience
Ben Askren’s years of wrestling and combat sports have shaped his approach to recovery, imbuing his efforts with the same discipline, resilience, and internal motivation he learned as an athlete.
Ben's Years of Wrestling and Combat Sports Training Offered a Disciplined, Structured Recovery
Askren credits his recovery progress to the regimented habits ingrained during his athletic career. He explains that even on days when he doesn’t feel well, he refuses to surrender to inactivity. Instead, he stays committed to performing productive activities, scaling back as necessary but never missing out completely. Whether it means moving a workout from morning to afternoon or doing fewer exercises than usual, he continues with his physical therapy, breathing exercises, and medical routines without fail.
This disciplined adherence extends to his medication and other necessary tasks, ensuring he never misses exercises or doses. The mindset he applies is one of persistent effort: if he can’t do everything he planned, he does as much as he can. He emphasizes the importance of “getting up and doing something” because passivity leads to stagnation. His goal-driven approach began small, from taking just four steps, and expanded over time to more demanding activities like squats, always progressing based on his capabilities each day.
Wrestling's Mental Resilience Transferred To Ben's Recovery
Askren views wrestling as a powerful teacher of resilience, discipline, and humility. He believes wrestling is a microcosm of life, providing experiences that mirror real-world struggles. The sport humbles its participants—there is always someone better in the room, and confronting this fact is unavoidable. Instead of being sidelined when outmatched, a wre ...
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Athletic Mindset as a Tool For Resilience
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Counterarguments
- The disciplined, regimented approach learned from athletics may not be suitable or sustainable for everyone undergoing recovery, as individual needs and capacities vary widely.
- Not all forms of resilience or recovery require an athletic mindset; other approaches, such as mindfulness, social support, or creative outlets, can also foster resilience and progress.
- The emphasis on never missing exercises or doses could unintentionally promote guilt or self-criticism in those who, due to illness or circumstance, are unable to maintain perfect adherence.
- The idea that passivity always leads to stagnation may overlook the importance of rest and listening to one’s body, which are also critical components of many recovery processes.
- The focus on internal motivation and self-reliance may underplay the value of external support systems, such as family, friends, or ...
Actionables
- You can create a daily “minimum action” checklist for any recovery or improvement goal, where you define the absolute smallest step you’ll take even on your worst days, ensuring you never skip a day entirely and always maintain momentum (for example, if you’re recovering from an injury, commit to at least one gentle stretch or a single deep breath, no matter how you feel).
- A practical way to build resilience and humility is to keep a “challenge log” where you briefly record one thing each day that didn’t go as planned, then write a single sentence about what you learned or how you’ll adapt, helping you normalize setbacks and focus on forward progress. ...
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Philosophy on Talent, Greatness, and Legacy
Ben Argues Exceptional Achievement Comes From Environment, Development, Desire, With Wrestling as Evidence
Ben Askren contends that what people call “talent” is much more about environment and upbringing than genetics. Citing his experience running a wrestling academy versus working in a mixed martial arts gym, he observes that parents’ expectations are crucial: wrestling parents typically want discipline and steady growth for their kids, while many MMA parents have unrealistic visions of stardom. Ben argues that to objectively test talent, you'd have to start "out of the womb," because so much depends on early environment and development.
Starting Points For two Seven-Year-Old Beginners In Wrestling
He illustrates this with two hypothetical seven-year-olds, neither with any wrestling experience. One is undisciplined, having spent his childhood on the couch, eating junk food, and never challenged physically or mentally. The other, by contrast, has been raised by active parents, with siblings who toughen him up, a healthy lifestyle, and plenty of time outdoors. Though neither has wrestled, Ben says their different upbringings put them "worlds apart right now from jump," reinforcing that drive, discipline, and exposure are far more significant factors than innate talent.
The Polgár Sisters Prove His Point: Their Father Declared Pre-birth They'd Become Chess Champions Through Intensive Training, and Three Daughters Ended Among the Five Highest-Rated Players Ever, Suggesting Environment and Training Matter More Than Genetics
Ben points to the story of the Polgár sisters as proof that environment and intensive training trump genetics. Their father famously claimed, even before having children, that he would raise world-class chess champions by creating an environment focused on chess mastery. Following this plan, all three Polgár sisters became among the five highest-rated female chess players of all time, supporting Ben’s argument that greatness is mostly developed, not inherited.
Wrestling Requires Extensive Training Hours
Ben notes the enormous time investment needed to reach the top in wrestling. Success in the sport is not a function of natural ability but of consistent hard work, years of guided improvement, and the persistence to push through plateaus. Wrestling, he asserts, is one of the purest examples of greatness arising from accumulated training hours and developmental environment.
Greatness Is Achieved By Focusing On Improvement, Not Thinking About Being Great
Ben examines the mindset that separates true champions from others. When he and a sports psychologist surveyed every Division I NCAA wrestling champion from 1956 to 2006, they expected tales of defining moments or changes that turned good athletes into great ones. Instead, the most common answer was a denial of ever feeling “great.” Even among the top 1-in-100,000 athletes, most champions maintained they were not great, focusing not on their legacy or stature but on improvement and defeating their next opponent.
NCAA Wrestling Champions on Excelling: Most Focused On the Next Opponent and Self-Improvement, Not On Being Great
"Greatness Is Judged Externally; Champions Keep a 'Green Belt' Mentality, Open to Learning."
Athletes or Professionals Who Think They Know Enough Plateau or Decline; Top Performers Maintain Humility
Ben emphasizes that greatness is always an external judgment, not an internal mindset. Champions keep what he calls a "green belt mentality," akin to the idea that if "you’re green, you’re growing." This approach—remaining open to learning and constantly improving—contrasts with those who plateau or decline, believing they have nothing more to learn. Ben insists that thinking you are great is actually what stops you from becoming so, while humble daily improvement keeps you climbing higher.
Ben Separates His Identity and Self-Worth From External Definitions of His Legacy, Refusing to Be Confined by Others' Narratives
Ben resists letting public opinion or single events define his legacy or self-worth, focusing instead on personal growth and living authentically.
Nearly Undefeated for a Decade, Ben Accepts Reduction Without Resentment, Remembered For a Five-S ...
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Philosophy on Talent, Greatness, and Legacy
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Ben Askren is a former American wrestler and mixed martial artist known for his dominant wrestling style and undefeated collegiate wrestling career. He was a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and an Olympic wrestler. In MMA, he competed in major organizations like Bellator, ONE Championship, and the UFC, gaining recognition for his grappling skills. Askren is also known for his outspoken personality and influence on wrestling and MMA training philosophies.
- Wrestling is a combat sport focused on grappling techniques like takedowns and pins, with matches occurring on a mat and strict rules limiting strikes. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combines various fighting styles, including striking and grappling, allowing punches, kicks, submissions, and ground fighting in a cage or ring. Wrestling emphasizes control and technique without striking, while MMA tests a broader range of combat skills under fewer restrictions. MMA fighters often have wrestling backgrounds but must also master striking and submission skills.
- The "green belt mentality" originates from martial arts, where belt colors represent skill levels. A green belt is an intermediate rank, symbolizing that the learner is still growing and improving. This mindset encourages humility and continuous learning rather than complacency. It contrasts with higher ranks that might imply mastery and less openness to new knowledge.
- The Polgár sisters—Susan, Sofia, and Judit—are Hungarian chess players who achieved extraordinary success from a young age. Their father, László Polgár, believed that "geniuses are made, not born," and homeschooled them with an intense focus on chess. Judit Polgár became the strongest female chess player in history, competing successfully against top male grandmasters. Their story is often cited as evidence that dedicated training and environment can produce exceptional talent.
- The NCAA Division I wrestling championships are the highest level of collegiate wrestling competition in the United States. They feature the best college wrestlers competing for individual and team national titles. Winning this championship is a prestigious achievement that often signals future success in wrestling or mixed martial arts. The event has a long history and is a key milestone for elite amateur wrestlers.
- Jorge Masvidal and Robbie Lawler are well-known professional mixed martial artists in the UFC. Masvidal gained fame for his striking skills and holds the record for one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history. Lawler is a former UFC Welterweight Champion known for his toughness and exciting fighting style. Their prominence makes losses to them significant moments in a fighter’s career.
- In sports, "legacy" refers to the lasting reputation and impact an athlete leaves behind after their career ends. It includes how fans, media, and history remember their achievements and character. Legacy often shapes an athlete’s influence on future generations and the sport itself. Public perception plays a key role, as it determines which moments o ...
Counterarguments
- There is substantial scientific evidence that genetics play a significant role in physical and cognitive abilities, including traits like reaction time, muscle composition, and spatial reasoning, which can influence athletic and intellectual achievement.
- The Polgár sisters’ case, while impressive, is anecdotal and does not conclusively prove that environment outweighs genetics; their success could also be partially attributed to genetic predispositions.
- Many elite athletes and performers report early signs of exceptional ability or aptitude, even before intensive training, suggesting that innate talent can exist alongside environmental factors.
- Some research indicates that certain physical attributes crucial for wrestling success (e.g., limb length, fast-twitch muscle fiber distribution) are largely heritable and cannot be fully developed through training alone.
- The focus on environment and training may understate the challenges faced by individuals from less privileged backgrounds who lack access to resources, coaching, or supportive environments.
- While humility and a focus on improvement are valuable, some champions do acknowledge their greatness as a source of confidence and motivation, which can positively impact perform ...
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Living Fearlessly and Seizing Opportunities
Ben Askren’s life philosophy centers on seizing opportunities and living without fear of failure. He aims to inspire others to live fully, act boldly, and prioritize meaningful endeavors over a safe but limited existence.
Ben's Philosophy: Seize Every Opportunity, Fear Not Failure
Askren believes risking failure is preferable to playing it safe. He hopes to encourage people to live fearlessly and not let worries about judgment or the possibility of failure hold them back. According to Askren, the point of life isn’t simply to arrive safely at death but instead to live as fully as possible, immersing oneself in meaningful pursuits even if they involve significant risk. He illustrates this with a quote: "Worrying is like a rocking chair. You can move all day, but you ain't going anywhere." Rather than spend time worrying, Askren urges action and engagement, choosing to "make it happen" rather than be constrained by anxieties or societal expectations.
He further draws inspiration from the myth of Sisyphus, relating to the idea of showing up every day and working hard with a great attitude, regardless of immediate reward. For Askren, life is measured by effort and resilience in the face of adversity, not by playing it safe or avoiding challenges. He lives this out by embodying the same messages he shares, meeting hardship head-on and striving to give others an example of overcoming obstacles.
Ben's Willingness to Embrace Risk Extends To Volunteering For Experimental Health Treatments
Askren’s fearlessness also extends to his health journey as a double-lung transplant recipient. Determined to be the longest living double-lung transplant recipient—his goal is to surpass the existing record of 38 years and make it to at least 39—Askren is not only disciplined about his health but also open to experimental treatments. He expresses a willingness to participate in experimental protocols and cutting-edge stem cell technologies if they offer the chance for a longer, healthier life.
He recognizes the risks and challenges of post-transplant life, particularly the impact of immunosuppressants that lower his immune system to prevent organ rejection. These medications bring their own complications, often limiting life expectancy because a suppressed immune system causes vulnerability to illness. Askren manages exposure by masking and avoiding crowded environments but hopes that maturing technologies—like lab-grown organs from his own stem cells—could one day provide an alternative to lifelong immunosuppression. He communicates regularly with his doctor, volunteering to try promising new approaches and treatment protocols.
Ben's Fearlessness About His Legacy Lets Him Acc ...
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Living Fearlessly and Seizing Opportunities
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Counterarguments
- While living fearlessly and seizing opportunities can lead to personal growth, consistently taking risks without adequate caution can result in significant negative consequences, including harm to oneself or others.
- Avoiding worry entirely may not be realistic or healthy; some degree of caution and concern is necessary for responsible decision-making and risk management.
- The philosophy of always prioritizing action over reflection may overlook the value of careful planning, patience, and learning from past experiences.
- Not everyone has the same resources, support systems, or health status as Askren, making it impractical or unsafe for some people to embrace risk to the same extent.
- Embracing experimental medical treatments carries unknown risks and may not be advisable for all patients; standard protocols exist to protect patient safety.
- The pursuit of legacy or perso ...
Actionables
- you can create a weekly “risk log” where you write down one action you avoided due to fear of failure or judgment, then commit to doing it within the week, tracking your feelings and outcomes to build a habit of embracing discomfort and opportunity.
- a practical way to shift from worry to action is to set a five-minute timer whenever you catch yourself ruminating, using that time to brainstorm and write down three concrete steps you could take to address the concern, then immediately act on the first step, no matter how small.
- you can adopt a “resilience streak” by choosing ...
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