Teary UFC icon Ben Askren breaks silence from his hospital bed and reveals he 'died FOUR times' before life-saving double lung transplant

UFC icon Ben Askren has issued an update to his fans after undergoing a life-saving double lung transplant. 

Last month, Askren suffered a staph infection and contracted pneumonia, before being rushed to hospital on June 7 to be put on a ventilator in critical condition. 

Now, Askren has been seen for the first time since the incident, as he broke his silence with a video on Instagram. 

He began: 'What's up guys! I've not given you an update in a while and I feel like you deserve one. 

'I actually just read through my wife's journal because I don't remember anything from May 28th to July 2nd. No recollection. No idea what happened. 

'I just read through the journal and it's like a movie. So, I only died four times. The ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. 

'But, I got the double lung transplant and made it out to the other side of it. I was actually 147lbs. I haven't been 147lbs since 15-years-old.

'The thing that was most impactful to me was the love I felt from everybody. It was almost like I got to have my own funeral.

'The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing. It felt so good. So I'm more motivated than ever to get back and do what I can to help out.

'I love you guys and I appreciate you guys. This has been tough. Not only on me but on my whole family and community. 

'I hope you guys appreciate the update and sometime down the road maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more'. 

The comments were quickly flooded with emotional messages of support for the former UFC star - with the likes of Joe Rogan leading the way. 

Rogan shared two 'heart' emojis in the comments.

Meanwhile, UFC legend and Askren's podcast co-host Daniel Cormier wrote: 'We love you buddy! You’re a fighter it’s why you are fighting back! Thank god we still have you'.

More to follow...