Ben Askren explains why he now believes in God after experiencing 'the other side' during 45-day coma

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren has spoken out about his belief in God after dying several times while in a 45-day coma.

In June, former UFC welterweight and Olympian Askren was rushed to hospital with what was described as 'severe' pneumonia, which came from a from a staph infection.

Throughout his time in hospital, the 40-year-old's was in critical condition, using a ventilator to keep him alive while he waited for a double lung transplant.

Thankfully, Askren's wife Amy confirmed at the end of June that he had received a double lung transplant and was beginning what would be a long road to recovery.

Since then, the former fighter has been outspoken on social media about his experience and what it has taught him, and he's now offered some insight into his faith after he died several times while in a coma.

During much of Askren's time in hospital, he was under an induced coma to help his body deal with the extreme illness it was trying to battle.

Despite this, the father of three died four times but miraculously came back to life, something which he has admitted

"There was multiple times where they thought I was dead, like I was dead, that's the other side," Askren explained in an interview with Collin Rugg.

"I woke up and I started as a Christian, so that's crazy. You know I went with my wife to church for 15 years cause that was part of the deal, I said ‘I’m not a Christian, but I will support you.’

"It was really weird when I woke up, I'm like 'I gotta do it you know,' so that was weird. Hopefully I use it to inspire people through struggle."

In a previous update, the ex-UFC fighter revealed that he had no memory of anything that happened to him from May 28 to July 2.

He has regularly praised his wife Amy, who has stood by him throughout the whole experience, and other members of his close friends and family for their support.

Speaking to Rugg about this support, he added: "So much gratitude for everyone that's helped. So many people donated money, watched the kids, donated food. A lot of friends come to hang out with me. So just so much gratitude."