Askren returns to mat after '25 lung transplant, loses at RAF 11
Ben Askren, a former UFC fighter, made his return to the wrestling mat in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, competing in a Real American Freestyle (RAF) event. This match on Saturday marked a significant milestone for Askren, occurring approximately a year after he experienced a severe health crisis that nearly claimed his life.
The event, RAF 11, featured Askren in a co-main event wrestling match against former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. The bout took place on Askren’s 42nd birthday, adding a personal touch to his comeback.
Askren’s Health Journey and Return
Askren’s journey back to the mat followed a challenging period of health. He contracted a staph infection that progressed into pneumonia, necessitating a double lung transplant on June 28, 2025. During this time, Askren stated he “died four times.”
Approximately a year prior to the match, Askren was in a coma for 37 days, lost a significant portion of his body weight, and weighed 63kg. He described having to “start over” as he was unable to walk, speak, or eat during his recovery, which he documented on social media.
Reflecting on his return, Askren described the experience as “surreal.” He recalled being in a hospital room for around 50 days last year, unable to be discharged for his birthday because he couldn’t stand or use the washroom independently.
Askren, who began his career in wrestling before transitioning to MMA, had a brief stint in the UFC before retiring in 2019. He also participated in a boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021. He was the first wrestler signed by RAF in May 2025, but his health issues sidelined him.
He indicated that his match against Muhammad would be a one-off event. Askren explained that the decision to wrestle was influenced by RAF holding the event in his hometown of Milwaukee on his birthday, stating, “something spoke to me and said I need to wrestle.”
Askren noted that his perspective on mortality and life has been significantly altered by the events of the past year. He expressed happiness about simply being able to wrestle, emphasizing that it was not about winning or losing for him.
The Match Against Belal Muhammad
The atmosphere in Milwaukee was charged with excitement for Askren’s return. Muhammad, who wrestled in high school, has an MMA career marked by his wrestling skills and has previously trained with Askren.
In Round 1, Askren took control early, forcing Muhammad to initiate shots. Askren scored the first point when Muhammad failed to score on the clock, ending the round with a 1-0 lead.
Round 2 saw Muhammad become more active, but Askren continued to perform strongly. Askren scored another point with a push out and then a third point by throwing Muhammad out at the edge. By the end of the second period, Askren held a 3-0 lead, with Muhammad yet to score.
In Round 3, Muhammad secured a double leg takedown, earning two points and narrowing Askren’s lead to a single point. Muhammad then gained another point with a go-behind, taking a 4-3 lead. Despite Askren’s efforts, Muhammad secured two more points, ultimately winning the match.
The official results showed Belal Muhammad defeating Ben Askren with a score of 6-3.
Post-Match Reflections
Following the match, Muhammad acknowledged Askren’s remarkable comeback. In his post-fight interview, Muhammad stated, “It’s Ben’s birthday. He came back from death. This should be a standing ovation.” He also encouraged living each day to the fullest, saying, “Every day you have a new day of sunlight, that’s a new day to live, a new day to fight.”
The arena crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to Askren. In his own interview, Askren admitted, “I get tired fast these days,” after completing three rounds with a former UFC welterweight champion.
Askren confirmed that this would be his final time on the mat, expressing his gratitude to the fans. He removed his shoes and left them on the mat, a traditional gesture signifying the end of a wrestling career, to a roaring crowd. Askren reflected on his recovery, stating, “I worked hard as shit in the last year.”
Askren’s career includes achievements such as being a two-time NCAA Div. 1 national champion and a two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner, as well as competing in the 2008 Olympics. He also held world championships in ONE and Bellator.
The RAF 11 card also featured other former UFC fighters, including Colby Covington and Arman Tsarukyan, who headlined the event.
Source: bbc.com
