Ben Askren officially concluded his competitive career on Saturday, July 18, 2026, following an emotional return to the wrestling mat at RAF 11 in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Competing on his 42nd birthday, the former UFC fighter faced off against fellow former UFC competitor Belal Muhammad, ultimately losing the match 6-3.
A Return From Life-Threatening Illness
The bout served as a significant milestone for Askren, who had been out of competition for approximately seven years. His return followed a severe health crisis that began in 2025, when a staph infection led to necrotizing pneumonia. The condition necessitated a double lung transplant on June 30, 2025. During the ordeal, Askren spent 37 days in a coma and has stated that he died four times
during the process.
The recovery was extensive, involving a loss of nearly one-third of his body weight. Reflecting on his condition prior to his recovery, Askren noted that there were times he could not stand up, feed himself, or perform basic tasks. His return to the Real American Freestyle (RAF) platform was described by many as a “victory lap” and an improbable comeback given the severity of his surgery.
The Match at RAF 11
The event, held at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and streamed on FOX Nation, saw Askren enter the arena to a significant crowd reception. Despite his long hiatus, Askren opened the match with a defensive performance, leading 1-0 after the first period and extending his advantage to 3-0 early in the contest.
However, Muhammad—who defeated Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight title in 2024—began to exert pressure in the third and final period. Muhammad secured a takedown and a reversal to pull ahead. Despite Askren’s late efforts to force a tiebreaker, the match concluded with a 6-3 victory for Muhammad.
Following the final whistle, Askren confirmed that this would be his last time competing in a professional setting. My legs gave out, they wouldn't carry me any longer,
Askren said. For sure it's my last time on the mat. I couldn't find a better place to do this.
Context and Career Legacy
Askren’s wrestling credentials include two NCAA Division I championships (2006, 2007) and status as a 2008 Olympic alternate. Throughout his career, he also held titles in Bellator MMA and made three appearances in the UFC in 2019.
His opponent, 37-year-old Belal Muhammad, acknowledged the emotional weight of the evening. Following the match, Muhammad praised Askren’s resilience, stating, He came back from death, this guy's a legend.
Muhammad also noted the personal impact of the event, adding, It shows you man, life is precious. Go after it bro.
For Askren, the decision to compete was deeply personal. He had been the first athlete signed to the RAF promotion in May 2025 but was unable to compete at that time due to his illness. After his recovery, he spent several months coaching at Askren’s Wrestling Academy and serving as an RAF commentator before committing to this one-off return.
Askren’s Competitive Timeline
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | Underwent life-saving double lung transplant |
| May 2025 | Became first athlete signed to Real American Freestyle |
| July 18, 2026 | Returned for one-off wrestling match at RAF 11 |
| July 18, 2026 | Officially retired from competitive wrestling |
Worth a look