A Career’s Final Act
Former UFC welterweight and two-time NCAA national champion Ben Askren concluded his career with a 6-3 points loss in a wrestling match against former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. The bout took place on Saturday at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serving as the anchor for the Real American Freestyle (RAF) 11 card, which also featured Colby Covington. The match was held on Askren’s 42nd birthday, marking a one-off return to competition for the wrestler.
The Physical Toll of the Match
Askren, who competed in three UFC fights in 2019, utilized a primarily defensive strategy during the contest. However, he clearly faded during the third and final period. Reflecting on the physical toll of the match, Askren stated, My legs gave out, they wouldn't carry me any longer. For sure it's my last time on the mat. I couldn't find a better place to do this.
A Near-Death Crisis
This return to the mat followed a severe health crisis that began in the summer of 2025, when Askren contracted a staph infection that developed into pneumonia. The condition became critical, leading doctors to place him in a medically induced coma for 37 days. Askren revealed that he died four times
during this period. On June 28, 2025, he underwent an emergency double lung transplant to save his life. During his hospitalization, Askren lost nearly a third of his body weight, dropping to 63kg. He described his inability to walk, speak, or eat, noting that he had to “start over.”
Recovery and Reflection
Recalling his recovery, Askren noted that at this time last year, he was begging nurses to let him go home for his birthday, but they refused because he could not stand or use the bathroom under his own power. A year ago today I was begging the nurses to let me go home for my birthday because I had been stuck in a hospital room for 50 or so days,
he said. Currently, Askren says the experience feels like a “bad dream.” While he continues to take medicine daily and acknowledges lingering limitations, he stated, I feel like I’m just me now.
RAF 11: A Homecoming
Askren had been the first signee for Real American Freestyle in May 2025, prior to his health complications. After returning to coaching for approximately three months, he requested that the organization hold the event in his home town of Milwaukee. I love wrestling. I love what they’re doing, Askren said. I asked them to come to Milwaukee because I knew we would knock it out of the park.
No Comeback, Just Closure
Despite the successful return to the mat, Askren maintained that the match was a one-time appearance rather than the start of a comeback. He reiterated to reporters that he does not plan to wrestle again following RAF 11, concluding his career after the loss to Muhammad.