Ben Askren one and done at RAF11 after double lung transplant

Ben Askren will step onto a wrestling mat for the last time this weekend, just over a year after a double lung transplant left him unable to walk. The former UFC welterweight title contender and two-time NCAA Division I champion confirmed that his match against Belal Muhammad at RAF11 on July 18 will be his final competition ever. Askren, who also represented the United States at the 2008 Olympics in freestyle wrestling, underwent the life-saving surgery about 15 months ago. He lost more than 45 pounds during a grueling hospital stay and was bedridden for weeks, unable to even fetch a glass of water. Now, against all odds, he is ready to compete in his hometown of Milwaukee.

Askren’s health scare came just days after he had been the active UFC welterweight champion—a fact that underscores how quickly his life changed. The transplant was a last-resort measure necessitated by a rare lung condition that had progressed rapidly. He spent months in rehabilitation, relearning how to walk and rebuild the strength that once made him one of the most dominant wrestlers in American history. His MMA career, which included a 19-2 record with one no-contest, saw him win titles in Bellator and ONE Championship before a brief, controversial UFC run that featured wins over Robbie Lawler and Demian Maia and a infamous five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal.

One Final Match: Askren’s Comeback from Double Lung Transplant

Askren’s determination to return to competition never wavered, even as doctors told him he might never wrestle again. When RAF Wrestling announced an event in Milwaukee, his hometown, he signed up immediately. The promotion, known for blending professional wrestling with legitimate grappling, provided a perfect platform for Askren’s swan song. He has trained extensively in the months leading up to the bout, working with former teammates and coaches to regain his conditioning and technique. Askren has insisted that this is a one-off appearance, not a permanent return to any combat sport.

The severity of his medical ordeal cannot be overstated. Double lung transplants are among the most invasive procedures in modern medicine, and the recovery period typically lasts a year or more. Askren’s case was further complicated by the muscle loss he suffered during his hospitalization. He went from being a world-class athlete to someone who could barely stand. Yet he has managed to not only recover but also prepare for a competitive match. His doctors have reportedly cleared him for the contest, though they have advised that this should be his final physical exertion at this level.

‘I Don’t Care If I Win’

In an interview for RAF Wrestling’s social media channels, Askren made his perspective clear. “There was a time when I couldn’t get off the couch and I had to be treated differently because I literally can’t get up to go get a glass of water,” he recalled. “But at this point in my life I actually hate when people treat me differently, I don’t want people to because of what I’ve been through. Everyone’s asking ‘oh are you going to win this match?’ I don’t give a s— if I win this match, I couldn’t walk last year. The same day last year I couldn’t get out of bed.” He added that he hopes Muhammad brings his best effort, because a lackluster opponent would deny him the chance to test himself fully.

• Askren underwent a double lung transplant in early 2025 that saved his life after a rare lung condition deteriorated rapidly.
• He lost over 45 pounds during hospitalization and was unable to walk for months, requiring extensive physical therapy.
• The match against Belal Muhammad takes place in Milwaukee on July 18, 2026, and is part of the RAF11 card.
• Askren has confirmed this will be the final competition of his career, with no plans for any further fights or matches.

What This Means for Belal Muhammad and the Division

Belal Muhammad, who was the reigning UFC welterweight champion at the time of Askren’s health crisis, is taking this match seriously. Muhammad, known for his grinding wrestling style and durable chin, has built a reputation as one of the most consistent fighters in the division. Though this is a wrestling exhibition under RAF rules, Muhammad’s own collegiate wrestling background—he was a two-time NJCAA All-American at Iowa Central Community College—makes him a credible and dangerous opponent for Askren. For Muhammad, the match is a chance to test himself against a legend of the sport while staying active during a break in his UFC schedule.

The stakes for the broader MMA and wrestling community are deeply symbolic. Askren’s return is a testament to human resilience, and his one-and-done approach ensures he leaves on his own terms. The match will be a bittersweet moment for fans who remember his NCAA titles at the University of Missouri, his Olympic run in Beijing, and his chaotic but memorable UFC tenure. It also serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of the human spirit. For Muhammad, a win over a compromised but still dangerous Askren would add another layer to his legacy, while a loss would be easily dismissed given the circumstances. The real victory is simply that Askren is healthy enough to compete again.

Askren’s final bout is a testament to his resilience. Whether he wins or loses, he has already beaten the odds. The match takes place this Saturday in Milwaukee, where fans will witness a champion’s last stand. Askren will walk out to the mat one more time, breathe deeply with his new lungs, and compete for the sheer joy of being able to do so.