Ben Askren returns to competitive wrestling after lung transplant
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 5:17 PM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Ben Askren, the former MMA fighter and Iowa native, is set to compete in his first wrestling match since a double lung transplant in summer 2025. He will face ex-UFC champion Belal Muhammad at RAF11 on July 18, coinciding with his 42nd birthday. Askren was hospitalized for severe pneumonia leading to a medically induced coma, and he described his recuperation as a miracle. His return to competition has garnered mixed reactions among fans and athletes, with many expressing support while others raise concerns about his health. Askren's match is a significant milestone in his recovery journey.
- •Askren will compete at RAF11 on July 18.
- •He received a double lung transplant in mid-2025.
- •His opponent is ex-UFC champion Belal Muhammad.
- •Mixed reactions surface regarding his return to competition.
- •The match takes place at UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee.
- 5:17 PMYahoo Sports — Iowa native Ben Askren makes RAF debut after near-death experience
"Iowa native Ben Askren is competing at RAF11 in his first wrestling match since receiving a double lung transplant in the summer of 2025.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MMA•Sep 26, 2026, 5:51 AMThe Best Pictures From The Inner Circle 32
UFC•Sep 26, 2026, 4:00 AMBKFC 94 fight card, start time, date and location | Till vs. Romero
UFC•Sep 26, 2026, 4:00 AMBKFC 94 Results: Till vs. Romero
UFC•Sep 26, 2026, 3:59 AMMidnight Mania! Umar The Striker ‘Just Gonna Knock Everybody Out’
MMAUFC•Sep 26, 2026, 3:07 AMNew Mexico’s Amaya fights for UFC contract
UFC•Sep 26, 2026, 2:00 AMUFC Vegas 121 free fight: Raoni Barcelos wins Fight of the Night vs. Khalid Taha