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Ben Askren returns to wrestling at RAF 11 after health struggles

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 9:04 PM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Ben Askren returns to wrestling at RAF 11 after health struggles
Summary

Ben Askren, former UFC fighter and two-time NCAA champion, returns to wrestling on July 18, 2026, at RAF 11 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, facing Belal Muhammad. Askren's comeback follows a year battling severe pneumonia and a double lung transplant. This event marks a significant moment for him after nearly dying four times last year. While he has specified this is a one-off match and not the start of a full-time return, competing again serves as a personal victory for Askren.

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Status Watch
  • •Event scheduled for July 18, 2026, at UWM Panther Arena.
  • •Askren faces former UFC Champion Belal Muhammad.
  • •He underwent a double lung transplant last year due to severe pneumonia.
  • •This match is described as a one-off opportunity.
Latest Updates
  • 3:14 AMYahoo Sports — RAF 11 Highlights! Ben Askren’s Triumphant Return Spoiled By Belal Muhammad
  • 9:04 PMYahoo Sports — Back from the dead! RAF drops inspiring promo ahead of Ben Askren’s ‘astonishing return’ to wrestling | RAF 11
What they're saying
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“Funky” is back. Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter and two-time NCAA Division I national champion Ben Askren is returning to the wrestling mats this weekend (Sat., July 18, 2026) against former UFC Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at RAF 11, which goes down inside UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And simply put, Askren’s return […]

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Ben Askren made his triumphant return to combat sports last night (Sat., July 18, 2026) at RAF 11 LIVE on FOX Nation from inside UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but ended up tasting defeat at the hands of former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. Saturday night was an incredible moment for Askren as the […]

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