Ben Askren schedules return to wrestling match after health recovery
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 5:13 AM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
Ben Askren is set to compete in a freestyle wrestling match against Belal Muhammad at RAF 11, taking place at UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This marks Askren's first competition since recovering from a severe case of pneumonia that nearly cost him his life. He was hospitalized for over a month, where he required a double-lung transplant and lost 50 pounds. This event will also serve as Askren's debut under the RAF banner. Muhammad is coming off a previous match at RAF and will compete in the UFC main event shortly after.
- •Ben Askren vs. Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 scheduled for June 1, 2026
- •Askren hospitalized for pneumonia lasting over a month
- •He lost 50 pounds and required a double-lung transplant
- •Muhammad also competed at a previous RAF event
- •Muhammad fights in the UFC main event soon after
- 5:13 AMSherdog.com — Ben Askren set for first combat sports appearance since near-death experience - Sherdog
- 9:56 PMYahoo Sports — Ben Askren set for first combat sports appearance since near-death experience
- 7:26 PMYahoo Sports — Ben Askren books first competition since battling near-death pneumonia
"Approximately a year ago, Ben Askren came face-to-face with his mortality. This summer, he’ll make his return to active competition.
"Approximately a year ago, Ben Askren came face-to-face with his mortality. This summer, he’ll make his return to active competition.
"Ex-UFC fighter Ben Askren books first competition since his recovery from his severe case of pneumonia that almost killed him.
Sources
External links- Sherdog.comJun 2, 2026, 5:13 AMBen Askren set for first combat sports appearance since near-death experience - Sherdog
Approximately a year ago, Ben Askren came face-to-face with his mortality. This summer, he’ll make his return to active competition.
- Yahoo SportsJun 1, 2026, 9:56 PMBen Askren set for first combat sports appearance since near-death experience
Approximately a year ago, Ben Askren came face-to-face with his mortality. This summer, he’ll make his return to active competition.
- Yahoo SportsJun 1, 2026, 7:26 PMBen Askren books first competition since battling near-death pneumonia
Ex-UFC fighter Ben Askren books first competition since his recovery from his severe case of pneumonia that almost killed him.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WWE•Sep 26, 2026, 12:34 AMWWE SmackDown results, live discussion (Sept. 25, 2026): Trick cages Corbin
WWE•Sep 25, 2026, 11:21 PMBackstage News On Internal WWE Concern Over Traveling To Saudi Arabia For Crown Jewel
WWE•Sep 25, 2026, 10:39 PMTNA Impact Viewership & Ratings Report: 9/17/2026
WWE•Sep 25, 2026, 10:30 PMWWE Smackdown episode tonight in Indianapolis features Money in the Bank qualifying
WWE•Sep 25, 2026, 9:46 PMDrew McIntyre Shares Training Video Amid Lengthy WWE Absence
WWE•Sep 25, 2026, 9:19 PMAEW All Out 2026 predictions: 6 big questions as AEW and WWE go head-to-head in the Chicago area