Ben Askren to compete in wrestling match one year after lung transplant
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 11:17 AM
Last updated Jul 18, 2026
Ben Askren is scheduled to wrestle against Belal Muhammad on July 18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, marking a remarkable recovery from a near-fatal illness. After experiencing multiple health crises, including a double lung transplant last year, Askren expressed that being able to compete feels surreal. This fight coincides with his 42nd birthday, and he stated it will be a one-off event. The match is part of a card featuring other former UFC fighters, Colby Covington and Arman Tsarukyan.
- •Askren is returning to competition on his 42nd birthday.
- •He had a double lung transplant and was in a coma for 37 days.
- •The match is organized by Real American Freestyle.
- •Askren described his previous year as life-changing.
- •The fight against Muhammad is expected to be a one-time event.
- 11:18 AMYahoo Sports — Askren set to fight a year after almost dying
- 11:17 AMBBC Sport — Askren set to fight a year after almost dying
"Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is set to complete a remarkable recovery by competing in a wrestling match on Saturday - a year after he almost died.
"Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is set to complete a remarkable recovery by competing in a wrestling match on Saturday - a year after he almost died.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 18, 2026, 11:18 AMAskren set to fight a year after almost dying
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is set to complete a remarkable recovery by competing in a wrestling match on Saturday - a year after he almost died.
- BBC SportJul 18, 2026, 11:17 AMAskren set to fight a year after almost dying
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is set to complete a remarkable recovery by competing in a wrestling match on Saturday - a year after he almost died.
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