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Ben Askren to face Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 in July

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 8:04 PM

Last updated Jun 1, 2026

Ben Askren to face Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 in July

Summary

Ben Askren is set to return to wrestling action at RAF 11, scheduled for July 18 at Panther Arena in Milwaukee. His matchup against Belal Muhammad marks a significant comeback following a double lung transplant last year due to pneumonia complications. Askren, who has been recovering after nearly two months in the hospital, will debut in the event where he has been a matchmaker since its inception. Muhammad aims for his first RAF victory after losing his prior match at RAF 4 last December. He is scheduled for another fight this Saturday against Gabriel Bonfim in the UFC.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports MMA Fighting

Status Watch

•Ben Askren makes his wrestling return at RAF 11 on July 18.
•Match takes place at Panther Arena in Milwaukee.
•Askren recovered from a double lung transplant after pneumonia.
•Belal Muhammad seeks his first RAF victory after previous loss.
•Muhammad also competes this Saturday in UFC against Gabriel Bonfim.

Latest Updates

8:04 PMYahoo Sports — Funky time! Ben Askren returns to wrestling, takes on Belal Muhammad at RAF 11
7:00 PMMMA Fighting — Ben Askren returns to action after recovering from double lung transplant, faces Belal Muhammad at RAF 11
7:00 PMYahoo Sports — Ben Askren returns to action after recovering from double lung transplant, faces Belal Muhammad at RAF 11

What they're saying

"
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - OCTOBER 24: Ben Askren poses for media during the UFC Fight Night Ultimate Media Day at the Mandarin Oriental on October 24, 2019 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Ben Askren is making an incredible return to the wrestling mats. Promotional officials confirmed with MMA Fighting that Askren is set to face Belal Muhammad at RAF 11. The event takes place July 18 at Panther Arena in Milwaukee. Askren first announced the matchup with Yahoo! Sports. The return to action comes over a year after a severe bout with pneumonia that led to a double lung transplant, and nearly took his life. After nearly two months in the hospital, Askren was able to go home, where he’s continued to improve his health. “Funky” now makes his RAF debut, where he has served as one of the matchmakers since it’s inception less than a year ago. Muhammad makes his second promotional appearance, and looks to get his first RAF victory after losing to David Carr via tech fall at RAF 4 this past December. The former UFC welterweight champion is set to compete in the octagon this Saturday against Gabriel Bonfim in the main event of UFC Vegas 118 in hopes of snapping a two-fight skid.
— MMA Fightingby Mike Heck

"
It’s a miracle. Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter and two-time NCAA Division I national champion Ben Askren is returning to the wrestling mats, and he’s taking on former UFC Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 on Sat., July 18, 2026, inside UWM Panther Arena in Askren’s home state of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Askren announced […]
— Yahoo Sports