Ben Askren Books 1st Match Since Double-Lung Transplant as Belal Muhammad Joins RAF 11
Updated
Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 1
Ben Askren Books 1st Match Since Double-Lung Transplant as Belal Muhammad Joins RAF 11
6 articles · Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 1
RAF announced Monday that Ben Askren will face Belal Muhammad in a cruiserweight freestyle wrestling co-main event at RAF 11 in Milwaukee, his first competition since a near-fatal pneumonia battle.
Over a year ago, Askren spent more than a month hospitalized, said he "died four times," underwent a double-lung transplant and lost 50 pounds before recovering enough to return.
The July 18 bout marks Askren's RAF debut and only his second appearance in any sport since retiring from MMA in 2019; his lone post-retirement outing was a knockout boxing loss to Jake Paul.
Muhammad is making his second RAF appearance after losing to David Carr at RAF 04 in December, and the 37-year-old is also scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night 278 against Gabriel Bonfim this Saturday.
After a double lung transplant, is Ben Askren's final match an inspiring comeback or a dangerous gamble with his life?
Why is a top UFC contender risking his title shot to face a medically-retired wrestler in a different sport?