A Hard-Fought Recovery
After enduring a life-threatening health crisis last year, veteran wrestler and former MMA champion Ben Askren is preparing for a return to active competition. The 41-year-old athlete, who spent 45 days in a coma due to severe pneumonia, underwent a double-lung transplant that fundamentally changed his life. Despite initially fearing he would never return to the mats, Askren has made significant strides in his physical rehabilitation.
The RAF 11 Matchup
Askren revealed his comeback plans during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. He is scheduled to compete in a wrestling match against former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad on July 18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as part of the Real American Freestyle (RAF) 11 card. The event, which coincides with Askren's 42nd birthday, will be his first wrestling match in seven years.
«I’ve been back coaching for three months or so right now on regular practices. And when they told me they were doing a show in Milwaukee — I’d asked them to come to Milwaukee because I knew we’ll knock it out of the park — it was July 18 and it was my birthday, and something spoke to me and said: ‘I need to wrestle on that.’»
Choosing a Challenging Opponent
Askren intentionally sought out a formidable opponent in Belal Muhammad, aiming to test his current capabilities rather than seeking an easy victory. He admitted that his physical endurance had plummeted to near zero during his recovery but noted that he is now training consistently.
Regarding his selection process, Askren stated: «I didn't want to go to the other side and pick someone who was too easy, because that annoys me. What is the point of competition? The point of competition is to see what we're capable of.»
Navigating Health Concerns
Understandably, Askren’s health remains the primary focus of his return. While his doctors were initially hesitant, they eventually approved the match after seeing his progress in the training room. Askren noted that while he must remain cautious about infection risks associated with his transplant, the physical demands of a wrestling match are manageable for him at this stage.
«There's no more danger in me wrestling with someone than there is to me sitting next to them at the dinner table for a conversation,» Askren explained.
One-Time Event
While fans may be excited by his return, Askren clarified that this match is a one-off celebration. Following his appearance at RAF 11, he plans to focus on coaching, spending time with his family, and supporting the growth of the Real American Freestyle organization. He expressed admiration for the league's rapid success, noting that their current trajectory has exceeded even his most optimistic expectations.