Ben Askren returns after double lung transplant, loses farewell bout
Askren, 42, wrestled on his birthday at RAF 11 in Milwaukee, one year after double lung transplant surgery, ESPN reported.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Ben Askren got one more walk to the mat Saturday night, one year after undergoing double lung transplant surgery, ESPN reported.
The former U.S. Olympian and NCAA Division I national champion lost 6-3 to former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the co-main event of RAF 11 in Milwaukee. ESPN reported the match was Askren’s final wrestling appearance.
Askren, 42, had not appeared in combat sports since 2021, when he was knocked out in the first round by Jake Paul in a boxing match. His return came after a health crisis in 2025, when ESPN reported he was unexpectedly hospitalized with pneumonia before receiving a double lung transplant.
For a while Saturday, the comeback had a scoreboard to match the scene. ESPN reported Askren led Muhammad 3-0 before tiring late, with Muhammad rallying to win 6-3.
Askren addressed the moment afterward while leaving his shoes on the mat, telling ESPN, “I get tired fast these days.”
He added: “I worked hard as s--- in the last year. Every single day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it one more time. I promised God I would make the most of this day.”
A birthday return in Wisconsin
Askren lives and coaches in Wisconsin, according to ESPN, and Saturday was also his 42nd birthday. Askren said that date helped motivate him to compete again.
The Milwaukee match appears to close out a long combat sports run. ESPN reported Askren’s career included championship reigns in Bellator MMA and One FC, followed by a brief UFC stretch in which he faced Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia.
Askren was best known for wrestling long before his later turns in MMA and boxing. Saturday’s appearance put him back in the setting where his résumé first took shape: an Olympic and collegiate champion returning to the mat after a medical fight far beyond any bout sheet.
Covington wins RAF main event
RAF 11 also featured another former UFC welterweight champion in the main event. Colby Covington defeated UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan 5-3, ESPN reported, to win the RAF cruiserweight crossover title.
After the victory, Covington called for future matches with Muhammad, Khamzat Chimaev and Tyron Woodley, according to ESPN.
Muhammad’s win over Askren gave RAF 11 two former UFC welterweight champions in prominent spots, with one taking a title in the main event and the other sharing the mat with Askren in what ESPN described as Askren’s last match.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.