Ben Askren Ends Career After Comeback Loss

Comeback After Near Death

Ben Askren stepped into the ring one last time on Saturday, marking his final appearance after a harrowing health battle. A year earlier, he survived a severe case of pneumonia that required a double‑lung transplant and left him in a coma for 37 days. The Milwaukee native, fighting on his 42th birthday, weighed 63 kg after losing much of his body weight during the illness. He promised fans it would be a single bout, a vow he kept as the night unfolded. In the end, the former UFC fighter fell by a points decision to Belal Muhammad, sealing the end of his competitive career.

Askren described the moment his legs gave out, acknowledging it was the last time he would step onto the mat. “Every day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it just one more time,” he said, reflecting on the struggle to regain his health. The fighter, who once held three UFC fights in 2019, emphasized how the experience reshaped his perspective on life and gratitude. His final performance, largely defensive and fading in the third round, nonetheless underscored his determination to honor his promise.

Muhammad, a 38‑year‑old veteran who captured the UFC welterweight title by defeating Leon Edwards in 2024, praised Askren’s resilience. “He came back from death, this guy’s a legend,” Muhammad noted, adding that Askren’s fight showed how precious life can be. The winner, whose last UFC bout was in June, said seeing Askren fight every day inspired him to keep pushing despite fatigue and past defeats. Muhammad’s tribute highlighted the broader impact of Askren’s brief return on the MMA community.

Other Fight Results on the Card

British fighter Christian Leroy Duncan extended his UFC winning streak to five consecutive victories. The 30‑year‑old secured a unanimous decision over Jared Cannonier in Oklahoma City, improving his overall MMA record to 15‑2. Duncan’s run of success demonstrates his rise as a top contender in the welterweight division. Christian Leroy Duncan will want a top ten contender in his next fight [Getty Images]

Rising British prospect Lewis McGrillen saw his four‑fight win streak end on Saturday. The 25‑year‑old fell to Rafael do Nascimento via a rear‑naked choke in Austin, slipping to a 12‑2 overall record. McGrillen’s defeat marks a setback in an otherwise impressive early career. The loss also highlights the competitive depth in the PFL‑style circuit.

Ireland’s Caolan Loughran delivered a hard‑fought performance before Julio Arce earned the decision. The 30‑year‑old now stands at 11‑4 overall, having lost two of his last three fights since leaving the UFC last year. Loughran’s fight illustrated his ability to compete at a high level despite recent struggles. Both bouts added to a dynamic weekend of mixed‑martial‑arts action across the globe.

What Lies Ahead for the Fighters

For Muhammad, the victory solidifies his status among the sport’s elite welterweights and sets the stage for a potential title defense. Duncan’s continued success positions him as a leading candidate for a top‑ten matchup, while his next fight will likely be a step up in relevance. McGrillen’s loss may prompt a strategic review as he looks to rebound and reclaim his winning momentum.

Askren’s farewell, though ending in defeat, left an indelible mark on fans and fellow athletes alike. His story of surviving life‑threatening illness and choosing to close his career with dignity will be remembered long after the final bell. The legacy of his comeback will inspire future athletes facing their own health challenges. Meanwhile, the broader MMA landscape continues to evolve, with each fight adding new chapters to its ongoing narrative.