Ben Askren’s Miraculous Return to Wrestling at RAF 11

Near‑Death Experience Leads to Double‑Lung Transplant

Less than a year after facing mortality head‑on, Ben Askren stepped back into competition. The former Olympian and MMA champion survived a severe bout of pneumonia that stopped his heart four separate times, ultimately requiring a life‑saving double‑lung transplant. At 42, the legendary wrestler has rebuilt his body against staggering odds, proving that determination can rewrite even the grimest medical forecasts. His comeback story began with a simple resolve to test his limits once more.

Doctors warned against any athletic effort after the transplant, yet Askren pursued a wrestling match that would serve as both farewell and proving ground. The fight took place at RAF 11 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he faced former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. Though the official score read 6‑3 in favor of Muhammad, Askren opened strong, seizing a 3‑0 lead in the opening period.

The RAF 11 Showdown

The match marked the final wrestling appearance for a man who hung up his MMA gloves years ago, signaling the end of one competitive chapter and the start of another personal journey. Askren’s performance sparked a wave of admiration, as fans watched a seasoned wrestler confront the realities of a transplanted body. He later appeared on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” describing the bout as “a great ending” despite the loss.

In his interview, he emphasized the difficulty of training while juggling medication and lingering fatigue, noting that the experience was unlike anything he had encountered in his decades‑long career. The humility he displayed resonated beyond the wrestling community, highlighting the fragile balance between ambition and health.

Struggles After Transplant: Cytomegalovirus and Leg Fatigue

A hidden setback loomed before the event: cytomegalovirus, a common virus that becomes hazardous for immunocompromised patients. The required medication stretched to 11 weeks—far longer than the desired four—leaving Askren physically drained and slower than anticipated. He admitted that the prolonged treatment set him back, making it difficult to gauge where his new limits truly lay.

During the match, Askren realized that his legs, not his lungs, were the primary source of weakness. He described a pattern where his lower body “give[s] out every time,” forcing him to keep the pace low and rely on strategy rather than raw power. By the third period, exhaustion had set in, and the challenger’s renewed effort exposed the vulnerability he had tried to conceal.

Askren’s Post‑Match Reflections

Speaking on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Askren called the bout a success, despite the narrow margin of victory. He praised Muhammad as a “great opponent” who respected him throughout the encounter, noting the disappointment when the lead slipped away. The former champion’s gratitude for the experience underscored his belief that a world‑class challenger was the perfect test for his post‑transplant condition.

He also revealed that the match was never meant to be a competitive showcase but a personal farewell to a sport he loves. The emotional weight of stepping away from the singlet after a lifetime of competition added depth to his reflections, reinforcing his statement that “that chapter is closed.”

Retirement and Next Steps

Askren has no plans to return to wrestling, confirming that his retirement is final and unshakeable. He described his identity as not rooted in being a competitor, but in the journey and achievements that sport brought him. The decision marks a definitive end to a career that spanned wrestling, Olympic struggle, and MMA excellence.

Looking forward, he intends to focus on new pursuits outside the ring, letting the legacy of his miraculous comeback speak for itself. His story continues to inspire athletes confronting health hurdles, reminding everyone that perseverance can transform even the most daunting obstacles into triumphs.