All articles tagged with #ben askren
Ben Askren returned to combat sports a year after his double lung transplant, losing 6-3 to Belal Muhammad at Real American Freestyle; ESPN noted he started strong but fatigued late, and he symbolically left his shoes on the mat after retiring from the bout. This was his first action since a 2021 Jake Paul boxing loss, and he finishes with a 19-2 MMA record (31-11 freestyle) and two-time Missouri national wrestling titles.
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren made a one-off wrestling return on his 42nd birthday in Milwaukee, losing 6-3 to Belal Muhammad and confirming retirement after a near-fatal pneumonia battle that required a double lung transplant.
Belal Muhammad defeated Ben Askren by decision at RAF 11 in Askren’s final fight; Askren, who had returned from serious health issues including pneumonia and a lung transplant, fought a measured defense but faded late, leading to Muhammad’s win and Askren’s retirement after the bout.
Former champion Ben Askren returns to freestyle wrestling a year after a double lung transplant, competing in Real American Freestyle RAF11 in Milwaukee on his 42nd birthday—an emotional comeback and a potential final match.
RAF 11 in Milwaukee features Arman Tsarukyan vs Colby Covington for the inaugural RAF crossover title, with Ben Askren returning to face Belal Muhammad in the co-main; the card also lists several other bouts and live blogs covering the top two fights as MMA Fighting brings results from the event.
Ben Askren, a year after receiving a life-saving double-lung transplant, is returning to the wrestling mat at RAF 11 against Belal Muhammad and says the comeback still feels like a dream as doctors cleared him to compete. After months of rehab and a rehab-fueled return to coaching, he even won a six-minute private match against a high schooler and now views RAF 11 in Milwaukee (his birthday and hometown) as his final wrestling appearance, stressing that the match is about sport, not ego, and hoping his journey inspires others.
Chael Sonnen says he feels uncomfortable about Ben Askren’s planned return to competition at RAF 11 against Belal Muhammad, coming less than a year after Askren’s life-saving double-lung transplant; Muhammad vows to fight to win, while others like Joe Rogan have voiced concerns.
Chael Sonnen says Ben Askren’s return at RAF 11 makes him uncomfortable, though he credits Belal Muhammad for stepping up to the fight and highlights the broader significance of Askren’s health comeback in MMA.
Former UFC welterweight champion Ben Askren returns to competition after a life-saving double lung transplant, set to face Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 on July 18 in Milwaukee, where Askren has served as a promoter/matchmaker; Muhammad seeks his first RAF win while also fighting in UFC Vegas 118 this weekend.
Ben Askren, a former UFC fighter, underwent a life-saving double lung transplant after severe pneumonia and infection, and received heartfelt support from rivals Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal, with Paul also donating to help cover medical costs.
Ben Askren shared a powerful update on his recovery from a double lung transplant, showing his significant physical decline and determination to improve, encouraging others to start their own health journeys despite current setbacks.
Ben Askren successfully underwent a double lung transplant after a severe health battle, receiving heartfelt support from former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal and other fighters, highlighting the strong camaraderie and support within the combat sports community during his recovery.
Dana White praised former UFC fighter Ben Askren for his resilience after Askren's severe health scare, which required a double lung transplant, and expressed admiration for his strength and recovery, highlighting the support from the MMA community and others.
Jake Paul praised Ben Askren as one of the toughest fighters after Askren's life-threatening pneumonia battle, which included a double lung transplant and a near-death experience, highlighting Askren's resilience and strength.
Former MMA star and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren underwent a double lung transplant after severe pneumonia, recalling he 'died four times' during a critical health crisis, and is now in recovery, feeling overwhelmed by love and support.