Twelve months after a near-fatal health crisis, former UFC fighter Ben Askren is preparing for a return to athletic competition. On Saturday, coinciding with his 42nd birthday, Askren will face former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in a wrestling match hosted by Real American Freestyle (RAF) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Askren’s health battle began last year when a staph infection triggered pneumonia, ultimately requiring a double lung transplant on June 28, 2025. During his recovery, he spent 37 days in a coma and experienced significant muscle atrophy, dropping to 63kg. He described the process of relearning basic motor functions as starting over from scratch.
Reflecting on the match, Askren called the opportunity surreal, noting that this time last year he lacked the strength to stand or attend to basic needs. Now serving as a commentator and matchmaker for RAF, he emphasized that this appearance is a one-time event sparked by the symbolic timing of the local competition. He noted that the experience has fundamentally shifted his perspective on mortality, allowing him to approach the mat with a newfound sense of gratitude.
