Home/Articles/MMA
MMA·ANALYSIS·July 15, 2026 09:56 AM ET

Ben Askren returns to wrestling one year after double-lung transplant

Askren faces Belal Muhammad at RAF 11.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 151 min read
Post on X
Ben Askren admits double-lung transplant almost feels like a ‘bad dream’ now that he’s wrestling again just one year lat Via @MMAFighting on X

What happened: Ben Askren described his medical ordeal as a bad dream after resuming Real American Freestyle training. The former mixed martial artist is preparing for a bout against Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 following his near-death health crisis.

Why it matters: Returning to combat sports competition following a major organ transplant represents a rare milestone in professional athletics. The bout against Muhammad marks Askren's first competitive appearance on the mat since undergoing the procedure.

What to watch: Askren and Muhammad will meet on the mat when RAF 11 takes place later this season. Further updates on the event lineup and schedule remain pending.

Sources

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
MMAAnalysis
Follow MMA Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportMMA
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report