Ben Askren closed the chapter on his remarkable competitive career with an emotional wrestling match against fellow former UFC fighter Belal Muhammad, capping off one of the most inspiring comeback stories in combat sports.
The former UFC welterweight returned to the mat one final time on Saturday, exactly one year after surviving a life-threatening health battle that nearly claimed his life. Competing under the Real American Freestyle (RAF) banner in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Askren stepped onto the mat on his 42nd birthday for what he promised would be his last appearance.
Last year, Ben Askren underwent a double lung transplant after battling severe pneumonia. The ordeal left him in a coma for 37 days, and he later revealed that he had “died four times” during the medical crisis. At one point, he lost nearly a third of his body weight and dropped to just 63 kilograms.
Against all odds, Askren recovered well enough to compete again. Although he ultimately lost 6-3 to Muhammad, simply making it back to the mat stood as a victory in itself.Askren relied heavily on defense throughout the match but visibly slowed during the third and final period as fatigue set in.
“My lungs hurt, but the things that failed me were my legs,” Askren said after the match. “They gave out. In the third period, my legs wouldn’t carry me any longer.
“It’s for sure my last time on the mat. I love you guys. I really do. I couldn’t find a better place to do this. I worked as hard as sh*t in the last year. It was tough. There were times I couldn’t feed myself. I couldn’t stand up. I couldn’t go to the bathroom.
“Every single day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it one more time. I promised God, ‘I’m going to make the most of this day.’ I’m going to treat people well. I’m going to work my ass off, and I’m going to try to make a difference in the world. I love you guys.”
The emotional speech drew praise from fans and fighters alike, many of whom had followed Ben Askren’s incredible journey back from the brink.
Muhammad, who captured the UFC welterweight title in 2024, showed immense respect for Askren after the match. The former champion praised Askren’s resilience and the impact he has had on others throughout his career.
“He came back from death. This guy’s a legend,” Muhammad said.”He’s changing lives. I know because he changed my life. I’m at home ready to quit. I’m tired, I’m sore, thinking about all my losses, but then I look at Ben still fighting every single day.It shows you, man, life is precious. Go after it, bro.”
Following the event, Ben Askren shared one final message on social media, reflecting on what the moment meant to him.
“Some people talk about leaving it all on the mat!!! I really got to. What an amazing sport and what a blessed life I get to live.”
For Askren, the result was secondary. His final appearance wasn’t about winning or losing, it was about proving that determination, faith, and perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges.
After surviving a near-death experience and completing one last walk onto the mat, Ben Askren leaves competition on his own terms, cementing a legacy that extends far beyond championships and victories.
