Ben Askren’s remarkable return to competition became the final chapter of one of wrestling’s most inspiring stories on Saturday night. Competing at RAF 11 in front of a hometown crowd at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, the former Bellator and ONE champion dropped a 6-3 decision to former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.
The result mattered far less than the moment, as Askren officially ended his wrestling career after overcoming extraordinary health challenges to make one last appearance.
Askren reflects on an unforgettable final match
Fans, friends and family welcomed Askren with loud support throughout the night. After the match, the 42-year-old admitted in his post-match interview that his conditioning was not what held him back.
“My lungs hurt but the things that failed me were my legs.”
“They give out.”
Askren then confirmed the match would be his final time competing on the wrestling mat. He also said that he was retiring even before his match.
“It’s for sure my last time on the mat… I couldn’t find a better place to do this.”
A comeback few believed was possible
Askren’s appearance at RAF 11 came just over a year after surviving a life-threatening medical crisis. In June 2025, he developed a staph infection that progressed into severe pneumonia, leaving him in critical condition.
He was placed in an induced coma and later underwent a double lung transplant before beginning the long road back to recovery.
Looking back on that journey, Askren shared how every day since then has carried a different meaning.
“I worked as hard as sh*t in the last year. It was tough. There was tough where 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.”
Following the emotional speech, Askren placed his wrestling shoes in the center of the mat, the traditional gesture that signifies retirement from the sport.