Ben Askren will get back on the mat.
Ben Askren announced on the Ariel Helwani Show that he will compete at Real American Freestyle on July 18 against Belal Muhammad. Askren was the first fighter signed to RAF, but had to undergo a double lung transplant after suffering severe pneumonia in June 2025.
Askren said that this will be a one-off match for him, and that the will focus on his family, coaching and growing RAF after this match.
BREAKING: Ben Askren will make his @RAFWrestlingUSA debut in Milwaukee on July 18 against Belal Muhammad.
Askren was the first wrestler ever signed to RAF.
Unbelievable. Truly incredible. pic.twitter.com/bpgmE0QwTU
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 1, 2026
After the transplant, Askren said he didn’t remember anything from the month of June, but read everything in wife wife Amy’s journal. He said he “only died four times” and that his heart stopped for 20 seconds, joking that “wasn’t ideal.”
Askren said he lost 50 pounds and was down to 147 pounds, which is a weight he hasn’t been at since he was 15. Askren fought at 170 pounds during his MMA career.
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