Ben Askren Returns to Wrestling One Year Post Lung Transplant

WHO:

Daily Mail Sports - Ben Askren, a 42-year-old former UFC star

Bleacher Report - Belal Muhammad, Askren's opponent in the wrestling match

WHAT:

Daily Mail Sports - Ben Askren suffered a double lung transplant due to pneumonia, during which he "flatlined" four times and lost 50 pounds.

Bleacher Report - Askren competed in his first match since his double lung transplant, losing 6-3 to Belal Muhammad at the Real American Freestyle event.

Bleacher Report - Askren retired from wrestling after the match, symbolically leaving his shoes on the mat.

Bleacher Report - Askren's last combat sports action prior to this was a first-round TKO loss to Jake Paul in 2021.

WHERE:

Bleacher Report - The match took place at the Real American Freestyle event.

WHEN:

Bleacher Report - The wrestling match occurred in 2025.

WHY:

Bleacher Report - Askren expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete again, stating, "I worked hard as s--t in the last year. Every single day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it one more time."

HOW:

Bleacher Report - Askren started the match strong but "noticeably fatiguing in the final round."

Ben Askren, a 42-year-old former UFC star, recently made a remarkable return to the wrestling mat after undergoing a double lung transplant due to pneumonia, during which he experienced serious complications. Competing at the Real American Freestyle event, Askren faced Belal Muhammad and lost the match 6-3, ultimately deciding to retire from wrestling by leaving his shoes on the mat. Reflecting on his journey, Askren expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete again, saying, "I worked hard as s--t in the last year. Every single day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it one more time."