Ben Askren Retires After Final Wrestling Match Following Health Recovery

A Final Return to the Mat

Ben Askren officially retired from competitive wrestling on Saturday, July 18, 2026, following a 6-3 loss to former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. The match, held at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, served as a definitive farewell for the 42-year-old athlete. The event, titled RAF 11 and organized by Real American Freestyle (RAF), marked Askren’s only competitive appearance since recovering from a life-threatening health crisis. Askren, who previously retired from mixed martial arts in 2019, confirmed that the bout was his final time competing on the mat.

Overcoming a Near-Fatal Health Crisis

Askren’s return to the arena came just over a year after he faced a severe medical emergency. In June 2025, a staph infection led to a serious case of necrotizing pneumonia, which left Askren in a coma for 37 days. During the course of his illness and subsequent double lung transplant surgery, Askren stated that he died four times. The physical toll of his recovery was significant. Askren lost nearly a third of his body weight, dropping to 63kg, and struggled with basic tasks such as standing, feeding himself, and walking. Despite these challenges, Askren committed to a rigorous training regimen over the past year to prepare for his birthday match. Reflecting on his survival, Askren noted that he spent his recovery thanking God for the chance to compete one last time.

Match Performance and Retirement

The wrestling match against Muhammad saw Askren take an early lead, securing 3-0 by the end of the second period through defensive positioning and quick counter-scoring. However, as the third period progressed, Askren’s physical endurance began to fade. My legs gave out, they wouldn't carry me any longer, Askren said during his post-match interview. For sure it's my last time on the mat. I couldn't find a better place to do this. Muhammad, who won the UFC welterweight title in 2024, utilized the final period to execute a takedown and a reversal, ultimately securing a 6-3 victory. Despite the loss, Muhammad praised Askren’s resolve, describing him as a “legend” for his recovery and return to the sport.

Context of the RAF 11 Event

The match was held on Askren’s 42nd birthday in his home region, a location he specifically requested for his final appearance. The event was streamed on FOX Nation and featured a high-production entrance for the former Olympian. Having previously held titles in Bellator and ONE Championship, and having competed three times in the UFC in 2019, Askren has transitioned in recent years into coaching at the University of Wisconsin and leading wrestling clinics. With his final match now concluded, Askren has expressed his intention to focus on his work and making a positive impact in the world.

Event Detail	Information
Date	July 18, 2026
Location	UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Milwaukee, WI
Result	Belal Muhammad def. Ben Askren, 6-3
Significance	Askren’s final competitive wrestling match