Ben Askren returned to competition for the final time on Saturday, losing 6-3 to former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 in Milwaukee less than one year after undergoing double lung transplant surgery.
The former United States Olympian and NCAA Division I national champion established an early 3-0 lead before noticeably tiring in the final round. The match was Askren’s first combat sports appearance since his knockout loss to Jake Paul in a 2021 boxing bout.
“I get tired fast these days,” said Askren after leaving his shoes on the mat, a traditional symbol of retirement. “I worked hard as sh*t in the last year.”
“Every single day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it one more time,” he added. “I promised God I would make the most of this day.”
Askren, who unexpectedly developed pneumonia in 2025 before requiring the transplant, returned on his 42nd birthday in the state where he lives and coaches. Saturday’s match is expected to mark the conclusion of his combat sports career.
Askren previously held MMA titles in Bellator and ONE Championship before joining the UFC, where he faced Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. In the RAF 11 main event, Colby Covington defeated Arman Tsarukyan 5-3 to win the promotion’s cruiserweight crossover title.
