It’s a miracle.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter and two-time NCAA Division I national champion Ben Askren is returning to the wrestling mats, and he’s taking on former UFC Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 on Sat., July 18, 2026, inside UWM Panther Arena in Askren’s home state of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Askren announced his return to wrestling today on Ariel Helwani’s
show.During the same interview in which he announced the matchup, Askren revealed that this will be a one-off
appearance for RAF.
“I’m not wrestling again. I’m gonna do it once, and I’m gonna enjoy it,” Askren said. “Then I’m gonna coach wrestling, enjoy my family, and help RAF grow…I never really imagined it would work this quickly. Even my best-case scenario wasn’t as good as how it’s going.”
It is an absolute miracle that Askren is able to compete again after the incredible health scare he suffered last year.
“Funky” was hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia that developed as a result of a staph infection. Askren later revealed that he nearly died four times before eventually receiving a double lung transplant surgery that ultimately saved his life.
Now, he’s returning to competition.
Askren will be taking on Muhammad, who competes this weekend at UFC Vegas 118. Muhammad is currently 0-1 in RAF, losing his promotional debut to former two-time NCAA Division I national champion David Carr.
The event will also feature Arman Tsarukyan vs. Colby Covington in the main event.
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