Ben Askren loses grappling return after lung transplant

Ben Askren returned to competition Saturday night, one year after undergoing double lung transplant surgery, and dropped a 6-3 decision to Belal Muhammad in the co-main event of RAF 11 in Milwaukee.

The former ONE Championship and Bellator welterweight champion stepped back onto the mat for the grappling match, his first competitive appearance since the medical procedure, according to ESPN. Askren fell short on the scorecards but completed the bout against the active UFC welterweight contender.

Askren's recovery timeline and RAF 11 appearance

The match marked a milestone in Askren's recovery from the transplant surgery he underwent in 2024. Muhammad, who trains out of Illinois, accepted the grappling challenge and controlled the action over the course of the bout.

Askren retired from MMA in 2019 after a brief UFC run and has remained involved in wrestling circles while coaching at the University of Wisconsin. No timeline has been announced for further grappling appearances.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — Askren makes emotional return to mat after illness