Ben Askren loses RAF 11 return against Belal Muhammad

Ben Askren lost his wrestling comeback match to former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 on Saturday night in Milwaukee.

Askren, competing for the first time since a 2025 double lung transplant that briefly killed him four times on the operating table, jumped out to a 3-0 lead at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena before Muhammad rallied in the third round. The former UFC title challenger scored six points to win 6-3, spoiling the storybook ending for the man known as Funky.

Muhammad's late rally ends Askren's comeback bid

MMA Mania reports that Askren's corner threw the brick after Muhammad's final scoring sequence, but the match was already decided. Askren had shown strong pressure and quick defense early under the Real American Freestyle banner, his first action on the mat since the transplant forced him out of combat sports.

Muhammad was making his second RAF appearance and entered as the betting favourite. The former UFC champion used his experience to weather Askren's initial push and take control in the decisive third round.

The loss does not diminish the medical milestone Askren achieved simply by stepping onto the mat. He spent months recovering from the transplant procedure before deciding to return to competitive wrestling.

RAF 11 aired live on FOX Nation from Wisconsin. No word yet on whether Askren plans another match under the promotion.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — RAF 11 Highlights! Ben Askren’s Triumphant Return Spoiled By Belal Muhammad | MMA Mania