Ben Askren returns to wrestling at RAF 11 after near-death battle

Former UFC welterweight and two-time NCAA national champion Ben Askren returns to competition Saturday at RAF 11 in Milwaukee, less than a year after nearly dying from pneumonia complications that required a double lung transplant.

Askren faces former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at the UWM Panther Arena. Real American Freestyle released a promo this week ahead of the match, which MMA Mania called an absolute miracle.

Askren's recovery from life-threatening infection

The 40-year-old wrestler was hospitalized last year with severe pneumonia stemming from a staph infection. He later disclosed that he nearly died four times before receiving the double lung transplant that saved him. Less than 12 months ago, he was fighting for his life in a hospital bed.

Askren has stressed that Saturday is a one-time appearance, not the start of a comeback. He told reporters he does not plan to wrestle again after RAF 11. Still, simply making the walk in his home state counts as a win given everything he has been through.

RAF 11 goes down Saturday night in Milwaukee, with Askren-Muhammad anchoring a card that also features Arman Tsarukyan against Colby Covington.

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• MMA Mania — Back from the dead! RAF drops inspiring promo ahead of Ben Askren’s ‘astonishing return’ to wrestling | RAF 11