Ben Askren is set to make an incredible return to competition at RAF 11, less than a year after undergoing a double lung transplant.
The former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder announced on The Ariel Helwani Show that he will face former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in a wrestling match at the event.
The news comes as a surprise to many in both the MMA and wrestling communities, given the severity of the medical challenges Askren has faced over the past year.
Speaking about the decision to compete again, Askren explained that he felt compelled to return to the mat:
Something spoke to me and said: “I need to wrestle on that.”
So, I’ve been doing my very best every single day to train and to get in shape and it’s feeling really good.I’m in the wrestling room. I’m wrestling with the guys. Not super hard yet, but I’m doing things.
So, I told them last week: “Hey, I want to wrestle.”They said: “Ok, if you want to wrestle we support it.”
BREAKING: Ben Askren will make his @RAFWrestlingUSA debut in Milwaukee on July 18 against Belal Muhammad.
Askren was the first wrestler ever signed to RAF.
Unbelievable. Truly incredible. pic.twitter.com/bpgmE0QwTU
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 1, 2026
The matchup carries additional significance as Askren will celebrate his 42nd birthday on the same day he faces Muhammad.
The event will also take place in Milwaukee, a city where Askren has strong ties through his years training at Roufusport under the late Duke Roufus.
View this post on Instagram
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
