Most comeback stories involve a few weeks off the field. Ben Askren’s comeback involves new lungs.
The 41-year-old grappler is stepping back onto the mats on July 18 at RAF 11 in Milwaukee for a freestyle wrestling match against UFC star Belal Muhammad—less than a year after undergoing a double lung transplant that saved his life. If you’re looking for a reminder that human resilience is real, Askren’s trajectory from near-death to competitive wrestling in twelve months is it.
Here’s how fast things spiraled. Last year, what started as pneumonia triggered by a staph infection on his elbow escalated into a month-long hospital stay. By June 30, 2025, Askren had no choice: he needed new lungs. The surgery happened. He survived when survival wasn’t guaranteed. Now, just over a year later, he’s not taking a ceremonial victory lap—he’s facing a legitimate opponent who can actually compete.
Askren signed with Real American Freestyle back in May 2025, before his health crisis hit. When the organization booked a show in Milwaukee on July 18—his birthday—something clicked. He didn’t want an easy win against a sacrificial opponent. He wanted Belal Muhammad, someone who’d test him. That’s the kind of decision-making that tells you everything about his mindset: he’s not back to check a box. He’s back to wrestle.
The 2x NCAA champion has been coaching for three months, building strength and endurance while his new lungs adapted to his body. A double lung transplant isn’t a minor hurdle to overcome—it’s a medical milestone followed by years of careful recovery. Most people in his position would take the win and call it a day. Askren’s using his birthday as the stage for a statement.
It’s the kind of moment that makes you understand why people follow athletes in the first place. Never doubt Ben Askren.
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
