Ben Askren Set for Emotional Return Against Belal Muhammad at RAF 11
Ben Askren is returning to competition in one of the most emotional comeback stories combat sports has seen in years.
Askren announced that he will face former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in a freestyle wrestling match at RAF 11 on July 18, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The matchup will serve as the co-main event under Arman Tsarukyan vs Colby Covington, giving the card another major name and a powerful storyline.
But this is bigger than just wrestling.
Askren is returning nearly one year after a life-threatening health battle that required a double lung transplant. For many fans, just seeing him compete again will feel like a victory by itself.
A Remarkable Comeback for Ben Askren
Askren’s return is not a normal veteran comeback.
In 2025, he dealt with a severe medical emergency that kept him away from competition and forced him into one of the toughest fights of his life outside the cage. After months of recovery, he has slowly worked his way back into wrestling rooms, coaching, training, and now preparing for one final competitive appearance.
That makes this match against Belal Muhammad feel special.
Askren is not coming back to chase a long run. He is coming back for a meaningful moment, in his home state, on his 42nd birthday.
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Askren vs Belal Is a Fun Wrestling Matchup
From a stylistic perspective, this is an interesting pairing.
Askren is one of the most decorated wrestlers to ever cross into MMA. He was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, an Olympic wrestler, and later became a champion in major MMA promotions.
Belal Muhammad, meanwhile, built his MMA success through pressure, conditioning, wrestling, control, and relentless pace. He is not a pure wrestling specialist like Askren, but his grappling has been a huge part of his rise.
Under freestyle wrestling rules, Askren will likely be the more experienced specialist. But Belal is younger, active, strong, and competitive enough to make this a real challenge.
RAF 11 Gets a Major Storyline
RAF 11 already had attention with Arman Tsarukyan vs Colby Covington at the top of the card, but Askren vs Muhammad adds something different.
This is not just about trash talk or rankings. It is about respect, comeback, nostalgia, and one last competitive chapter for Askren.
Milwaukee also makes the moment even bigger. Askren pushed for the event to come to his home state, and now he gets to compete there on his birthday.
That is the kind of story fans can connect with.
A One-and-Done Final Match
Askren has made it clear that this is not the beginning of a full comeback.
This is expected to be a one-off appearance. After this match, he plans to close the door on his combat career and continue focusing on family, coaching, and helping grow RAF.
That makes the July 18 match feel like a farewell moment.
For Askren, it is a chance to compete one more time, celebrate survival, and step onto the mat in front of fans who understand what this return means.
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Ben Askren wrestling Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 is more than a surprise booking.
It is a comeback story, a birthday moment, and a final competitive appearance for one of wrestling and MMA’s most unique personalities.
Belal brings toughness, pace, and championship-level experience. Askren brings a lifetime of wrestling excellence and one of the most emotional stories on the card.
Whatever happens on July 18, this match will not be remembered only for the score.
It will be remembered because Ben Askren made it back.
