A year ago, wrestling icon Ben Askren faced a grim battle for survival, undergoing a double lung transplant that left him unable to perform basic functions. Now, defying all expectations, he's back on the wrestling mat, embracing life with a renewed spirit and preparing for what he calls his final match.
Former Olympian Ben Askren's Miraculous Return to Wrestling After Critical Health Battle
On July 18, 2026, a date coinciding with his 42nd birthday, Ben Askren, the acclaimed high school and collegiate wrestling gold medalist, former Olympian, and Bellator MMA champion, is slated to make a triumphant return to the wrestling arena. This extraordinary event will see him face Belal Muhammad in the co-main event of RAF 11 at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee. The momentous occasion marks a full year since Askren received a double lung transplant, an ordeal that profoundly altered his perspective on life and mortality.
Just 15 months prior to this highly anticipated match, Askren’s health took a drastic turn. On May 28, 2025, at the urging of his wife, Amy, he was admitted to Froedtert Hospital suffering from pneumonia. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to his placement in a weeks-long coma. On June 30, Amy updated concerned fans that Ben had received a double lung transplant. He finally regained consciousness on July 2, but the recovery was arduous. Initially, he couldn’t stand or eat independently, and his desire to celebrate his 41st birthday at home was met with the harsh reality of his physical limitations.
Reflecting on that period, Askren recalls badgering nurses and doctors about returning home, only to realize he was too frail. “I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t stand up myself under my own power, even with a walker,” he recounted. He was discharged early with a chest tube and drainage bag but was forced to return to the hospital due to infection, remaining there until mid-August. By September 1, he finally shed his walker, marking a significant step in his recovery journey.
During his convalescence, wrestling was the furthest thing from his mind. His primary goals were personal autonomy: “I want to be able to make my own food. I don’t want to be such a burden on my wife, because we have three small kids.” His recovery was marked by small, consistent efforts, like repeatedly walking a hundred feet around his staircase. By the holidays, Askren was back in the gym, though the idea of competing again only surfaced when Chad Bronstein, CEO of Real American Freestyle (RAF), and Izzy Martinez, RAF’s COO, proposed the Milwaukee date.
The RAF 11 event has garnered immense attention, selling out over 7,000 tickets, making it the largest crowd for Real American Freestyle since its inception. Bronstein, a co-founder with Hulk Hogan, envisions RAF thriving alongside other combat sports like WWE and UFC, providing professional opportunities for freestyle wrestlers to continue their careers. The Milwaukee card also features several other Wisconsin wrestlers, including Keegan O’Toole, Aeoden Sinclair, and Tony Cassioppi.
Muhammad, Askren’s opponent, expressed his honor in being part of this inspiring narrative. “It’s inspiring the world, and it’s showing the world a passion you have for something, nobody can stop you from going for it,” Muhammad stated, recognizing Askren’s exceptional resilience. Askren himself is a changed man, understanding that his life was a profound gift from a stranger. Though he doesn’t know if he’ll ever meet the donor’s family, he hopes they find “solace” in knowing he is making the most of this second chance.
Ben Askren’s journey is a powerful testament to human resilience and the profound impact of organ donation. His decision to step back into the wrestling ring, not for glory but for the sheer joy of it, embodies a message of living life to the fullest. This inspiring comeback reminds us to pursue our passions fearlessly, unburdened by external judgments, and to cherish every moment.
