RAF 11 live blog: Ben Askren vs. Belal Muhammad

Ben Askren returned to competition for what he called his final wrestling match at RAF 11 in Milwaukee on Saturday, facing former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the co-main event. The bout carried profound significance beyond the result: Askren, a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner, and 2008 Olympian, had been hospitalized with severe pneumonia last year and required a double-lung transplant to survive. His comeback to the mat represented a remarkable recovery from life-threatening illness.

Muhammad, who trained alongside Askren during their MMA careers, entered with high school wrestling experience but had built his fighting reputation on strong grappling fundamentals. The two shared mutual respect, making this less a heated rivalry than a celebratory farewell for Askren.

Askern controlled the early exchanges, scoring on the shot clock and keeping Muhammad off balance. He extended his lead to 3-0 through the second round before Muhammad mounted a comeback in the third period, eventually securing a 6-3 victory on points. Despite the loss, Askern's performance drew admiration from the crowd. After the bout, Muhammad paid tribute during his interview, noting Askern's recovery: "It's Ben's birthday. He came back from death. This should be a standing ovation."

Askern addressed the crowd in his post-fight remarks, stating it would be his last time on the mat. "I worked hard as shit in the last year," he said, removing his shoes and leaving them in the center of the arena—a symbolic farewell. The standing ovation reflected recognition of his unlikely return to competition and his lasting impact on wrestling and MMA through his innovative funk wrestling style and multiple world championships across ONE Championship and Bellator before his UFC tenure.