RAF 11 Results: Belal Muhammad outworks Ben Askren in Askren’s final match

Ben Askren competed for the final time on Saturday night at RAF 11, losing a decision to Belal Muhammad but earning a standing ovation for his remarkable comeback after surviving serious health complications.

Askren's return to competition was extraordinary simply by virtue of it occurring. Last year, the former Olympian suffered severe pneumonia complications that caused him to flatline multiple times, ultimately requiring a lung transplant to survive. After a year of recovery and rehabilitation, Askren proved he could take the mat once more, though questions remained about his conditioning and how his body would hold up against competition.

Muhammad controlled much of the action, but Askren's fundamentals shone through in a defensive performance. Tsarukyan stuffed Muhammad's takedown attempts and excelled at hand-fighting, preventing Muhammad from gaining any meaningful offensive advantage early. In the second period, Askren initiated his own offense, driving Muhammad out and attempting multiple takedowns that forced his opponent to open up his striking.

Muhammad accelerated his pace in the final period, eventually scoring multiple takedowns as Askren's conditioning visibly deteriorated. Askren showed exhaustion down the stretch and proved unable to mount a comeback once Muhammad seized the lead, resulting in a decision loss.

Despite the defeat, Muhammad showed respect to Askren post-fight, calling for a standing ovation and then calling out Colby Covington. Askren addressed the crowd with his final thoughts before removing his wrestling shoes in retirement.

"I get tired real fast these days," Askren said. "I tried as hard as I could in the third period, but my legs wouldn't carry me any longer. For sure my last time on the mat, and I love you guys. I really do."