Belal Muhammad faces Ben Askren in wrestling comeback at RAF 11

Belal Muhammad will step into the wrestling ring on July 18, 2026, to face Ben Askren at RAF 11 in Milwaukee. The bout marks Askren’s remarkable return to competition after a near-fatal bout of pneumonia and a double lung transplant last year. Askren, a former UFC and ONE Championship star, spent 45 days in a coma before his transplant and months in rehab.

What’s the backstory behind Askren’s comeback?

Ben Askren’s journey back to wrestling has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just over a year ago, he was fighting for his life in a hospital bed. Now, he’s set to compete against Belal Muhammad, a UFC welterweight contender, in a high-profile matchup at Real American Freestyle’s (RAF) 11th event. Askren’s resilience has drawn both admiration and concern from fellow fighters, including Colby Covington, who will headline the same card against Arman Tsarukyan.

Why is Colby Covington worried about Askren’s return?

Colby Covington, the former interim UFC welterweight champion, expressed reservations about Askren’s decision to return to wrestling. "He died five times less than a year ago," Covington told MMA Fighting. "If he gets dropped the wrong way on one of those double lung transplants, you never know what’s gonna happen." Despite their past rivalry, Covington emphasized his concern for Askren’s safety, calling him a family man and wishing him well.

Who else is competing at RAF 11?

RAF 11 features a stacked card with several notable matchups. In the main event, Colby Covington will face Arman Tsarukyan. Other bouts include Clay Guida vs. Frankie Edgar, Keegan O’Toole vs. Christopher Minto, and Adeline Gray vs. Skylar Grote. The event will take place at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, with Askren’s return to wrestling serving as a major draw.

What does this mean for Belal Muhammad’s career?

For Belal Muhammad, the match against Askren presents a unique challenge outside the UFC octagon. While Muhammad is a seasoned MMA fighter, wrestling against a former Olympic-level competitor like Askren will test his skills in a different arena. The bout could also serve as a platform for Muhammad to showcase his versatility and adaptability in combat sports.