Belal Muhammad spoils Ben Askren’s return with dominant RAF 11 win

Belal Muhammad stuns Ben Askren at RAF 11 with first-round finish

Belal Muhammad derailed Ben Askren’s return to combat sports with a brutal first-round arm-triangle submission at RAF 11 on 18 June. The former UFC welterweight champion improved to 24-4 with the finish, handing Askren a second straight loss in his comeback bid.

What happened at RAF 11?

Askren, 40, stepped away from MMA in 2019 after a 19-4 record. He returned to grappling in 2024 and then jumped to bare-knuckle boxing in 2025. His RAF 11 matchup against Muhammad marked his first pro MMA bout in seven years. The Illinois native took the center cage at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, but Muhammad dictated pace early and forced the stoppage at 3:47 of round one.

Why it matters for Belal Muhammad

The finish adds to Muhammad’s reputation as a top-tier grappler inside the cage. At 34, he’s now on a three-fight win streak and remains a contender in the UFC welterweight division. His next target could shape the division’s landscape, with top names like Leon Edwards and Shavkat Rakhmonov still on the radar.

Muhammad’s camp has pushed for a high-profile fight since his 2023 decision win over Geoff Neal. A victory over Askren-once a Bellator and ONE welterweight champion-adds another marquee scalp to his resume. The finish also extends his finishing streak to four in his last five outings.

What’s next after the Askren upset?

Askren hinted at retirement after the loss, telling reporters he’s “done with fighting.” His camp has not confirmed plans for another return. Meanwhile, Muhammad’s team is already eyeing bigger challenges. A clash with Edwards would headline a UFC pay-per-view, while a bout with Rakhmonov could headline a major European card.

Promoter Dan Argueta called Muhammad’s performance “elite” and vowed to push for a title eliminator. “Belal proved tonight he’s still a problem for anyone in this division,” Argueta said. With the win, Muhammad’s stock is climbing fast-just as the welterweight race heats up.