Ben Askren, one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history, is heading back to the mat. The former UFC welterweight contender and two-time NCAA champion has been confirmed as a competitor in an upcoming RAF event scheduled for July 18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,. He will be facing UFC star Belal Muhammad.
The announcement immediately drew strong reactions across the wrestling community, and not the kind typically reserved for a comeback story. Askren underwent a life-saving double lung transplant just over a year ago, the culmination of a prolonged and harrowing medical ordeal that also involved multiple cardiac arrests.
The prospect of him now stepping onto a competitive mat has left many observers genuinely alarmed.
“This is a horrible idea for someone who received a lung transplant,” wrote one member of the wrestling community online.
Medical professionals and those connected to transplant medicine have been particularly vocal. Transplant recipients are placed on immunosuppressant regimens to prevent organ rejection, leaving them with a compromised immune system and vulnerable to physical stress.
A recent public appearance had already raised flags. “Dude was coughing up a lung on Saturday’s broadcast and couldn’t catch his breath,” one observer wrote after seeing Askren on air.
The nature of the RAF organization adds to the concern. The promotion does not appear to operate under a sanctioned athletic commission, with several commenters suggesting it functions as an entertainment entity rather than a formally regulated sporting body.
Others directed their criticism squarely at the organization itself: “If RAF goes through with this, they should have every single permit and license that they hold revoked. This is an insanely negligent thing to do as a sports governing body.”
Not everyone has read the situation as reckless. Muhammad is a former training partner of Askren’s, and some have suggested the match may be structured as an exhibition rather than a full competitive bout.
“Belal is a former training partner. It will hopefully be more of an exhibition match, if it even happens,” one observer noted.
There are those who see Askren’s desire to return as deeply understandable, if not necessarily wise. His wrestling academy, AWA, now runs 11 locations and draws youth and high school athletes every night.
Askren’s medical journey did leave his family facing serious financial pressure. Notable figures, including Jake Paul, reportedly contributed toward his medical costs. Even so, many believe the bills remaining after those contributions were still considerable.
During his recovery, Askren reportedly expressed to his medical team a desire to return to coaching and the things he loved.
The event is set for July 18 in Milwaukee.
