During a recent podcast interview, PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov was asked about MMA star Ben Askren, who is set to compete in a wrestling match against Belal Muhammad under the Real American Freestyle banner.
When asked if he had seen the news of Askren’s return to competition, Nurmagomedov confirmed he had.
“I see the news,” he said.
The host then pressed further, asking whether he ever expected Askren to compete again given the serious health issues he endured last year. Nurmagomedov responded with visible concern.
He said, “Come on. Askren going to be wrestling? Brother, this guy, he was always one step on the hole.”
Clarifying the remark, the host asked if he meant Askren had been sick due to those health complications. Nurmagomedov agreed, expanding on the situation.
“Yeah. He was sick. Yeah. He was very small. He was like very skinny. He beginning like better. He feel better.”
Nurmagomedov then shifted focus to the promotion organizing the bout, expressing concern about whether Askren would be properly looked after.
“Brother, I hope this promotion, how it’s called… RAF? I hope they will take care of him because if something happen in the match it’s not good for them.”
He went on to underline how alarming the comeback felt from his perspective.
“This guy was almost d*ed, now he’s beginning wrestling. This is crazy.”
The host offered a more optimistic framing of Askren’s return as a story of perseverance, but Nurmagomedov pushed back slightly on that interpretation.
“No, this is not little [risky]. This is very big risky and this is not like… it’s not good. It’s not good.”
Despite his reservations, Nurmagomedov ended on a more measured note, offering well-wishes for Askren’s safety.
“I hope nothing serious not going to happen and we just wish the man Askren, like just wish him best.”
Usman Nurmagomedov is next scheduled to defend his PFL lightweight title against Archie Colgan in the main event in New York on July 31st.
