Milwaukee: Ben Askren returns to wrestling one year after double-lung transplant
Ben Askren is set to return to competitive wrestling in Milwaukee, facing Belal Muhammad at Real American Freestyle Wrestling 11 (RAF 11) on Saturday. This event marks a significant comeback for Askren, who underwent a double-lung transplant just over a year ago. The match is scheduled to take place on his 42nd birthday.
Askren’s journey back to the mat follows a period of severe health challenges. He was hospitalized and in a comatose state before receiving the double-lung transplant in June 2025. Following the transplant, he spent months in rehabilitation, gradually adjusting to his new physical reality. Despite the dramatic transformation his body endured, Askren has made remarkable improvements over the past year, with doctors reportedly approving his return to wrestling.
A Remarkable Comeback
The former Olympian’s return to wrestling was not initially planned. Askren, who coaches at his Askren Wrestling Academy, found himself back on the mats while coaching. The idea of competing again solidified when RAF announced they were coming to Milwaukee. He tested his endurance in a six-minute match against a high school student, which he won, leading him to believe he could improve with training.
Askren expressed that his recovery has progressed well, noting that he had a year checkup recently where everything was found to be in good condition. He has also had a reduction in his daily medication. He views the past year’s events, though challenging, as having brought about positive changes in his life. Askren hopes his experience can serve as an inspiration to others facing similar struggles, emphasizing that life can still be fulfilling despite significant changes.
When discussing his upcoming match with Muhammad, Askren approaches it with a philosophical perspective. He acknowledges that one person will win and one will lose, but he doesn’t view the outcome as defining personal worth. He stated that he aims to do the things he wants in life without excessive concern for public opinion or ego. Askren also noted that he still possesses strong wrestling skills, and if Muhammad were to win, he could claim to have defeated an Olympian.
Personal Insights and Future Plans
Beyond his physical recovery, Askren has also shared personal insights regarding his potential neurodivergence. He mentioned that his wife, years ago, observed that he matched many traits associated with Asperger’s. While he has never received a formal diagnosis, he believes he may be on the autism spectrum. He connects these traits, such as intense focus, tolerance for repetition, and a tendency to disregard conventional wisdom, to his unique and unorthodox wrestling style that led him to two NCAA titles and the 2008 Olympics.
Askren also acknowledged that this wiring can have a cost, admitting that his direct problem-solving approach can sometimes make him blunt with people, an area he actively works on. He frames this self-knowledge as a form of self-acceptance, encouraging honesty about personal struggles rather than presenting a perfect image. Askren was the first athlete signed by Real American Freestyle in May 2025, prior to his health crisis.
The upcoming match against Muhammad at RAF 11 is significant for Askren, not just as a return to competition but also because it takes place in his hometown and on his birthday. He has indicated that this will be his final wrestling match, a decision influenced by the timing and location of the event. Askren encouraged RAF to come to Milwaukee, citing the strong wrestling community and the potential to attract crowds from Chicago. The coincidence of the event falling on his birthday, a year after his transplant, in his hometown, solidified his decision to compete one last time.
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Source: mmafighting.com
