Former UFC fighter Ben Askren's wrestling comeback ends in defeat, but his legacy shines brighter than ever.
In a heart-wrenching display of resilience and determination, Askren, who had been on the brink of death just a year prior, stepped back into the wrestling ring for one final bout. This highly anticipated match, organized by Real American Freestyle (RAF) and held in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on his 42nd birthday, served as a testament to his indomitable spirit.
Askren's journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. After a near-fatal bout with pneumonia that left him in a coma for 37 days, he lost nearly a third of his body weight, weighing just 63kg. Yet, his recovery was so remarkable that he felt empowered to commit to one last fight, despite his initial retirement plans.
The match against fellow former UFC fighter Belal Muhammad was a defensive display from Askren, who clearly showed signs of fatigue in the third period. Despite his efforts, he lost 6-3, but the real victory was his very participation.
"My legs gave out, they wouldn't carry me any longer," Askren said post-fight. "For sure, it's my last time on the mat. I couldn't find a better place to do this. I worked hard over the last year. It was tough. There were times I couldn't feed myself, I couldn't stand up or go to the bathroom. Every day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it just one more time. I promised I'm going to make the most of this day. I'm going to treat people well, work my ass off and try to make a difference in the world."
Muhammad, who won the UFC welterweight title in 2024, praised Askren's comeback, saying, "He [Askren] came back from death, this guy's a legend. He's changing lives. I know, he changed my life. I'm at home ready to quit. I'm tired, I'm sore, all my losses, but I look at Ben still fighting every single day. It shows you man, life is precious. Go after it, bro."
Askren's decision to return to the wrestling mat, despite the physical and emotional toll, is a powerful statement about the human capacity for perseverance. His journey from near-death to champion status is an inspiration to all, proving that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can soar to incredible heights.
