Story perspectives

Ben Askren Retires After Loss Post-Transplant and Coma

7/19/2026

Summary

Askren Retires

Ben Askren (UFC fighter) retired after a 6-3 points loss to Belal Muhammad (UFC welterweight champion) at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 18, 2026.
Askren fought at 63 kg after a 2025 double lung transplant, a 37-day coma, and losing one-third of his weight.
He left his shoes on the mat, said his legs gave out, thanked God, and noted that Chael Sonnen (UFC) praised his retirement.

Summary

Askren Returns

Ben Askren returned to professional wrestling at the Real American Freestyle 11 co-main event in the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, his first appearance since 2021.
Belal Muhammad urged fans to give a standing ovation, saying Askren’s double-lung transplant comeback inspired him to keep training despite his own setbacks.
After the bout, the audience stayed standing as Askren placed his gear on the mat, creating a memorable moment.

Summary

Covington Wins

Colby Covington defeated UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan 5-3 in the RAF 11 main event, winning the cruiserweight crossover title.
Covington said he wants future fights with Belal Muhammad, Khamzat Chimaev and Tyron Woodley.
Ben Askren, a wrestling coach at the University of Wisconsin, made his first combat-sports appearance since a 2021 knockout loss to Jake Paul.
Organizers have not announced a timeline for any further grappling appearances by Askren.

History

Historical Context

In April 1995 UFC 5 saw Dan Severn win three fights in one night, claim the $50,000 tournament prize and endure a broken leg under referee John McCarthy, while Ken Shamrock headlined the inaugural Superfight. That extreme endurance set a precedent for the UFC’s long-standing emphasis on dramatic comebacks, a narrative the promotion still leverages in today’s fighter-return stories.

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Askren Retires

Ben Askren (UFC fighter) retired after a 6-3 points loss to Belal Muhammad (UFC welterweight champion) at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 18, 2026.
Askren fought at 63 kg after a 2025 double lung transplant, a 37-day coma, and losing one-third of his weight.
He left his shoes on the mat, said his legs gave out, thanked God, and noted that Chael Sonnen (UFC) praised his retirement.

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