Key facts
- Ben Askren will compete in a wrestling match on July 18.
- Askren underwent a double-lung transplant less than a year ago.
- He was previously on life support, including a ventilator and ECMO.
- Askren spent 59 days in the hospital after developing severe pneumonia.
- He will face former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.
Former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren is set to compete for the first time in nearly seven years, following a double-lung transplant and a period on life support. Askren will face former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in a wrestling match at Real American Freestyle 11 on July 18, which is also his 42nd birthday. The event is co-founded by the late Hulk Hogan. Askren experienced severe pneumonia last June, leading to him being placed on a ventilator and ECMO. He was placed on the transplant list on June 24 and received donor organs days later. He spent 59 days in the hospital, losing 50 pounds and recalling only dying four times during his recovery. He was released on July 22. Askren has credited the support he received from friends and family during his ordeal and has spoken about turning to Christianity during his recovery. Colby Covington, another former UFC fighter, is also scheduled to compete at the event. Askren, a former NCAA champion and Olympian, had a professional MMA record of 19-2 before retiring in 2019.