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Askren's Miraculous Wrestling Comeback After Near-Death Experience
2 Jun
Summary
- Ben Askren returns to wrestling after a double lung transplant.
- He was pronounced dead multiple times due to a severe staph infection.
- Askren will headline Real American Freestyle 11 against Belal Muhammad.
In a stunning turn of events, two-time NCAA champion Ben Askren is set to return to the wrestling mat for Real American Freestyle (RAF) on July 18th in Milwaukee. Askren, who was an inaugural athlete signed by the organization, had previously undergone a double lung transplant last summer.
His recovery was nothing short of miraculous, as he reportedly survived a severe staph infection that led to him being pronounced legally dead multiple times. Askren announced his return on The Ariel Helwani Show, confirming his participation in RAF 11.
Askren will face former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in his comeback match. While Askren acknowledges Muhammad's toughness, he notes Muhammad lacks high-level wrestling credentials, which Askren believes still makes it a competitive, albeit one-off, matchup.
Askren, a Missouri wrestling legend, is celebrated for his collegiate achievements, including two NCAA championships. He also represented Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His transition to MMA saw him achieve success in Bellator and ONE FC before retiring from the sport.
