Former UFC fighter Ben Askren loses in wrestling return before confirming retirement
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Ben Askren ended his competitive wrestling career with a 6-3 points loss to former UFC fighter Belal Muhammad in a match held on Askren's 42nd birthday in Milwaukee.
- Askren came out of retirement for this one final bout after surviving a life-threatening pneumonia that required a double lung transplant and left him in a coma for 37 days.
- Despite significant physical challenges, including losing nearly a third of his body weight, Askren committed to this last fight as a personal milestone and said it would be his final appearance on the mat.
- Muhammad praised Askren's resilience and impact, highlighting how Askren's comeback from near death serves as an inspiration and a reminder of life's preciousness.
- Askren reflected on his difficult recovery, expressing gratitude for the chance to compete one last time and his intention to make a positive difference moving forward.
