Ben Askren returned to competition roughly a year after undergoing a double lung transplant, stepping back onto the mat for his first match since the surgery. The former MMA standout competed at Saturday's Real American Freestyle event in a notable comeback moment.
Askren was defeated 6-3 by Belal Muhammad in the co-main event. Even with the loss, the appearance marked a significant milestone for Askren as he resumed competition after a major medical procedure.
The match was also Askren's first since his boxing loss to Jake Paul, making the event his first competitive outing in several years. His return drew attention because it combined both his wrestling background and the scale of his health recovery.
While the result went in Muhammad's favor, Askren's presence in the event stood out as the main storyline. Competing again after a double lung transplant represented a major personal and professional step in his athletic journey.
