Absolute cinema! MMA legend overcomes coma and shocks the world with his return to fighting; understand why.

Ben Askren promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Veteran combat sports wrestler Ben Askren went through a terrible time in 2025. The American was hospitalized and was on the verge of death. But, like a true warrior, 'Funky' didn't give up, won the battle and, a year later, is back in action. Last Monday (1st), the RAF, one of the biggest wrestling organizations, announced that the professional will face Belal Muhammad | on July 18th, in Milwaukee (USA).

Askren's return to wrestling, at age 41, is shocking because, in June 2025, he was hospitalized due to severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection. As his condition worsened, the American fell into a critical state, into a coma, and required a lung transplant. The situation was so serious that the veteran began breathing with the aid of a ventilator.

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Despite the difficulties, at the end of June, Askren received a double lung transplant and began his recovery process. Recalling his near-death experience, 'Funky' detailed that he suffered four cardiac arrests and lost 23 kg. Now, the veteran, fully recovered and cleared by doctors to compete, can finally perform at the RAF. The wrestling specialist was scheduled to make his debut at the company's first event in August, but withdrew due to his serious health problem.

Askren's Fighters

Ben Askren, 41, is a wrestling specialist who was once part of the United States team. In MMA, the American began his career in 2009 and fought his last fight in 2019. In his career, 'Funky' was the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) of Bellator and ONE Championship and also competed in the UFC.

In this discipline, the veteran built a record of 19 wins, two losses, and one 'no contest' (fight with no result). His main victories were against Andrei Koreshkov, Douglas lima, Robbie Lawler and Shinya Aoki. For the RAF, Askren acts as a commentator, ambassador, and matchmaker.