Ben Askren gives major career update after shock comeback following double lung transplant

Ben Askren confirmed his future career plans immediately after his first wrestling match since he almost died due to a series of health issues.

Back in 2019, former UFC fighter Askren, who fought three times for the MMA organisation, announced his retirement after an impressive career that also saw him represent the United States of America at the Olympic Games.

Two years later, he returned to combat sports for a boxing match against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, losing via TKO in the first round.

Askren then decided to focus on his career as a wrestling coach, but was forced to stop in 2025 when a staph infection developed into life-threatening pneumonia.

The frightening condition led to Askren being placed into a coma for 37 days, with the former fighter later undergoing a double lung transplant, having been placed on a ventilator.

Amazingly, Askren, who has since said he has “no recollection” of what happened to him after contracting pneumonia, recovered from the illness and even managed to compete in a wrestling match on Saturday, his 43rd birthday.

The wrestling match, organised by Real American Freestyle (RAF), saw him competing against former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in Askren's home town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Following a clearly defensive performance, Askren clearly began to fade during the third and final period of the match and eventually lost 6-3.

However, even the fact that he was able to compete just a year after he almost died from pneumonia was a huge victory for Askren.

Ben Askren confirms retirement after comeback match against Belal Muhammad

And it's clear that this was more than enough for Askren, who made good on his promise that his wrestling return would be a one-off and retired after the event.

"My legs gave out, they wouldn't carry me any longer," he said after the match.

"For sure it's my last time on the mat. I couldn't find a better place to do this.

"I worked hard over the last year. It was tough. There were times I couldn't feed myself, I couldn't stand up or go to the bathroom.

"Every day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it just one more time. I promised I'm going to make the most of this day. I'm going to treat people well, work my ass off and try to make a difference in the world."

Taking to social media after the match, Askren added: "Some people talk about leaving it all on the mat!!! I really got to. What an amazing sport and what a blessed life I get to live."

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Muhammad, who beat British fighter Leon Edwards to win the UFC welterweight title in 2024, had nothing but kind words to say about Askren after the match.

The 38-year-old said: "He [Askren] came back from death, this guy's a legend.

"He's changing lives. I know, he changed my life. I'm at home ready to quit. I'm tired, I'm sore, all my losses, but I look at Ben still fighting every single day.

"It shows you man, life is precious. Go after it bro."

Muhammad remains active in the UFC, with his last fight being a unanimous decision loss to Gabriel Bonfim, his fourth consecutive loss.