Ben Askren retires following remarkable RAF wrestling match with Belal Muhammad: “It’s for sure my last time”

Ben Askren defied the odds on Saturday, and it’s the last time he will be gracing the mat for competition.

Askren made his heavily debated return to freestyle wrestling just one year after undergoing a double lung transplant. While many were concerned that “Funky” was taking a big risk, he actually found success in his RAF 11 match against former UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad. Ultimately, Askren lost the match 6-3, but his efforts have been widely praised.

During his emotional post-match interview, Askren confirmed that his RAF 11 match against Muhammad was his last (h/t MMAJunkie).

“My lungs hurt but the things that failed me were my legs,” Askren said. “They give out. In the third period, my legs … wouldn’t carry me any longer. … It’s for sure my last time on the mat. … I love you guys. I really do. … I couldn’t find a better place to do this. I worked as hard as sh*t in the last year. It was tough. There was tough where I couldn’t feed myself. I couldn’t stand up. I couldn’t go to the bathroom. Every single day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it one more time. I promised God, ‘I’m going to make the most of this day.’ I’m going to treat people well. I’m going to work my ass off and I’m going to try to make a difference in the world. I love you guys.”

Askren was essentially on his deathbed just one year prior to his improbable wrestling return. Many within the MMA community, even former foes, rallied behind Askren. “Funky” had been placed in a medically induced coma, as a staph infection turned into severe pneumonia. It was a touch and go situation, but Askren overcame a near-death experience to become one of MMA’s biggest inspirational stories to date.

In some final post-match thoughts, Askren hopped on his X account to express gratitude for getting one last dance on the mat.

“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,” Askren wrote.