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Ben Askren reignites his career after a tumultuous journey at RAF 11.
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Published 87 days ago

Ben Askren reignites his career after a tumultuous journey at RAF 11.

Ben Askren, former UFC and Bellator star, returns to the cage this Saturday at RAF 11, one year after nearly dying. Four cardiac arrests and a lung transplant in 2025 did not break his determination.

To remember:

  • Ben Askren makes a triumphant return to competition this Saturday at RAF 11.
  • One year after nearly dying, he returns following four cardiac arrests and a lung transplant in 2025.
  • His journey embodies resilience and mental strength in the face of adversity.

Incredible but true! Ben Askren, the former American MMA prodigy, is set to write a new chapter in his career this Saturday, June 14, 2025 at RAF 11. After nearly dying last year, the 41-year-old fighter returns to the cage with unshakable determination. Four cardiac arrests and a lung transplant in 2025 weren’t enough to shatter his dream: to return to the highest level.


A Journey Fraught with Obstacles

In 2024, Askren faced one of the darkest moments of his life. A series of medical complications nearly cost him his life. After four cardiac arrests in just a few months, doctors had to perform a lung transplant to save him. An ordeal that could have ended his career but only strengthened his resolve to come back.


A Return to the Spotlight

This fight at RAF 11 is more than just a return to competition for Askren—it’s a true rebirth. Fans and the MMA community are eagerly awaiting this moment. After months of rehabilitation and hard work, the fighter has proven he’s ready to take on this challenge. His opponent? A worthy adversary, ready to push him to his limits in the cage.


An Inspiration to All

Ben Askren’s journey is more than a story of resilience—it’s a life lesson for anyone who has ever doubted or given up in the face of adversity. His return at RAF 11 is a symbol of hope and perseverance. MMA fans around the world will watch this fight with emotion, as it embodies the indomitable spirit of the sport.

Ben Askren proves once again that in the world of mixed martial arts, anything is possible. His return at RAF 11 is a historic moment that will be etched in memory. One thing is certain: this fight will leave no one indifferent.

Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Damn, Ben Askren’s return is like Batman clawing his way back from hell after losing his arms—but the MMA version. Four cardiac arrests and a lung transplant, and he shows up like it’s no big deal. The guy’s got more grit than a Jurassic Park scene where you’re fighting raptors with a fork. The problem is, the body’s like an OSS 117 on a secret mission: one day it’s all good, the next it’s checkmate. At 41, with a heart and lungs that have been through the wringer, it’s either pure courage or like a Disney character running a marathon after eating 10 slices of pizza. But hey, if the guy’s been grinding through rehab and has a worthy opponent, this could be a 2000s pop-rock moment: a comeback that gets the fans buzzing. As long as his body holds up… Otherwise, we might witness a fantastical version of "the man who wanted to be a superhero." But shh, we’re all rooting for him!
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen

What others are saying

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Ben Askren returns to wrestling at RAF 11 after near-death battle | Yardbarker

yardbarker.com

Former UFC welterweight and two-time NCAA national champion Ben Askren returns to competition Saturday at RAF 11 in Milwaukee, less than a year after nearly dying from pneumonia complications that required a double lung transplant.

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Back from the dead! RAF drops inspiring promo ahead of Ben Askren’s ‘astonishing return’ to wrestling | RAF 11 - Yahoo Sports

sports.yahoo.com

“Funky” is back. Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter and two-time NCAA Division I national champion Ben Askren is returning to the wrestling mats this weekend (Sat., July 18, 2026) against former UFC Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at RAF 11, which goes down inside ...

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RAF Drops Inspiring Ben Askren Return Promo | MMA Mania

mmamania.com

Alexander Behunin specializes in running MMAmania.com’s various social media accounts, as well as covering live UFC events, interviewing the sports biggest stars and personalities. ... Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter and two-time NCAA Division I national champion Ben Askren is returning to the wrestling mats this weekend (Sat., July 18, 2026) against former UFC Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at RAF 11...

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Ben Askren Says Double-Lung Transplant Feels Like A 'Terrible Dream' Before Belal Muhammad Wrestling Match | MiddleEasy

middleeasy.com

Askren returns at RAF 11 in Milwaukee just over a year after a life-threatening pneumonia battle and double-lung transplant.