Belal Muhammad says it’s an honor to wrestle Ben Askren at RAF 11 on July 18—after Askren returned to the mats one year after a life-saving double lung transplant following pneumonia.
Belal Muhammad didn’t have to search far for the moment that changed the conversation. He heard that Ben Askren was coming back to the mats, and the first thing that hit him wasn’t excitement—it was concern.
Muhammad, 37, said that when “Real American Freestyle” reached out about the match, he immediately asked about Askren’s health. “Bro, is he healthy enough?” he said, explaining that he knew Askren’s story and he cared about him.
The response he got was what opened the door. When they told him Askren was healthy, Muhammad’s answer came fast. “It’s close to Chicago in Milwaukee,” he said, then added that the promotion brought up Askren’s name and he replied, “Bro, it’d be an honor.”
Muhammad described Askren as a legend whose own journey makes the matchup feel bigger than a typical return bout. He said, “His story is legendary. To be a part of that. ” and called it “cool” that it could serve as Askren’s homecoming match—or even his “end match. ” depending on how the night turns out. Muhammad also said he’s trained with Askren and talked to him, calling him “a good guy” and “cool guy.”.
The timing lands with extra weight. Askren announced he’d be wrestling Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 on July 18—just one year after he nearly died after battling pneumonia.
Muhammad’s words carry the same timeline people can’t ignore. Askren required a double lung transplant on June 30, 2025. Fifty-four weeks later, he’s competing again against one of the top combat sports athletes in the world—and Muhammad is openly calling that achievement inspiring.
“I think his story is gonna motivate the next generation,” Muhammad said, adding that it will reach “even people who think they can’t come back from anything.”
Before the RAF spotlight even fully brightens. there’s another fight Muhammad is already carrying into Saturday: he’s headlining UFC Fight Night on Saturday against 28-year-old Gabriel Bonfim. an up-and-coming welterweight. Bonfim is 19-1 as a pro and has won his last four UFC fights. but Muhammad framed it as a different kind of landscape—insisting there are “levels” and that he’s not on the one he thinks Bonfim is prepared for.
For RAF 11 on July 18, though, Muhammad’s focus is unmistakable. The honor isn’t just about sharing a mat with Askren—it’s about doing it after a comeback that started with a near-death battle and ended, improbably, in another chance to compete.
Belal Muhammad Ben Askren RAF 11 July 18 Real American Freestyle double lung transplant pneumonia UFC Fight Night Gabriel Bonfim
So wait he fought after a double lung transplant?? That’s wild.
I saw “RAF 11” and thought it was like a car show or something lol. But fr, if Ben Askren is back after pneumonia that fast, good for him. Also Belal asking “bro is he healthy enough” is real.
Not gonna lie I’m confused on the dates. It says one year after June 30 2025 transplant, but also “just one year later” like… was it actually June 30 or was it different? Either way lung transplants usually take way longer so I hope he doesn’t rush it. Also Milwaukee is close to Chicago right? Seems like they’re just putting it there for vibes.
Belal calling it “end match” or homecoming makes it sound like it might be last time for Ben which is kinda sad. And meanwhile Belal’s headlining UFC too so he’s doing like double duty? I get it, but pneumonia -> transplant -> back on the mats is not normal, like at all. I just hope the UFC matchup with Bonfim doesn’t distract him, because Bonfim been winning so Belal better not be looking past that.