Ben Askren Cleared to Wrestle at RAF 11 as Peers Voice Safety Concerns

Overview

• Ben Askren is scheduled to face Belal Muhammad on the RAF 11 card in Milwaukee as part of a one‑time comeback promoted by Real American Freestyle.
• Last year Askren suffered severe pneumonia, spent roughly 45 days in a coma, and underwent a double‑lung transplant followed by months of rehabilitation.
• RAF and Askren say he underwent medical evaluations and received physician clearance to compete, and RAF founder Chad Bronstein placed him on the card as a marquee attraction.
• Colby Covington, who headlines RAF 11 against Arman Tsarukyan, publicly criticized the decision and said he was worried for Askren’s safety, stating that Askren had “died five times” and calling the return “not a smart thing.”
• The matchup sharpens a wider debate over athlete safety and promoter responsibility, and it could increase scrutiny of medical clearances, promoter decisions, and the information shared with regulators and fans.