Though he came up just short against Belal Muhammad, Ben Askren’s career — after his life-threatening illness last year — was greatly celebrated at RAF 11, in Askren’s native Wisconsin, where the former MMA and wrestling champion made one last walk to the mat.
Askren and Muhammad battled for control in the first period, with no clear advantage, and Askren received a point via the shot clock.
Askren then scored a point in the second period when he pushed Muhammad out of bounds — and then again via a Whizzer to get Muhammad out again. Muhammad went for a front headlock, but Askren was able to keep himself up.
Unfortunately for Askren, Muhammad got back into things in the third, scoring a pair of takedowns during the period. Askren went for a low single in the closing seconds, but Muhammad got the better of him again, scoring another two points and winning the bout 6-3.
Ben Askren Celebrated Following Last Match Vs. Belal Muhammad At RAF 11
Askren is a former NCAA champion and Pan-American Games champion, as well as a former Olympic wrestler. In the world of MMA, Askren is a former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion.
Muhammad made his RAF debut at RAF 04 in December, losing to David Carr. He lost to Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Vegas 118.
