Ben Askren returns to wrestling one yr after double lung transplant

In case you are impressed by Serena Williams‘again at 44, take a look at this! Ben Askren returns to wrestling simply over a yr after almost dying and requiring a double lung transplant – one of the vital inconceivable comebacks in sports activities historical past.

Akren, 41, in a chat with Ariel Helwani, revealed that he’s returning to the mats on July 18 at RAF 11… the place he’ll face the UFC star. Belal Mohammed in a freestyle wrestling match.

“Effectively, I’ll wrestle,” Ben stated. “I used to be the primary to signal for Actual American Freestyle in Might 2025, earlier than all my issues. I like wrestling, I like what they do. I have been again as a coach for about three months now.”

Askren says he pushed for a present in Milwaukee, and the date occurred to be July 18, his birthday, explaining, “one thing spoke to me. I stated I’ve to struggle for this.” [card]”.

And BA stated he did not desire a can of tomatoes. He wished a troublesome opponent. That is precisely what he has now in Belal.

It is nothing in need of a exceptional comeback for Askren, who got here near demise final yr throughout a month-long hospital keep.

Ben’s well being battle started with pneumonia, brought on by a staph an infection in his elbow…and in the end required the two-time NCAA champion to endure a double lung transplant on June 30.