Ben Askren’s remarkable comeback story and return to competition came to an emotional close at RAF 11. Following his retirement, Belal Muhammad delivered an emotional speech thanking Askren for his contribution to the sport.
Muhammad defeated Askren on points in Milwaukee and paid tribute to the former Bellator, ONE Championship and UFC star. The former UFC welterweight champion turned the spotlight toward Askren’s extraordinary journey back to competition following a double lung transplant.
Addressing the crowd after the match, Muhammad said:
“Honestly, it’s surreal, man. Guys, it’s Ben’s birthday. He came back from the dead. This guy is a legend. Please, there should be a standing ovation. Everybody be on their feet. To be able to do what he’s doing right now… He’s changing lives. I know he’s changed my life. I’m at home ready to quit. I’m tired. I’m sore. All my losses. But I look at Ben still fighting every single day, and it’s showing, man. Life is precious. That’s the most important thing. Every day you have a new day of sunlight. That’s a new day to live, a new day to fight. Go after it, bro.”
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Check out Belal Muhammad‘s comments below:
Askren’s appearance at RAF 11 was already viewed as one of the most inspiring moments in recent combat sports history. Just over a year ago, he underwent a life-saving double lung transplant after suffering severe pneumonia that left him hospitalized for months.
Following the match, Askren officially announced his retirement, stating:
“I worked as hard as sh*t in the last year. It was tough. There were times I couldn’t feed myself, I couldn’t stand up, I couldn’t go to the bathroom. And every single day, I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it just one more time. I promised God I would make the most of this day. I’m going to treat people well, I’m going to work my a*s off, and I’m going to try to make a difference in the world. I love you guys.”
Edited by Abhishek Nambiar
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