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Ben Askren Weighs 189.8 Pounds for RAF Wrestling Match 13 Months After Double Lung Transplant
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren reached 189.8 pounds on July 18 after dropping to 147 pounds during recovery from a double lung transplant. He faces Belal Muhammad at the RAF Wrestling event in Milwaukee the same day.
Jul 18, 9:38 PM·1m read9 sources
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Ben Askren weighed in at 189.8 pounds the morning of July 18, 2026, for his scheduled RAF Wrestling bout against Belal Muhammad. The figure sits just over a pound below his career high of 191 pounds recorded for his 2022 boxing match against Jake Paul. Askren had fallen to as low as 147 pounds after contracting necrotizing pneumonia last year.
He underwent a double lung transplant 13 months before the weigh-in and was reported dead four times during the procedure. A video he posted afterward showed him seated in a wheelchair, visibly frail and unable to stand. Askren competed at 170 pounds during his UFC career and typically walked around in the 180s.
He has stated he plans to retire after this appearance in his hometown of Milwaukee. Muhammad held the UFC welterweight title as recently as 2025 and remains ranked number seven. Fans reacted positively to the weigh-in and his return to the mats.
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CorroborationLimited · 9 sources
