Belal Muhammad was just as surprised as anyone when he heard that Ben Askren was returning to competition. Now, the UFC welterweight is opening up about how the match came together and why it means so much to him.
"Real American Freestyle hit me up and asked if I was down. It's close to Chicago, in Milwaukee, and then they brought up his name. I said, 'Bro, is he healthy enough?' I care about him. I've seen his story," the 37-year-old fighter told TMZ Sports.
Once he confirmed Askren was healthy, Muhammad didn't hesitate. "I said, 'Bro, it'd be an honor.' He's a legend. His story is legendary. To be a part of that, to be his homecoming match or even his last one? It's gonna be cool. I've trained with him, talked to him. He's a good guy."
The two will face off at RAF 11 on July 18. The matchup is especially remarkable given Askren's recent health ordeal. The former MMA star nearly died after battling pneumonia and underwent a double lung transplant on June 30, 2025. Just 54 weeks later, he's set to compete against one of the top fighters in the world.
Muhammad acknowledges the gravity of the moment. "I think his story is gonna motivate the next generation, even people who think they can't come back from something."
Askren has been cleared by doctors and received a positive prognosis after the transplant, insisting he's fully capable of living a long, healthy life.