Ben Askren didn’t win, but he’s a winner simply for making it to the mat.
On Saturday night, Askren competed for the final time, losing by points to Belal Muhammad at RAF 11.
Last year, Askren suffered serious complications from pneumonia, flatlining several times, and ultimately requiring a lung transplant to survive. It seemed unlikely that Askren would ever compete again, but after a year of recovery and work, the former Olympian got himself ready for one final match. But it was an open question about how Askren would look in the match given his health complications, and while Askren didn’t show off much of his classic “Funky” style, the man still has a strong foundation in fundamentals and put that on display.
Defense was the name of the game for Askren, who stuffed all offense from Muhammad, who was not particularly aggressive, perhaps out of deference to Askren’s comeback story, or perhaps just respectful of Askren’s wrestling pedigree. But give credit to Askren, who also did a phenomenal job of hand-fighting and not allowing Muhammad to gain any offensive purchase.
In the second period, Askren finally initiated offense of his own, driving Muhammad out for a takedown attempt, and then another, which forced Muhammad to open his offense up, but Askren remained stalwart.
Muhammad started to really press forward in the final period and finally scored a takedown on Askren, who was really fading down the stretch. And Muhammad took advantage, scoring again on Askren, who was really showing his exhaustion. He did his best to fend Muhammad off down the stretch, but once Muhammad took a lead, Askren had no real ability to come back, losing a decision to Muhammad.
After the bout, Muhammad put Askren over, imploring the crowd to give him a standing ovation, and then calling out Colby Covington.
Askren then took the mic to give his final thoughts before taking off his wrestling shoes, signifying his retirement.
“I get tired real fast these days. … I tried as hard as I could in the third period, but my legs wouldn’t carry me any longer.
“For sure my last time on the mat, and I love you guys. I really do.”
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