Ben Askren has long been regarded as one of combat sports’ most unique minds, with a career that included Olympic wrestling, MMA, and a second act in commentary and coaching. However, a life-threatening illness in 2025 forced a significant shift in his journey. After getting a double lung transplant, Askren has stated that his time as an active competitor is over, though he remains just as committed to wrestling as ever.

The news broke first on RAF Wrestling USA’s Instagram, where Askren announced that he would no longer compete in Real American Freestyle, the league he helped create. Instead, the 39-year-old will act as a guiding force behind the scenes. For a man who has based his reputation on breaking physical boundaries, the change is bittersweet, but ‘Funky’ thinks it is also an op

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