Wrestling: Askren calls time on career after comeback bout loss

Ben Askren has officially hung up his wrestling shoes, announcing his retirement from competitive wrestling following a comeback bout on Saturday. The former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler stepped onto the mat for what he described as his final appearance on his 42nd birthday.

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My legs gave out, they wouldn't carry me any longer.

The match, organized by Real American Freestyle at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, marked a significant return for Askren. He had previously faced a life-threatening battle with pneumonia, which led to a double lung transplant and a lengthy recovery period. During this time, he spent approximately 40 days in a coma and experienced substantial weight loss.

Despite lingering physical challenges, Askren showed flashes of his former prowess, building a 3-0 lead with strong pressure and quick defense. However, he ultimately faded in the latter stages of the contest, with opponent Belal Muhammad securing a 6-3 victory. "My legs gave out, they wouldn't carry me any longer," Askren stated after the bout.

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For sure it's my last time on the mat. I couldn't find a better place to do this. I worked hard over the last year. It was tough.

Askren, a two-time NCAA champion and a 2008 Olympian, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete one last time. "Every day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it just one more time." He retired from mixed martial arts in 2019 after a short stint in the UFC, and this wrestling farewell marks the definitive end of his competitive career.

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Every day I woke up and thanked God for the chance to do it just one more time.