Ben Askren Returns to Competition at RAF 18 July Against Belal Muhammad

Ben Askren is set to return to competition on July 18, when he faces Belal Muhammad at a RAF event, marking a notable comeback for the 41-year-old former welterweight standout.

Askren, known as "Funky," carries a professional record of 19-2-0 and last competed at the elite level under the UFC banner before stepping away from the sport. The American, who trains out of Roufusport and stands five feet eleven inches tall with a 73-inch reach, built his reputation largely on elite wrestling, averaging 4.33 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. He also lands 3.64 significant strikes per minute at a 49 percent accuracy rate, showing he was never purely a grappler.

Muhammad, who goes by "Remember the Name," is a far more active presence in the current welterweight landscape. The 37-year-old sits sixth in the welterweight rankings and eighth in the pound-for-pound standings with a 24-5-0 record. Also out of Roufusport and standing five feet eleven inches with a 72-inch reach, Muhammad averages 4.43 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 43 percent. He is one of the more active fighters in the division, mixing consistent output with a measured grappling approach at 2.14 takedowns per 15 minutes.

The two share a gym in Roufusport, which adds an unusual dynamic to the matchup. When Muhammad was approached about the fight, his immediate concern was whether Askren was in good health — a detail that speaks to the respect between the two teammates turned opponents.

Why it matters

• Askren's return puts a high-profile name back on the regional scene after years away from competition
• Muhammad enters as a ranked UFC welterweight, giving the bout genuine credibility
• The shared Roufusport connection sets up a rare teammate-vs-teammate storyline
• Style-wise, Askren's wrestling-heavy approach meets a well-rounded opponent comfortable in both phases