Chael Sonnen says he feels ‘uncomfortable’ about Ben Askren’s return to competition at RAF 11

This coming Saturday, Ben Askren returns to competition after what has been an incredibly tough time for him during the last yr.

Almost a yr ago, former UFC star Ben Askren‘s battle with life-threatening pneumonia took a terrible turn, leaving him needing a double-lung transplant.

Fortunately, the veteran underwent a successful double transplant after spending 45-days in a coma finally leaving hospital after several months.

Shockingly, though, the 41-year-old revealed over a month ago that he would return to competition at Real American Freestyle Wrestling at RAF 11 to tackle former UFC champion, Belal Muhammad.

Chael Sonnen says Askren’s return makes him feel ‘uncomfortable’

Askren hasn’t competed since 2021 when he took on Jake Paul in a highly controversial boxing match, wherein he was knocked out in the primary round.

And after having overcome such a terrible scare, there was widespread worry for Askren, with people questioning his decision to return.

UFC icon Joe Rogan admitted he’s apprehensive for the star when he first heard in regards to the news, stating that it’s a foul idea.

That may be a sentiment that RAF commentator Chael Sonnen agrees with, as he has admitted that Askren’s return to the mats makes him feel ‘uncomfortable’.

“It makes me uncomfortable, once I examine it the response was purported to be excitement, it was purported to be inspirational and I get there, it’s exciting, it’s inspirational but I used to be uncomfortable at first,” Sonnen told MMAFighting.

“I believed what a stud Belal Muhammad is for taking this. I don’t think very many individuals would have taken this risk and Belal realized one thing that’s one thing – If I don’t do that, Ben doesn’t get the chance.”

When the bout was first announced, Muhammad admitted that he’s in a lose-lose situation but was completely happy to be in that.

Now, though, the previous champion has stated that he isn’t just there to participate and that he’ll do every part to get his hand raised in Askren’s controversial comeback.