Chael Sonnen emotionally details the importance of Ben Askren’s wrestling return

Chael Sonnen went from preparing for Ben Askren’s funeral a 12 months ago to commentating on his return to wrestling last night.

An emotional evening in Milwaukee saw Askren return just 13 months after undergoing a double lung transplant to have his final ever match. He took on Belal Muhammad and was leading until the third period, at which point the previous UFC champion put the pace on and defeated him.

Who wins when Colby Covington defends his RAF Wrestling belt against Belal Muhammad?

The 2 former UFC titleholders will collide after their brawl on the RAF 11 press conference.

Sonnen has been in any respect but one American RAF Wrestling event, and repeatedly insists after one show ends that he has just witnessed the very best one yet. Now, it seems it could be hard to beat after he got the prospect to commentate on such a historic moment in the game.

Chael Sonnen explains the emotion behind Ben Askren vs Belal Muhammad

In a brand new YouTube video, Chael Sonnen noted just how severe Ben Askren’s physical issues were when he was at his worst. It makes the comeback all of the more remarkable, considering he was reportedly medically dead 4 times.

“I got a call one 12 months ago and I contacted the airlines to get a plane ticket because the decision was that Ben Askren had died,” Sonnen explained. “I used to be beginning to make arrangements in order that I could get to Wisconsin for the funeral.

“I get one other phone call ‘well, he hasn’t died that information was fallacious but he’s going to die’ and that’s tough stuff. This happened 4 times. Whatever has to occur medically so that you can be dead? Your heart stops? Whatever has to occur, happened to Ben 4 times.

“4 times, he was medically pronounced dead and the center beats again. It’s a double lung transplant, tremendous support from the community, Andrew Tate, Dana White had done some wonderful things, so many individuals just made sure the resources and opportunities were there and he lived.”

Sonnen also made sure to credit Askren’s opponent for his involvement, adding: “He weighed 138lb, that is one 12 months ago. He’s now wrestling opposite world champion Belal Muhammad.

“And I’ve got to inform you, as inspiring and inspirational and special as tonight was since it was Ben’s last match and he said that from the start. It really wasn’t about points, it was about ‘I get to wrestle’.

“None of that happens without Belal Muhammad who got booed, he didn’t get booed because anyone was against him, he got booed because they were showing their support to Ben Askren and we happened to be in his hometown.

“By the point the night was over, the gang was on their feet cheering for Belal and it was such a tough spot. But this moment doesn’t occur without him. So I actually did feel good towards the community… We are able to’t have a villain here and have Belal being booed because he’s finding a victory.”