On Saturday night, Askren competed for the final time, losing by points to Belal Muhammad at RAF 11.

Last year, Askren suffered serious complications from pneumonia, flatlining several times, and ultimately requiring a lung transplant to survive. It seemed unlikely that Askren would ever compete again, but after a year of recovery and work, the former Olympian got himself ready for one final match. But it was an open question about how Askren would look in the match given his health complications, and while Askren didn't show off much of his classic “Funky†style, the man still has a strong foundation in fundamentals and put that on display.

Defense was the name of the game for Askren, who stuffed all offense from Muhammad, who was not particularly aggressive, perhaps out of deference to Askren's comeback story, or perhaps just respectful of Askren's wrestling pedigree. But give credit to Askren, who also did a phenomenal job of hand-fighting and not allowing Muhammad to gain any offensive purchase.

In the second period, Askren finally initiated offense of his own, driving Muhammad out for a takedown attempt, and then another, which forced Muhammad to open his offense up, but Askren remained stalwart.

Muhammad started to really press forward in the final period and finally scored a takedown on Askren, who was really fading down the stretch. And Muhammad took advantage, scoring again on Askren, who was really showing his exhaustion. He did his best to fend Muhammad off down the stretch, but once Muhammad took a lead, Askren had no real ability to come back, losing a decision to Muhammad.

After the bout, Muhammad put Askren over, imploring the crowd to give him a standing ovation, and then calling out Colby Covington.

Askren then took the mic to give his final thoughts before taking off his wrestling shoes, signifying his retirement.

“I get tired real fast these days. … I tried as hard as I could in the third period, but my legs wouldn't carry me any longer.

“For sure my last time on the mat, and I love you guys. I really do.â€

One of the top MMA fighters in the world, Tsarukyan has become the face of RAF in 2026, competing in seven events for the promotion already. Though he doesn't hail from a traditional wrestling background, Tsarukyan has proven himself more than capable on the mats, going a perfect 7-0 in RAF, which has earned him this opportunity for the RAF's inaugural Crossover title, against Covington.

A former Division 1 All-American wrestler and JUCO national champion, Covington leveraged his wrestling chops to a successful MMA career in the UFC, winning an interim title and fighting for the undisputed championship several times. “Chaos†retired from the sport earlier this year so he could focus his energy on RAF, and quickly racked up three wins in the promotion, putting him in this title match.

Check out the live blog for Tsarukyan vs. Covington below.

I can't get over this Ben Askren match but we have Arman and Colby about to hate-wrestle. Colby is walking out first. He looks like he's got a chip on his shoulder. Surely Arman will be too small. But we've seen crazier things. Here comes Arman Tsarukyan. Got the cheese head for the Milwaukee faithful. No boos for Arman despite not being an American. Shows how liked he is.

We're getting the wrestlers announced. Three periods. Crossover belt. You know the drill.

Colby starts out looking for collar ties and gets a headlock. Arman gets on the front head lock and really muscles clubby down. Colby tries to sucker drag Arman out but Arman stays on the head. Ref breaks it out and Arman is on the shot clock. Arman fighting for double under here as well. Colby is in another head lock. Arman unable to score and goes down a point. This might be the first time he's down in RAF? Arman dives on a leg and almost gets a single but Colby goes through for two with some tremendous defense.

Colby ends the period up 3-0.

Colby with a comfortable lead and grabs double unders. Arman is really struggling with the size of Colby. Arman shoots and lifts Colby looking for a Dake bomb but Covington handles well and Arman is back in this, 3-2. Covington shoots on a single and Arman tries to limp leg out. Gator roll from Covington and no score. Fun exchange there. A bad shot for Arman and Colby Covington is able to score again before the period is over. This third round is gonna slap.

Arman looks exhausted in his corner. Period three begins and Covington commands the center again. Arman is really shooting from too far out now in desperation. Colby sprawls and goes to a front headlock to slow down the second layer of Arman's wrestling. Arman fakes a level change and shoot, again, Colby is wise to it. Covington put on the shot clock and didn't score. 5-3. Arman shoots deep on Covington but Colby answers with a catlike sprawl. Arman shoots as soon as the ref blows the whistle to restart. Colby waits and lets the clock expire. Arman's side-quest undefeated streak is over.

Colby Covington defeats Arman Tsarukyan 5-3, wins the RAF Cruiserweight Crossover title.

We've not had any Arman Tsarukyan antics yet. Chael is talking with Covington first, of course. “Arman's going to be lightweight champ, I'm sure of it. It was an honor to compete with Arman tonight.†Really amicable of Covington. “His tie ups, fades, getting to the legs and be able to build up,†Covington continues. “Bring on Chimaev, bring over that cross-eyed dork Belal, bring on Woodley, they can all get it.†Covington wants to defend his title.

No interview from Arman Tsarukyan.