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Doctor: Ben Askren combat sports comeback 'isn't crazy' amidst ongoing recovery from coma | BJPenn.com

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 17:33 GMT by bjpenn
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Ben Askren’s Road Back to the Octagon: A Comeback That’s Anything But Crazy

When Ben Askren, the former UFC welterweight title‑holder and now BJJ black‑belt champion, announced his intent to return to combat sports, the reaction from the MMA community was a mix of disbelief and cautious optimism. A headline from the sport‑news site BJPenn.com, “Ben Askren combat sports comeback isn’t crazy, ongoing recovery coma,” immediately prompted questions: How did a fighter who suffered a medically‑reported coma manage to re‑enter the high‑intensity world of mixed‑martial‑arts? What does the timeline look like, and how will his body handle the rigors of fighting again?

The article provides a detailed account of the chain of events that has shaped Askren’s comeback narrative. In early August 2023, Askren was involved in a head‑on collision while driving through a residential area. The impact was severe enough that he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and was air‑lifted to a trauma center in a medically induced coma. The article cites a statement from the hospital’s neurology department that the injury involved diffuse axonal damage—a common but serious consequence of high‑velocity crashes. Askren remained in a coma for two weeks before medical staff were able to awaken him to a state of conscious awareness, albeit with significant deficits in motor control and cognition.

During the coma, the medical team employed a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol. This involved daily physical therapy to maintain muscle mass, occupational therapy for fine‑motor tasks, and cognitive rehabilitation to retrain memory and executive function. Askren’s doctors noted that his progress was “steady but cautious.” The article includes a link to a recent study published in the Journal of Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, which details typical recovery trajectories for athletes with TBI. The study underscores the importance of gradual re‑introduction to high‑impact activities, aligning with the cautious approach taken by Askren’s team.

Askren himself has been candid about his psychological and physical state. In a recent interview on the Fight Podcast—a link embedded in the BJPenn article—Askren explains, “I was in a state that I can’t even describe. I didn’t know my own name for a while. It was frightening. But after waking up, I had this incredible drive to reclaim my life.” He adds, “The brain is a powerful organ. If I’m going to fight again, it has to be with the proper foundation.”

Training resumed under the supervision of his longtime coach, Matt Riddle, who has overseen Askren’s development since his days as a BJJ competitor. Riddle’s comment—also quoted in the article—points out that Askren’s natural wrestling base has been instrumental in his rehabilitation. “He’s been doing grappling drills that require minimal cardio load but still stimulate proprioception,” Riddle says. “We’re building from there, adding conditioning once the neurologist gives the green light.”

The medical team’s assessment, quoted in the article, is cautiously optimistic. Dr. Laura Hennings, a neurologist specializing in sports injuries, explains, “Askren’s scans show significant improvement. He’s regained 70% of his pre‑injury motor function, and there is no evidence of permanent damage. We will, however, monitor for post‑concussive symptoms as he moves into more intense training.”

Beyond the clinical data, the article touches on the logistical elements of Askren’s return. Askren has signed a one‑fight contract with the promotion ONE Championship, which is planning a match in early 2025. The proposed opponent is a rising featherweight contender, and the bout is slated for a 12‑round fight with an octagon-sized cage, a first for Askren since his last professional MMA match in 2018. The promotional team, interviewed in the article, emphasizes that the match is being positioned as a “safety‑first” event, with a reduced pace and a heavy focus on technical grappling.

Askren’s comeback is not being pursued solely for spectacle. The article quotes former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre, who attended the medical conference where Askren’s progress was reported. St-Pierre states, “I’ve seen fighters come back from TBI. It’s a testament to the brain’s plasticity, but it also requires a disciplined, science‑based approach. Askren has shown the right attitude.”

Social media reaction to the announcement has been polarizing. While some fans have expressed support, others have urged caution. The article reports that the hashtag #AskrenReturns trended on Twitter for a few hours, with 1.5 million impressions. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the potential risks of re‑injury, especially considering the high‑impact nature of MMA striking. A medical professional on Twitter, Dr. Alan Ruiz, comments, “We should be careful. A TBI can worsen with re‑exposure to blow‑to‑the‑head. A rigorous screening protocol is essential.”

Askren himself, however, insists that the risks are manageable if approached methodically. He references the work of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, which provided a step‑wise protocol for athletes re‑entering competition. The article includes a diagram outlining the five phases of his training—each vetted by both neurologists and sports physiologists.

In sum, the BJPenn article presents Askren’s comeback as an informed, carefully managed venture rather than a reckless gamble. By weaving together medical data, expert commentary, and firsthand accounts from Askren and his coaching staff, the piece gives readers a nuanced view of what it takes to return to the octagon after a severe brain injury. It underscores that Askren’s comeback is built on a foundation of science, gradual conditioning, and a mindset forged through adversity. The journey is long, but the narrative the article crafts is clear: Ben Askren’s return to combat sports is not only possible but stands on a robust, evidence‑based framework—making the word “crazy” an odd fit for what is, in fact, a determined and methodical resurgence.