Bold claim: a current NBA star is exploring a second career in combat sports after basketball, and the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. But here's where it gets controversial: could a high-level athlete successfully switch lanes to UFC or boxing after a long basketball run? That’s exactly what Boston’s Jaylen Brown is teasing, and it’s sparking plenty of discussion.
Brown, a 29-year-old five-time NBA All-Star and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, revealed at the NBA All-Star Game media day that he has “toyed” with the possibility of competing in combat sports once his hoops days are behind him. He even hinted at conversations with UFC chief Dana White about the idea. Brown noted he has some Muay Thai training under his belt, which could help bridge the gap to competition in the octagon or in the boxing ring.
“What I’ve done is toyed with this concept and talked to a few people,” Brown said. “Maybe after part of my career, I’d love to partake in something like UFC or even boxing. I’ve talked to Dana White about a few things, but we’ll see how things unfold.”
The conversation isn’t happening in a vacuum. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who is himself an MMA enthusiast, has attended multiple UFC events and often uses fight footage as a teaching tool for his team. This adds a layer of curiosity about how much crossover appeal exists between professional basketball and combat sports, and whether the discipline from one sport could translate to success in another.
Why this matters: Brown isn’t just hinting at a future possibility; his openness signals a broader trend of elite athletes considering multi-sport horizons later in their careers. It invites us to think about the skills that transfer between sports—footwork, balance, endurance, the ability to read an opponent—and what it would take to train for and succeed in UFC or boxing after years in basketball.
Questions to ponder: If Brown pursues combat sports, should fans expect a measured, gradual transition with a controlled, long-term plan, or would a quick, high-profile debut be more in line with his star power? How might the intense training demands of UFC or boxing affect his current basketball commitments and long-term health? Do you think a successful crossover is feasible, or is Brown better off focusing on basketball and his legacy with the Celtics? Share your take in the comments.
