Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has taken the sports world by surprise with a bold revelation: he is seriously considering pursuing a combat sports career after his NBA playing days, including a possible move into the UFC octagon or even professional boxing.
His comments have sparked widespread buzz, especially after he disclosed that he’s already discussed the idea with UFC President Dana White.
The 29-year-old shooting guard, known for his leadership on the hardwood and for winning the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, shared his thoughts during NBA All-Star Weekend media day, indicating this crossover interest is about more than casual curiosity.
From Basketball Superstar to Combat Sports Contender?
Brown’s competitive nature has always been evident. As one of the NBA’s most physically gifted and hard-working players, he has often pushed his limits on the court.
However, during the annual midseason festivities, he went further than most when asked about life beyond basketball.
“To be honest, I’ve played with the idea and I’ve talked to certain people,” Brown told reporters when asked about MMA or boxing prospects. While he stopped short of announcing a firm plan, his tone was far from dismissive. “Maybe in the next chapter of my career, I’d like to take part in something like the UFC or even boxing. I’ve talked about it with Dana White… but we’ll see how everything plays out.”
That Brown has already had direct conversations with Dana White, one of the most influential figures in global combat sports, lends credibility to his post-NBA ambitions.
Dana White Acknowledges Brown’s Interest and Training
White, widely respected for building the UFC into the world’s premier MMA organization, publicly confirmed Brown’s engagement with mixed martial arts training.
At a recent press conference following a Zuffa Boxing event, he stated that he initially thought Brown was joking until he saw the Celtics star in action.
“At first I thought Jaylen was messing with me… but he’s training,” White shared. “The last couple of days he was in there working on his Muay Thai, and I think it’s awesome that these guys want to try fighting.”
Brown has reportedly spent time at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, where fighters sharpen everything from technique to mental focus.
His sessions there are not simply promotional gestures, but serious training blocks shared alongside established MMA athletes.
Combat Sports Roots Run Deep in His Family
What might come as a surprise to some fans is that Brown’s interest in combat sports doesn’t come out of nowhere. He comes from a family with deep boxing roots.
His father was a boxing instructor, and Brown frequently brings his rigorous discipline from the gym into his NBA preparation.
This connection to boxing appears to be more than symbolic; it has influenced Brown’s athletic development and mindset.
He has also incorporated Muay Thai into his training for over two years, citing benefits not only for his physical skill set but also for his agility, balance, and overall body control on the basketball court.
Why Brown’s NBA Career Isn’t Over Yet
Despite these exciting prospects, Brown is not stepping away from basketball anytime soon.
He is currently one of the Celtics’ most indispensable players and continues to be a central force in their success this season.
His performance metrics, scoring, rebounds, and assists rank among the best in his career, proving that his focus remains grounded in the NBA for now.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla, an openly enthusiastic fan of mixed martial arts, occasionally uses fight footage and MMA techniques in team meetings, underlining the crossover influence Brown and teammates admire.
Brown’s coach has even been spotted attending UFC events, demonstrating that the Celtics organization as a whole embraces combat-sport culture as a source of inspiration.
What This Could Mean for the UFC
If Brown were to make a formal entry into MMA or boxing, it would mark one of the most intriguing sport crossovers in recent history.
While former NBA players have flirted with combat sports before, few, if any, have done so while still active and at the peak of their athletic prime.
The conversation with Dana White suggests that the UFC views Brown’s interest seriously and is open to exploring ways to make it happen.
Given Brown’s size, athleticism, and proven competitive heart, he could potentially come
pete at heavyweight in MMA, a division that regularly draws massive fan interest.
Final Thoughts: Brown’s Future Holds Big Possibilities
Jaylen Brown’s comments have not only grabbed headlines but also opened a new chapter in discussions about athlete transitions between major sports.
Whether or not he ultimately enters the cage, his willingness to explore his passion for combat sports while still dominating in the NBA offers fans a compelling narrative that extends far beyond basketball.
For now, Brown remains focused on leading the Celtics to success this season.
But the conversations with Dana White, his active training sessions, and his combat sports background all point to a future full of possibilities beyond the basketball court.