NBA Star Jaylen Brown Confirms Talks With UFC's Dana White

The Boston Celtics forward is considering a future career in mixed martial arts after his NBA days are over.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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NBA superstar Jaylen Brown has revealed that he has had discussions with UFC president Dana White about potentially competing in the Octagon after his basketball career ends. Brown, who has combat sports in his family background, said he has "toyed with" the idea of pursuing a future in either the UFC or boxing.

Why it matters

Brown's interest in transitioning from the NBA to MMA is the latest example of a growing trend of professional athletes from other sports exploring opportunities in the combat sports world. While the path from other sports to the UFC has proven challenging for many, Brown's potential move would generate significant interest and attention.

The details

During NBA All-Star Weekend, Brown openly discussed his talks with Dana White about a potential UFC or boxing career after his NBA days are over. Brown's father, Marselles Brown, was a former World Boxing Union heavyweight champion, giving the NBA star a combat sports pedigree. However, Brown's relationship with his father is estranged, as Marselles was arrested last year for allegedly stabbing a youth football coach.

  • Jaylen Brown revealed the news during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles in 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A star forward for the Boston Celtics in the NBA who is considering a future career in the UFC or boxing after his basketball days are over.

Dana White

The president and co-founder of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who has been actively courting high-profile athletes from other professional sports to compete in the Octagon.

Marselles Brown

Jaylen Brown's father, who was a former World Boxing Union world heavyweight champion with 33 wins in 52 fights, but has an estranged relationship with his son.

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What they’re saying

“To be honest, I've toyed with this. I've talked to some people. Maybe post-part of my career, I'd love to partake in something like UFC or even boxing.”

— Jaylen Brown (Happy Punch on X)

“I've talked to Dana White about some stuff, but we'll see as things go on. We'll see.”

— Jaylen Brown (Happy Punch on X)

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's interest in potentially transitioning from the NBA to the UFC or boxing world is the latest example of a growing trend of professional athletes from other sports exploring opportunities in the combat sports realm. While the path from other sports to the UFC has proven challenging for many, Brown's potential move would generate significant interest and attention.