NBA Star Jaylen Brown Explores UFC Future

Celtics All-Star in talks with Dana White about potential MMA transition after basketball career

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Boston Celtics standout Jaylen Brown, a Finals MVP and NBA champion, has expressed interest in pursuing a career in mixed martial arts after his basketball days are over. Brown has already held discussions with UFC president Dana White about potentially competing in the octagon, signaling his genuine enthusiasm for the combat sports world.

Why it matters

Brown's openness to fighting in the UFC underscores the expanding appeal of MMA among elite athletes from other disciplines. His conversations with Dana White suggest he is seriously exploring options beyond basketball, which could pave the way for another high-profile athlete making a transition into the sport.

The details

At 6-foot-6 and 223 pounds, Brown currently exceeds the light heavyweight limit by approximately 17 pounds, meaning he would likely compete in the heavyweight division if he were to transition to UFC. While physical attributes are important, success in MMA also hinges on skill, strategy, and experience. Several athletes have successfully transitioned to UFC after careers in other sports, including Olympic gold medalists and former WWE and NFL players.

  • In February 2026, Brown discussed his interest in UFC or boxing after his NBA career.
  • In July 2025, former President Donald Trump announced plans for a UFC fight to be held on White House grounds as part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A Boston Celtics standout with a Finals MVP award, an NBA championship, and multiple All-Star appearances who has expressed interest in pursuing mixed martial arts after his basketball career.

Dana White

The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who has held discussions with Jaylen Brown about the NBA player potentially competing in the octagon.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who announced plans for a UFC fight to be held on White House grounds as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations.

Conor McGregor

A former two-division UFC champion who expressed enthusiasm about participating in the planned White House UFC event.

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What they’re saying

“I've toyed with this and I've told some people that, maybe post part of my [basketball] career, I would love to partake in UFC or even boxing.”

— Jaylen Brown (theconwaybulletin.com)

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

— Jaylen Brown (theconwaybulletin.com)

“We're going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. Every one of our national parks, battlefields, and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (rawsalerts)

“Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at the White House. I would be honoured! Count me in! 🤩☘️”

— Conor McGregor (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's openness to fighting in the UFC underscores the expanding appeal of mixed martial arts among elite athletes from other disciplines, potentially paving the way for more high-profile athletes to make the transition into MMA. The planned White House UFC event also reflects the mainstreaming of the sport, elevating its visibility and cultural relevance.