NBA Star Jaylen Brown Eyes UFC Career After Basketball

Celtics All-Star discusses potential transition to MMA after NBA retirement

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, a five-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA champion, is exploring opportunities beyond his basketball career, including a potential transition to the UFC or boxing after he retires from the NBA. Brown has already contacted UFC President Dana White to discuss options and credits his martial arts training, specifically Muay Thai, for enhancing his on-court performance.

Why it matters

Brown's interest in combat sports aligns with broader trends of celebrity crossover athletes, which could influence how other professional athletes approach retirement and explore new avenues for their athletic skills and entertainment value.

The details

Jaylen Brown's interest in mixed martial arts is influenced by his family background, as his father was a professional boxer and his grandfather was also involved in boxing. Brown has mentioned that he has "toyed with this" idea and has talked to Dana White about potential opportunities in the UFC or boxing after his basketball career. Additionally, Brown has credited his Muay Thai training for improving his physical capabilities, especially in defense, during his NBA success.

  • In a recent interview at the 2026 NBA All-Star media day, Brown discussed his interest in a potential UFC or boxing career after basketball.
  • Brown revealed in an interview with Men's Health that his Muay Thai training helped elevate his on-court performance during the 2023-24 NBA season, when he won the Conference and NBA Finals MVP awards.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A five-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, who is exploring opportunities in mixed martial arts and boxing after his basketball career.

Dana White

The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who has discussed potential opportunities with Jaylen Brown.

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What they’re saying

“To be honest, I've toyed with this and I've talked to some people. You know, maybe post-part of my career, I would love to partake in some UFC or even boxing.”

— Jaylen Brown, NBA Player (theconwaybulletin.com)

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

— Jaylen Brown, NBA Player (theconwaybulletin.com)

“I just wanted to challenge myself in a different way, challenge my body. It's being great for opening up my hips, which is great for defense, but also being able to stay low, have a greater balance, and being able to stay into certain positions for longer periods of time. Muay Thai, the flexibility of it, also fighters train harder, and being able to incorporate that into my mind and my body has been great.”

— Jaylen Brown, NBA Player (Men's Health)

What’s next

The exact timeline for Jaylen Brown's potential transition to the UFC or boxing remains uncertain, as he continues to explore his options and engage with UFC leadership.

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's interest in combat sports after his NBA career aligns with broader trends of celebrity crossover athletes, which could influence how other professional athletes approach retirement and explore new avenues for their athletic skills and entertainment value.