Celtics' Jaylen Brown Considers UFC or Boxing After NBA

All-Star forward has discussed post-basketball combat sports career with Dana White

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has expressed interest in pursuing combat sports such as UFC or boxing after his NBA tenure concludes. Speaking before the All-Star Game, Brown revealed conversations he's had about making a transition into the fighting world, citing his family's boxing background and the growing popularity of high-profile athlete crossovers into combat sports.

Why it matters

Brown's potential interest in combat sports after the NBA highlights the evolving landscape of professional athletes exploring new career paths beyond their primary sport. While some, like former NBA player Nate Robinson, have struggled with the transition, Brown's family ties to boxing and the growing popularity of celebrity fights could make this a viable option for the four-time All-Star.

The details

Brown, who currently plays at around 223 pounds, would likely compete in the heavyweight division if he pursued a career in UFC or boxing. MMA analyst Nolan King noted that Brown's size could present a challenge, as the heavyweight class is the largest weight division. Given that Brown's NBA career is expected to continue through his 30s, a transition to combat sports may remain more of a future possibility than an immediate plan.

  • Brown discussed his interest in combat sports before the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A four-time NBA All-Star and current player for the Boston Celtics who has expressed interest in pursuing a career in UFC or boxing after his basketball tenure concludes.

Marselles Brown

Jaylen Brown's father, who was a professional boxer with a record of 33 wins, 18 losses, and 1 draw.

Dana White

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

Nate Robinson

A former NBA guard who suffered a knockout loss in his 2020 boxing bout against Jake Paul, highlighting the challenges basketball players can face when crossing into combat sports.

Nolan King

An MMA analyst who pointed out that Jaylen Brown's playing weight near 223 pounds would place him in the heavyweight division, the largest weight class in combat sports, presenting an additional obstacle for someone new to professional fighting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To be honest, I've toyed with this and I've talked to some people. Maybe post part of my career, I'd love to partake in something like UFC or even boxing. I've talked to Dana White about some stuff, but we'll see as things go on. We'll see.”

— Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Player (ESPN)

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's potential interest in combat sports after his NBA career highlights the evolving landscape of professional athletes exploring new career paths beyond their primary sport. While the transition can be challenging, as seen with Nate Robinson, Brown's family ties to boxing and the growing popularity of celebrity fights in the space could make this a viable option for the four-time All-Star in the future.