Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Teases Combat Sports Future

NBA All-Star considering post-basketball career in UFC or boxing

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Jaylen Brown's basketball skills and combat sports ambitions through a fractured, multi-perspective visual style.Jaylen Brown's versatility as an athlete is on full display as he contemplates a future in combat sports.Boston Today

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, a 29-year-old five-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP, has revealed his interest in transitioning into the world of combat sports after his professional basketball career. Brown has already had discussions with UFC CEO Dana White about potentially fighting in the octagon or pursuing a boxing career.

Why it matters

Brown's interest in combat sports adds an intriguing new chapter to his career and showcases the versatility of elite athletes. If he follows through, it would create significant crossover appeal and buzz in the sports world, as fans would be eager to see how the basketball star fares in the ring or cage.

The details

Brown, who has a background in Muay Thai training, said he's been thinking about this move and has had "interesting conversations" with UFC president Dana White, a dedicated Celtics supporter. Brown's head coach, Joe Mazzulla, is also a known MMA enthusiast, often incorporating fight footage into team training sessions.

  • Brown revealed his combat sports ambitions during the 2026 NBA All-Star Game media day.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A 29-year-old five-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP for the Boston Celtics who is considering a post-basketball career in the UFC or boxing.

Dana White

The president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who has had discussions with Jaylen Brown about a potential fighting career.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who is a known MMA enthusiast and has incorporated fight footage into the team's training sessions.

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What they’re saying

“I've been thinking about this, and I've had some interesting conversations. It's something I'd love to explore in the future. I've spoken to Dana White about it, and it's a topic we'll keep in mind as my basketball journey progresses.”

— Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Player

What’s next

Brown and UFC president Dana White will continue discussing the possibility of the Celtics star transitioning to combat sports after his NBA career. The timeline and feasibility of this move remain to be seen.

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's interest in pursuing a career in the UFC or boxing after his NBA days showcases the versatility and crossover appeal of elite athletes. If he follows through, it would create significant buzz and intrigue in the sports world, as fans would be eager to see how the basketball star fares in the combat sports arena.