Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown revealed his interest in pursuing a career in combat sports once his NBA tenure concludes. Speaking during the NBA All-Star Game media day, Brown, 29, mentioned discussing these plans with UFC CEO Dana White, highlighting his curiosity about mixed martial arts and boxing after basketball.
Brown’s Growing Interest in Combat Sports
Jaylen Brown, a five-time NBA All-Star and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, shared that he has considered competing in the UFC or boxing following his basketball career. With a background in Muay Thai, Brown said,
“To be honest, I’ve toyed with this and I’ve talked to some people,”
and added,
“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.”
Support from Celtics Coach and MMA Connections
Brown’s enthusiasm for combat sports aligns with that of Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who is known as a passionate mixed martial arts fan. Mazzulla has attended several UFC events and often uses fight footage as instructional material for the Celtics, blending athletic training with MMA tactics. Brown has built relationships with key figures in the MMA world, facilitated by conversations with White, an avid Celtics supporter.
The Future Path for Brown Beyond Basketball
Jaylen Brown’s contemplation of a UFC or boxing career underscores the evolving interests of elite professional athletes seeking new challenges post-retirement. His experience in Muay Thai offers a foundation for transition, while his engagement with MMA leaders like Dana White could open significant opportunities. As Brown’s career with the Celtics progresses, fans and observers will watch closely to see if his combat sports ambitions materialize.
