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.
To be honest, I’ve toyed with this and I’ve talked to some people,
he said, per ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.
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.
Family Background and Combat Sports Connections
Brown’s interest in fighting is rooted in family ties, as his father, Marselles Brown, was a professional boxer with a record of 33 wins, 18 losses, and 1 draw. The four-time NBA All-Star has also observed how boxing has evolved into a profitable spectacle, especially with high-profile exhibitions involving athletes from other sports.
However, cautionary examples exist, such as former NBA guard Nate Robinson, who suffered a knockout loss in his 2020 boxing bout against Jake Paul, showing the challenges basketball players face when crossing into combat sports.
Physical Considerations and Realistic Prospects
MMA analyst Nolan King pointed out that Brown’s playing weight near 223 pounds places him in the heavyweight division, the largest weight class, which presents an additional obstacle for someone new to professional fighting. Considering Brown’s current NBA career is expected to continue through his 30s, a transition to UFC or boxing may remain more of a future possibility than an immediate plan.
