Jaylen Brown, currently in his prime with the Boston Celtics, has revealed that he is contemplating a potential shift to professional fighting, including boxing or the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), once his basketball career concludes. At 29 years old and locked into a supermax contract for three more seasons, Brown shared his interest during the recent NBA All-Star weekend discussions.
Discussions with Dana White and Training Efforts
The 6-foot-6, 223-pound Celtics star has actively explored this idea and even engaged in conversations with UFC President Dana White. Brown stated,
“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.”
These remarks indicate serious consideration rather than casual speculation.
Initially, White was skeptical of Brown’s intentions, thinking the talks were lighthearted. However, recent reports from ESPN’s Brett Okamoto suggest Brown is genuinely interested. White noted,
“He’s … training at the [UFC PI], the last couple days he was over there working on his Muay Thai, I think it’s awesome these guys want to try and fight.”
Current NBA Performance and Off-Court Activities
This season, Brown is excelling on the basketball court, posting a career-high average of 29.3 points per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the field. Despite missing teammate Jayson Tatum, the Celtics hold second place in the Eastern Conference behind the Pistons. Alongside his on-court achievements, Brown has engaged with fans through streaming on Twitch, where he has showcased activities ranging from science experiments with Bill Nye to interactive sessions with YouTuber IShowSpeed, including a playful reenactment inspired by the Boston Tea Party and demonstrations of Muay Thai moves.
Brown has also expanded his ventures off the court by launching an apparel brand called 741 Performance in 2024, which follows his earlier 7uice brand. His commitment to community is evident through the 7uice Foundation, an initiative he founded to support youth from underserved areas with educational opportunities. Last month, he organized a college fair at the Yawkey Boys and Girls Club of Roxbury to further this mission.
Family Influence and Support From Celtics Staff
Fighting might run in Brown’s blood, as his father, Marselles Brown, was a professional heavyweight boxer. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, known for his passion for mixed martial arts, has been supportive of Brown’s exploration into combat sports. Additionally, Brown’s grandfather, Willie Brown, has contributed to his training, incorporating boxing pad drills into his regimen, which may further prepare him for a future in fighting.
Potential Impact of Brown’s UFC Interest on Career Trajectory
Brown’s expressed curiosity about transitioning into the UFC or boxing after his NBA days adds a unique dimension to his legacy as an athlete. His current high level of performance keeps him a key player for the Celtics, but his willingness to embrace a demanding new sport hints at a restless determination to challenge himself beyond basketball. This decision could influence future athletes considering multi-sport careers and reshape perceptions of athlete versatility.
As Brown continues to develop his skills in martial arts alongside basketball, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if his aspirations in UFC fighting materialize into a second major professional career.
