The allure of the Octagon has proven irresistible to a growing list of professional athletes from outside the combat sports world, creating a fascinating crossover trend that Dana White has eagerly capitalized on.
Now, in a move that has sent shockwaves through both the basketball and mixed martial arts worlds, NBA superstar Jaylen Brown has thrown his hat into the ring. During a recent press conference, the Boston Celtics forward openly stated that he is seriously considering a future career in the UFC.
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Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown looks on during gameKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
The Celtics guard recently revealed this news during Media Day for the NBA’s All-Star Weekend being held in Los Angeles (via Happy Punch on X):
“To be honest, I’ve toyed with this. I’ve talked to some people. Maybe post-part of my career, I’d love to partake in something like UFC or even boxing.”
Brown also said his interest is more than a fleeting thought, as he has already discussed a potential move to combat sports with UFC CEO Dana White.
“I’ve talked to Dana White about some stuff, but we’ll see as things go on,” Brown revealed. “We’ll see.”
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Brown has combat sports running in his family. His father, Marselles Brown, was a former World Boxing Union world heavyweight champion with 33 wins in 52 fights.
Marselles’ relationship with the NBA star is estranged, however, and he was arrested last year for allegedly stabbing a youth football coach.
Dana White Seeking Future UFC Champions
This is not the first time White has set his sights on a major star from another professional league.
Dana WhiteDana White / Getty Images
(Dana White / Getty Images)
The UFC boss has been actively courting other high-profile athletes, most notably Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.
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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on from the sideline.Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
(Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
Crosby recently told CBS Sports that White has predicted he will be the UFC heavyweight champion by 2030 or 2031 (via CBS Sports):
Crosby also regularly incorporates boxing and MMA into his training and has sparred with former UFC champion Sean Strickland. The two have even discussed their professional relationship as training partners (via ESPN MMA):
Shift to MMA is not Impossible
The precedent for such a seismic shift, while rare, does exist. Brock Lesnar remains the ultimate success story, transitioning from a brief NFL preseason stint with the Minnesota Vikings to become the UFC heavyweight champion in just his fourth professional fight.
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Brock LesnarGetty Images
(Getty Images)
More recently, Josh Hokit, a former Fresno State linebacker who had short stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, earned a contract after a dominant performance on Dana White’s Contender Series.
He had a winning debut in the UFC’s heavyweight division (via ESPN MMA on X):
It should be noted that Hokit and Lesnar have extensive collegiate wrestling backgrounds.
Fighting is no Walk in the Park
For most athletes, however, the path from their sport to an MMA cage is littered with obstacles that have tripped up even the most gifted natural athletes.
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Former NFL player Greg Hardy had a controversial and ultimately unsuccessful UFC run, which ended after three consecutive knockout defeats, serves as a stark reminder of the sport’s unforgiving nature.
Greg HardyBy Tony Fisher
(By Tony Fisher)
Austen Lane, despite his NFL pedigree, has struggled to find consistent success in the UFC, holding only one win in his last three appearances.
Austen LaneDavid Yeazell-Imagn Images
(David Yeazell-Imagn Images)
While size and athleticism provide a foundation, a lack of a high-level wrestling or combat sports background, which is a hurdle Brown would undoubtedly face, makes the climb to championship contention incredibly steep.
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For now, Jaylen Brown will let his basketball career play out. The MMA world waits to see if one of the NBA’s biggest stars is truly ready to answer the call to the Octagon once he retires from the court.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
