
The world already knows what Jaylen Brown can do on a basketball court. He can score at all three levels, he can defend elite wings. He can take over playoff games. But could the Boston Celtics star eventually trade hardwood for canvas? Speaking at NBA All-Star Media Day, Brown revealed he’s seriously considered stepping into combat sports once his basketball career winds down.
“To be honest, I’ve toyed with this,” Brown said. “I’ve talked to some people. Maybe post part of my career, I’d love to partake in something like UFC or even boxing.”
That didn’t sound like a passing joke.
Could Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown head to the #UFC octagon in the future?
Image | Source: Dice City Sports Image | Source: Dice City Sports Image | Source: Dice City Sports Image | Source: Dice City Sports pic.twitter.com/A0eqQ3qRCA— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 15, 2026
Brown added that he has already spoken with UFC CEO Dana White who also happens to be a well-documented Celtics fan.
“I’ve talked to Dana White about some stuff, but we’ll see as things go on,” Brown said. “We’ll see.”
He didn’t elaborate on whether those talks were exploratory, promotional, or serious discussions about training and matchmaking. But the mere mention of direct conversations with White raises eyebrows. In an era where crossover fights generate massive headlines from boxing exhibitions to celebrity bouts Brown’s athletic profile would instantly command attention.
Jaylen Brown, 29, is listed at 6-foot-6 and 223 pounds. If he walked straight into the UFC at that weight, he’d land in the heavyweight division (over 205 pounds). That would mean sharing space with some of the most physically imposing athletes in MMA.
If he cut roughly 17 pounds, he could make the 205-pound light heavyweight limit historically one of the UFC’s marquee divisions. In boxing, weight classes offer more flexibility, but at 6-foot-6, Brown would still likely find himself in cruiserweight or heavyweight territory.
The size wouldn’t be the issue. The experience would.
There’s no question Brown is elite in terms of athleticism explosiveness, coordination, strength, and conditioning.
But combat sports demand more than physical tools. They require:
Years of striking or grappling development
Fight IQ under duress
Comfort absorbing damage
Mental composure in one-on-one combat
Transitioning from NBA All-Star to legitimate fighter would not be a marketing stunt if done seriously it would require a full immersion into the craft.
Still, history shows that high-level athletes occasionally surprise doubters when they commit to combat training.
Is Jaylen Brown genuinely considering a post-NBA run in UFC or boxing? Or was this simply All-Star Weekend fodder? His tone suggested the former.
Brown is known for his intellectual curiosity and willingness to explore unconventional paths. Stepping into combat sports after securing his NBA legacy would align with that mindset especially if the Celtics capture another championship or two.
For now, it remains hypothetical. But if the conversation with Dana White evolves into something more concrete, Boston’s two-way star might one day test his toughness somewhere far more unforgiving than TD Garden. And if that happens, the sports world will be watching.
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