Jaylen Brown Eyes UFC Future as Celtics Push for NBA Title Glory

As the NBA enters the 2026 All-Star break, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown remains at the centre of the league’s narrative, balancing a championship-calibre season with intriguing hints about his future beyond the hardwood. With the Celtics currently holding second place in the Eastern Conference at 35-19, Brown’s leadership has been vital during a season defined by roster shifts and injury management.

All-Star Weekend and On-Court Performance

Brown, now 29, headed into the 2026 All-Star festivities as a starter, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier two-way threats. Despite battling lingering hamstring and knee soreness that sidelined him for two of Boston’s final five games before the break, he returned to form with a game-high 29 points in a recent comeback victory. During the early All-Star events, Brown led the “Stripes” squad with 11 points, showcasing the athleticism that has defined his ten-season tenure in Boston.

Chemistry Challenges and Trade Fallout

The Celtics’ locker room has faced scrutiny following the high-profile trade for Nikola Vučević. Brown has been vocal about the team’s transition, recently stating that the roster is a “work in progress” as they attempt to integrate the veteran centre. Following a disappointing loss to the New York Knicks, Brown publicly called for the team to “figure out the chemistry and flow,” emphasizing that the lopsided outcome was a wake-up call for a group with title aspirations.

The “Combat Sports” Ambition

In one of the more surprising developments of the week, Brown revealed a serious interest in pursuing professional combat sports after his NBA career concludes. A practitioner of Muay Thai, Brown confirmed he has “toyed with the idea” of entering the UFC or the boxing ring. Reports indicate he has already held preliminary discussions with UFC CEO Dana White regarding a potential transition once he hangs up his sneakers.

Mentorship and Team Outlook

Beyond his own play, Brown has taken on a significant leadership role as Jayson Tatum nears a return from an Achilles injury. Brown recently expressed high optimism regarding Tatum’s rehabilitation, telling reporters his teammate “looks pretty damn good” in recent workouts. Additionally, Brown made headlines for offering veteran advice to New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, sharing insights on how to “level up” following the Patriots’ recent Super Bowl LX heartbreak.

Reporting by Canada Wire Sports Desk. All figures in CAD where applicable.