Head trauma has always been a big talking point in combat sports, and there’s more attention on the topic than ever with CTE diagnoses.
For decades, fans of boxing have seen prizefighters suffer devastating head injuries and some have even turned fatal. While the world of MMA has seen fewer horror stories of fight-related head trauma, UFC CEO Dana White is well aware that the sport is not immune to the real risks involved.
When asked about the danger of prizefighting in an interview with The New Yorker, White didn’t shy away from the discussion.
“Any time you’re taking shots to the head, it is very bad for you,” White said.
The UFC boss was then asked how he’d justify CTE risks when he’s promoting fight cards.
“You don’t” White said. “You have grown adults who choose to do this for a living and this is what they want to do. It’s not like that thing that went on in the NFL where they thought helmets were protecting their brains. Everybody that goes into it, knows that getting punched in the head is bad for you.”
There has been no shortages of spectacular knockout finishes and bloody wars inside the Octagon. The likes of Justin Gaethje have been known to deliver violent finishes and “Fight of the Year” contenders. He’s also been on the receiving end of some brutal knockout losses, such as the one against Max Holloway at UFC 300. There’s no telling what the long-term effects will be on Gaethje and others once their fighting careers have wrapped up.
What do you make about Dana White’s response when asked about the risks of head trauma in MMA? Do you think he’s on the money here or did the question need a different response from the UFC boss? Sound off in the comments.