Recent brain study gives hope to retired UFC stars

Professional athletes know that when they compete in their chosen sport, injuries are likely to be an occupational hazard.

A recent study into five major sports – American Football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey and soccer – highlights that point to perfection. The research found that the NFL was the most injury-prone sport, with over 7,600 injuries occurring between 2017 and 2021.

With regards to combat sports, it would be fair to say they often get a bad rap when it comes to the risk of injury they present to competitors.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) has repeatedly come under fire, with one study showing that around one third of professional fighters suffer brain injuries during their careers.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is the most prevalent issue, particularly amongst fighters who compete in the sport for a long time.

However, exponents of MMA enter the cage knowing that being repeatedly hit in the head is part and parcel of the sport.

As the pinnacle of professional MMA, the spotlight often focuses on the UFC and what they do to combat injuries to their athletes.

Their move in 2021 to publish an official concussion protocol for fighters was seen as a massive step in the right direction for MMA. The UFC Performance Institute published a 484-page digital journal designed to be a reference manual for MMA coaches and fighters.

It is the most comprehensive study on MMA ever produced and aims to support the ongoing development and wellbeing of fighters worldwide.

The journal contains a five-stage protocol for coaches to follow, which seeks to help athletes safely return to action after they suffer a concussion.

While the risks of competing in MMA are still high due to the brutal nature of the sport, correct implementation of the concussion protocol should benefit fighters.

A recent study published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology has given another boost to athletes who compete in MMA.

The researchers found that fighters saw an improvement in thinking and memory scores after retiring, suggesting the brain damage they suffer may not be permanent.

In verbal memory, motor speed and processing speed, retired fighters showed notable improvements in their scores over time.

By contrast, active fighters’ scores were stable or showed subtle declines, highlighting the impact that competing in MMA can have on the brain.

However, with improved concussion protocols in place, it should naturally follow that active fighters will recover more effectively from brain injuries.

The study was funded in part by the UFC, further demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the safety of their athletes.

This will undoubtedly help the public perception of MMA, which is often criticised for being overly brutal in its nature.

Taking an active interest in the wellbeing of its athletes may even help MMA overtake boxing as the number one sport over the coming years. The recent drug-testing controversy surrounding the fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr cast a shadow over the entire sport.

The reluctance of promoters and other associated parties to take decisive action demonstrated how far the UFC has progressed in terms of its attitude towards safety in comparison to boxing.