An NBA champion is already looking ahead to his future in sports while strongly considering moving into mixed martial arts after his basketball career, despite his extensive injury history
Kristaps Porzingis is already training in MMA(Image: Getty Images)
Kristaps Porzingis is refusing to rule out fighting in the UFC in the future.
The NBA champion has surprisingly admitted that he’s considering a move to mixed martial arts after he retires from basketball, stating he’s already started training in the offseason. Porzingis may need to ease up though during his career, having already been hampered by injuries.
Porzingis said: “MMA is a sport that is very close to my heart. Number one in terms of viewing. It is something that I am passionate about, which is why I decided to participate in a new MMA project. Everything is still in progress – when we get closer to the final result, I will be able to tell you more.”
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The Latvian has revealed that he trains in MMA in the NBA offseasons when he’s back in Latvia, but does not engage in hitting and true sparring sessions due to his basketball commitments.
While seemingly being serious about exploring his options in MMA after retiring from basketball, Porzingis stated that he’s ‘saving himself’ for a fight when the time comes.
He added: “This summer I played a little tennis and padel tennis — very good sports in the summer, especially in the fresh air. I have also tried my hand at MMA, but I promised one of the clubs I represented that I would not do it during my career. I am ‘saving up’ to start an MMA career after the bass (laughs).”
Porzingis’ NBA career has been hampered by injuries(Image: Getty Images)
Standing at 7’2″, Porzingis would undoubtedly be among the tallest MMA fighters in the history of the sport – leaving many fans confused as to why he’d look to pursue a career in the sport.
Many agree that Porzingis’ might not be cut out for the brutality of the sport that is MMA, while having an extensive injury history in the NBA.
Porzingis has missed time through injuries in every single season he’s had in the NBA, while sustaining several knee and back injuries throughout his career.
Last season, Celtics fans were notably frustrated with Porzingis as he played just 42 games, missing the majority of the campaign which ended up to be a disappointing one following their NBA championship the year prior.
Porzingis was traded to the Hawks this offseason
Porzingis was traded this offseason after the Celtics lost Jayson Tatum, looking to get younger and cheaper as they build around him and Jaylen Brown.
Porzingis is now with the Atlanta Hawks, claiming to be back to full health while taking some time off.
He said: “I feel fantastic, to be honest. I took time to rest after the season. Something was lingering during the playoffs – I had fatigue, dizziness, even moments where I felt like I might faint. It wasn’t great.
“In June, I fully rested and lowered the intensity. All of that has gone away. I haven’t felt any of the playoff symptoms anymore. I feel great and ready to join the national team. Super happy
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