SPORTS

Former UFC Champ Johnson Shares Healthy Choice

USATue Dec 31 2024
Former UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson, known as "Mighty Mouse, " recently shared an important update about his health on Instagram. He declared that he would no longer participate in sparring, noting that it's not necessary anymore. Johnson's career spans 14 years, including a remarkable 30 professional bouts and 11 consecutive title defenses during his time in the UFC. He moved to ONE Championship in 2018 and has continued to achieve great success, even defeating Muay Thai star Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a notable mixed-rules bout. Johnson's post highlighted his commitment to both physical and mental health. It included a picture with his doctors, showcasing his proactive approach towards well-being. Last summer, he openly discussed how his MMA career tested and strengthened his mental health. In an August podcast appearance, he revealed that he has been part of a brain monitoring program with the Cleveland Clinic for over a decade. This program has tracked the long-term effects of fighting on athletes' brains. Doctors told Johnson that his brain hadn't deteriorated over his career and that he had even gotten smarter. This news challenges the notion that fighting harms brain health. Johnson's approach to health and well-being is a great example for others in the sport.

questions

    What if Johnson’s mental health update is actually a coded message to his fans?
    What are the potential long-term effects of frequent head trauma in MMA, and how do they vary among fighters?
    How reliable are the findings from the Cleveland Clinic’s brain monitoring program?

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