The world of professional sports has witnessed numerous crossover athletes in recent years, and now one of basketball’s most towering figures is eyeing a dramatic career pivot. Kristaps Porzingis, the 7’2″ NBA veteran, has revealed his ambitious plans to transition to the octagon once he hangs up his basketball sneakers.
In a recent interview with Latvian publication SportaCentrs, Porzingis opened up about his passion for mixed martial arts and his future aspirations. “MMA is a sport that is very close to my heart,” the Latvian star explained. “Number one in terms of viewing. That’s the thing I’m going to light up on, so I decided to participate in a new MMA project.”
The Boston Celtics forward, who currently weighs around 245 pounds, has been quietly preparing for this potential career change while maintaining his professional basketball commitments. “I’ve tried my hand at MMA, but I promised one of the [Basketball] clubs I represented that I would not do so during my career,” Porzingis revealed, suggesting he’s been training behind the scenes.
Porzingis has built an impressive NBA resume since being selected by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft. His professional journey has taken him through multiple franchises, including stints with the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, and Atlanta Hawks. Throughout his basketball career, he’s established himself as a formidable presence on the court, earning All-Star recognition.
The trend of professional athletes transitioning between sports isn’t entirely unprecedented. The combat sports world has welcomed several notable crossover athletes, including former NFL players who have found success in the octagon and boxing ring. As Mixed Martial Arts continues its global expansion, particularly with the UFC securing new broadcast partnerships, opportunities for elite athletes from other disciplines are becoming increasingly attractive.
However, Porzingis would face unique challenges in his potential MMA career. His exceptional height would make him the tallest competitor in UFC history, surpassing the current record holder, heavyweight Tallison Teixeira, who stands at 6’7″. This physical attribute could prove both advantageous and challenging, as his 245-pound frame would likely place him in the heavyweight division.
While Porzingis remains tight-lipped about specific details, he hinted that his plans are actively developing. “Everything is still in process, when we approach the final result, I’ll be able to tell you more,” he stated, suggesting that concrete announcements may be forthcoming.
The Latvian athlete wouldn’t be the first NBA player to explore combat sports after basketball. Several former basketball professionals, including Royce White, Deron Williams, and James Johnson, have already made similar transitions.
Porzingis’s potential move represents an interesting chapter in the ongoing evolution of professional sports, where athletes increasingly view their careers as multi-faceted opportunities rather than single-sport commitments. His combination of size, athleticism, and apparent dedication to MMA training could make him a compelling addition to the combat sports landscape.
