Image and intimidation factor can be as important as skill, yet athletes are increasingly turning to cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance. While UFC stars have been quietly booking flights to Turkey for hair transplants, boxing star Conor Benn has taken a different approach by opting for a beard transplant.
UFC veteran Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone recently shared his experience getting a hair transplant in Turkey, following in the footsteps of fellow stars Francis Ngannou and Paulo Costa. Cerrone, known for his rugged persona, admitted he had serious concerns before the procedure.
“I thought Istanbul would be like some guy pulling teeth on the side of the road while I got hair plugs,” Cerrone joked. His fears proved unfounded as he was impressed by the “world-class” facility and care he received.
The retired MMA star underwent the extraction of 4,000 hair follicles using what he described as a “Dremel-like” tool. Despite enduring significant pain during parts of the procedure, Cerrone maintained his sense of humor throughout, even refusing anesthesia with the quip: “I’m not waking up with no kidneys, hoss boss.”
Cerrone was specific about his desired look, telling the clinic: “I’m not Puerto Rican. I need the white guy, regular haircut.” He later credited Francis Ngannou for inspiring him to address his thinning hairline and encouraged others to consider similar procedures.
Meanwhile, in the boxing world, WBA Continental Welterweight Champion Conor Benn has taken a different approach to facial enhancement. The son of boxing legend Nigel Benn recently visited the British Hair Clinic in Shenfield for a FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) beard transplant.
“It’s something that has been on my mind for a long time. I’ve never really had much of a beard and it bugs me,” Benn explained. Unlike many men who seek beard transplants to fill in patches, Benn was only able to grow a goatee and needed significantly more hair follicles to achieve a fuller look.
Dr. Zabeeh, Benn’s surgeon, explained the procedure: “In a beard transplant, hair is taken from the back of the head. Incisions are made meticulously in the beard area at precise angles and depths to mimic natural beard hair growth.”
Benn chose the British Hair Clinic based on recommendations from former boxing champions James DeGale and Pauli Malignaggi, who had positive experiences at the same facility.
The procedure was performed in a single day under local anesthetic, with Benn actively participating in the design of his new beard. “I’m glad I’ve been able to choose the design of my beard with the Surgeon,” Benn said.
Dr. Zabeeh noted that while most patients have a two-week recovery period, additional care was needed for Benn as a professional boxer. “We advised him to avoid direct contact to his face through boxing or sparring for a longer period of time,” the doctor explained, adding that they were able to plan the procedure during Benn’s time away from the ring.
Benn prepares to face Chris Eubank Jr. at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in what promises to be one of boxing’s biggest events of the year, fans will not only be watching his performance but also his newly enhanced facial hair.
Still, in a sport where appearance and intimidation factor can play a psychological role, every detail counts.
Whether it’s UFC stars addressing thinning hairlines or boxers enhancing their facial hair, these combat sports stars are showing that there’s no shame in seeking cosmetic procedures to boost confidence and complete their intimidating in-ring personas.
