MMA icon Jorge Masvidal has joined a growing roster of combat sports athletes who have traveled to Turkey for hair restoration work. The Miami native made his to the same Istanbul-based clinic that has become something of an unofficial stop for UFC talent over the past several years.
In a video, Masvidal reflected on his situation. He said, “Time hasn’t been on my side. My hairline has receded back. Before it got any worse, I came to make sure I would stop all of that and get myself up to optimal aesthetics.”
He spoke warmly about the network of people who guided him through every phase of the process. “I’ve had numerous people that I can rely on to ask questions from before the procedure, during the procedure, and after the procedure to make sure that my hair is top notch, nothing gets messed up,” he explained.
Now Hair Time has built a strong reputation within UFC circles, having previously worked with heavyweight Francis Ngannou, fan favorite Donald Cerrone, and head coach Erick Nicksick.
Bantamweights Merab Dvalishvili and Joe Pyfer have also gone through the same clinic, while Paulo Costa, Paul Craig, Damon Jackson, and Tony Ferguson have pursued restoration work through various providers across Turkey.
The trend extends well beyond combat sports. WWE icon John Cena recently opened up about his own experience.
“You take the lawn over here and you put it on the dry spot,” he said, explaining how follicles are relocated from denser areas to thinning regions of the scalp.
Cena also addressed the public scrutiny that pushed him toward the decision. “You guys ripped me to shreds for a genetic problem that I can’t control,” he said, calling the experience “straight-up bullying.” He was equally candid about the patience the process demands. “It just takes a while for it to come in.”
The financial machinery behind Turkey’s hair transplant industry has also become increasingly visible. IMPAULSIVE co-host Mike Majlak recently revealed on the podcast that he had earned €400,000 in a single week through a referral arrangement with a Turkish clinic.
The deal came together after Majlak had his own procedure done and his manager suggested folding a referral fee into the partnership. “They gave me €200 per signup. I had 2,000 signups in the first week,” Majlak said. “400 rackaroos.”
