Former UFC light heavyweight champion Frank Shamrock is going above and beyond to support CTE research.
Shamrock has announced that he will be donating his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation to support research into Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. The announcement was made via social media on Thursday. CLF is a non-profit organization that is committed to advancing studies on brain trauma in athletes and other groups at risk.
Shamrock is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of MMA, having secured the inaugural light heavyweight title at UFC Japan in 1997. Throughout his career, he competed against some of the biggest names in the sport including Tito Ortiz, Jeremy Horn, and Kevin Jackson.
MMA Legend Frank Shamrock donates Brain to researchers for CTE study
Additionally, he holds the record for the fastest submission in UFC light heavyweight history. He had defeated his opponent in just 16 seconds. Shamrock also headlined the first-ever UFC card in Brazil.
CTE is a severe brain condition associated with head trauma and repeated strikes to the head. It can lead to conditions such as dementia. As of today, there is no known cure or treatment for CTE.
Shamrock lost to Nick Diaz in his last professional mixed martial arts match in April 2009. He then competed in an exhibition grappling match with Pride icon Kazushi Sakuraba in 2017.
Tim Hague is a former UFC heavyweight who was diagnosed with CTE two days after his death. It is a condition that can only be diagnosed post-mortem.
Tito Ortiz vs. Frank Shamrock
UFC 22: Only One Can be Champion
📅09.24.1999
📍Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA pic.twitter.com/uHtsaFrmh6— Neo Vale Tudo (@NeoValeTudo) January 1, 2022
Shamrock’s decision to donate his brain to the CLF is an essential step in the right direction towards a better understanding of brain conditions. His impact on CTE studies is expected to be felt for years to come, providing valuable insights into how the condition can be prevented, diagnosed, and treated.
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