The Future of Brain Health in MMA

As fighters, we understand the risks that come with competing at the highest level. That is why the medical emergency involving Raoni Barcelos at UFC Vegas was a powerful reminder that brain health must remain a priority in combat sports.

Barcelos collapsed during his fight, was immediately attended to by medical personnel, placed on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to a Level 1 trauma center. The UFC later reported that he was stable, alert and responsive following a CT scan.

Situations like this make me believe we need to continue investing in better technology, research and post-concussion protocols.

This is one reason I am passionate about the work being done by Neuro42. Their FDA-cleared portable MRI platform is designed to bring advanced neuroimaging closer to the patient, including point-of-care environments, while their technology incorporates AI and robotics for neurological care.

I believe technology like this could become an important part of the future of combat-sports medicine. Imagine being able to bring advanced imaging closer to an athlete instead of always having to move a potentially unstable patient to a traditional MRI facility.

That doesn’t replace doctors, emergency medicine or established concussion protocols. It gives medical professionals another potential tool to help evaluate serious neurological situations quickly and make informed decisions.

After more than two decades competing professionally, I have seen how much MMA has evolved. The next evolution has to include protecting the athletes who make this sport possible.

I want to see more research into brain health, better long-term monitoring and stronger post-concussion protocols across combat sports.

Our careers are important. Our health after our careers is even more important.