“I’m not sh*ting on the NFL” – UFC exec Hunter Campbell compares Damar Hamlin’s recent tragedy with fighters’ CTE problem
Hunter Campbell is the rumored man to replace Dana White as the President of the UFC when White retires from the company.
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UFC executive Hunter Cambell states CTE remains a devastating issue in combat sports (CBS Sports/MMA Mania)
Combat sports, in general, will have long-term health complications for the fighters. Only a very few could stay away from damages accumulated through their days of fighting. Canadian lawyer and author Erik Magraken talked with UFC executive Hunter Campbell on the topic of health and safety regarding CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy) in the UFC and combat sports. Campbell has a lot of decision-making tasks in the UFC. Hunter Campbell used the NFL’s Damar Hamlin example to illustrate his point.
Campbell said, “No question. No question. And I say this all the time. When you think about, and I hope all of us sort of have the same opinion on this, unlike I think with what you saw with the NFL – and again, I’m not sh*tting on the NFL, and I don’t know the ins and outs of those issues – but like most things in life, the optics on the surface are distinct from the reality behind the scenes. It’s always more complicated than it seems. But the assumption of risk issue in our sport is very apparent.” (H/T MMA Junkie)
Campbell also stated that he and Dana White would not allow fighters to continue fighting for monetary benefits for the company and the fighter. He also stated that the health check and regulatory bodies need to function properly to prevent real injuries.
The risk in combat sports remains a vital detail that needs to be figured out. The damage to the brain and potential CTE have always piqued the interest of MMA fans and journalists. Fighters like Chuck Liddell, B.J. Penn, and others have had issues outside the ring after their retirement. Hence, there is a requirement to figure out how to prevent such scenarios despite the danger involved.
Related: MMA vs Boxing: Joe Rogan picks the safer combat sports
Hunter Campbell discussed the issue of weight cutting after the CTE discussion
UFC executive Hunter Campbell had a rare media meeting with various people to discuss topics related to combat sports. He addressed the issue of CTE and the recurring issue of weight cutting during the Q&A.
He said, “I hate weight cutting – absolutely hate it. I wish there was a world which existed where weight-cutting wasn’t part of the sport, but you’re never going to do it. It’s until some level of technology, I think, advances where you can really fix it in a way that makes sense. Everybody is always going to look for some advantage.” (H/T MMA Junkie)
Campbell emphasized that the UFC Performance Institute has prioritized helping fighters to master their weight cut. He stressed the importance of having fluids on the brain to avoid brutal knockouts after a massive weight cut.
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