Why CTE Is Killing MMA

[@jorgeherrera1074]

“I know the risks I’m taking” Every young person ever in society that doesn’t understand the risks they are taking

[@KasumiRINA]

When I was a kid I was shown Mohammad Ali as example of what happens with people who get hit on their head for a living... It's not surprising Klitschkos are speaking the way they do.

[@sammy4538]

True that... what comes to brain damage, those who haven't experienced such or seen up close what it really means, really don't know what they're talking about. It's not like a broken bone, it'll be there there 24/7 and doesn't heal, can only try to adjust and learn to live with it. All it takes is one unlucky hit, and the rest of life can be totally changed, brain damage is permanent and depending on severity it can ruin whole life.

[@elijahwallace5300]

Adults are adults, no matter where your bar for "young" is. The athletes knew the risks and chose to pursue their sport and passion. If there isn't a pushback against the supposedly well-meaning control freaks of the world, all celebrations of human beauty and power will be replaced with submission and safety. If we continue to let concerned onlookers dictate our actions, claiming we could not possibly understand the risk, we will all grow old, as cowardly and unaccomplished as them.

[@SunShine-xc6dh]

'You shouldn't do that' -moral busy bodies so afraid of living thier lives the only joy they get is try to prevent others doing so to feel they haven't missed out

[@jorgeherrera1074]

@@SunShine-xc6dh living a calm life is more fulfilling than going crazy. It's just a longer term game. Rather than living with regrets 20 years later you feel fulfilled and happy and no longer "chasing that high".

[@ram_bam]

I have a feeling that Tony Ferguson is going to be one of the worst cases of CTE coming out of this generation of fighters. He was already struggling and doing questionable / aggressive stuff before his last two brutal fights. He takes incredible amounts of damage, and the UFC continues to feed him to killers. I hope I’m wrong, but Tony worries me the most amongst active fighters.

[@ram_bam]

@@harorider96 Agree 💯. That fight was really hard for me to watch as a Ferguson fan.

[@Hempujonsito]

Tony was kind of kooky before his fight with Gaethje, after that beating he´s going to make BJ Penn and Matt Hughes look sane for real

[@haygrayk]

just seeing this video and the last ferguson fight its so concerning, Tony will probably be one of the worst examples of CTE soon.

[@Pbcvl]

damn americans bro football is soccer that sport you play is american football

[@br-jj6re]

Tony Ferguson will have commited sewerslide within the next decade guaranteed

[@HysjMysj]

I used to play hockey, and got two severe concussions. After the last one i started losing my balance a lot easier, and had to stop playing after a while, suddenly i started getting vertigo a year and a half later. Two years later i was diagnosed with meniers disease after numerous doctors telling me it was migraines.. Now I'm almost deaf in one ear, dizzy af on a daily basis, blurry vision even with glasses, and at least once a month I get migraines and vertigo that can last for anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days at the most, i trip over my own legs while standing still, irritable as hell and annoyed over the smallest stuff and self loathing for being this way, and my short term memory is so bad it's sometimes embarrassing, not to mention a bit scary. Things people said yesterday are brand new when mentioned today, and even then I can't say with 100% honesty that I remember it now that they mention it.. I'm 35, and it's now 6 years since my last concussion. The thought of how it will be when I'm 40 and my daughter is 6 scares the hell out of me. I just hope this is as bad as it gets.. Thanks for the therapy session, please send an invoice and I'll make sure my assistant pays it by 4 pm on Monday

[@HysjMysj]

@THE HEAT GOT BEAT BROTHA those were the only diagnosed ones. I was in a couple of fights before and after that, and they probably didn't do it any better. But yeah, still scary af. Starting therapy soon to try finding a way to handle the impatience and other "bad habits", so hope that will do some good at least

[@NathanOrlick]

Definitely makes me feel grateful to have no long-term effects from the hell I put myself through when I was in my late teens. I had two concussions from professional wrestling which led me to quit. Not because I felt any after-effects, but because I really value my intellectual capacity and was horrified by the idea of losing it. I was training kickboxing at the same time but thankfully I was able to avoid any head trauma there. Even my body feels absolutely fine which I didn't expect, considering the ridiculous amount of damage I incurred in the half a decade or so I spent doing those activities. I presume it's because I suffer from an auto-immune disease that significantly accelerates wound healing. Though that's at the expense of an increased probability of dying before the age of 60. I suppose nothing is free in this life.

[@HysjMysj]

@@NathanOrlick yeah, Joe Rogan was called a pussy for giving the same reason for not fighting anymore.. I honestly feel like this is the ultimate reason to stop. You have the entirety of the rest of your life ahead of you, why give yourself alzheimers before life gets the chance to? I honestly feel like "going out on your shield" like a vegetable is a completely retarded goal to have

[@mrillis9259]

Have you tried microdosing ?

[@oc.420]

best of luck in your recovery man, praying for you

[@SludgeMan90]

I witnessed my beloved grandfather descend into horrible dementia in his final years, and it was genuinely heartbreaking. That being said, the entire family rose up to the challenge - we decided early on that we would never put him in a facility and that he would live with those he loved till the end. We cared for him like a saint, and he felt loved and cherished and was happy and grateful until he died.

[@julieplummer6611]

Respect! 😊

[@HkFinn83]

Wait did you fight him in an mma match? Why did he get cte

[@recluse.4331]

Rip to all of the forgotten boxers that put their lives on the line to give the people in the crowd a show of their lives. Its heartbreaking knowing that most of their great grandchildren don't even know who they were and how revered they were in their time. I hope that theyre doing what they love in the next life.

[@ghettomist1575]

Beautiful sentiment my friend.

[@LightningDoesStrikeThrice]

Reckless hobbies will do that to you

[@charlesbeal8066]

Not just putting on a show for their fans, but more importantly putting food on the table for their families.

[@KidsWithGuns1992]

@@LightningDoesStrikeThriceI would hazard a guess that a lot of people in professional fighting are doing it as they come from poor backgrounds and it’s the only way they have a chance at earning a real living. Hell, especially back in the early 1900’s I’m sure.

[@just.8797]

​@@KidsWithGuns1992that's a troll

[@kaizen5023]

Mark Hunt is exactly right, he fought and often won against a bunch of juiced up cheaters, and I think the UFC never appreciated him as much as they should have. He's a true legend.

[@lukecockburn1140]

I get steroids make you better, but come on they are fighter’s in a fight regardless of steroid’s or not. The competitiveness comes down to individual performance but against each other so really matchmaking. Unless someone gets on or off roids specifically before a fight(so there significantly better or worse than before) who cares about steroid’s compared to hitting each other in the head causing this. I wonder if there is a literature on the ethics of combat sport’s because it is a interesting subject.(I struggle as a fan it’s heartbreaking really) Even relatively untouched, intelligent lucid fighter’s might have been diminished.

[@Jkrash55555]

​@@lukecockburn1140I mean the problem is steroids will allow the fighter using them to not only train and build muscle more efficiently, but also to heal and recover from fights more efficiently. A dude going in clean and taking 15 absolute bombs to the head from a roided up fighter is not only at a short term disadvantage in the fight, but also a long term disadvantage in the way of healing and recovering from those injuries, when he wouldn't be using steroids to assist with that.

[@Turk37man]

@@lukecockburn1140not so much there’s reasons they’re banned in professional sports and not your community league. the dedication and hard work of a professional excels them above most average people so they’re already at the peak human form and then from there add steroids, now you have someone who’s literally superhuman at something.

[@thomasbeaumont3668]

@@lukecockburn1140 this guy: Steroids should be in sports cos they make it more entertaining. Under a video about the dangers of sports for athletes. The irony.

[@baccycones7644]

I think steroid cheating in kombat sports should be considered attempted Murder or at least assault. Deff should be prison time and taking way more seriously. Steroid cheating is disgusting in my eyes

[@Jack-goff]

I started training Muay Thai about 7 months ago and they’re lightly trying to push me into fighting and they kept asking me why I keep saying no and I finally said to my coach who’s been training for 14 years and is an active fighter “you aren’t worried about all the head trauma that comes with fighting?” He looked at me like I was crazy and said “no, you don’t need to worry about that if you have a good defense” I know better. I’m not looking to be a fighter, just to learn some self defense. Even coming in for sparring I’d go home with a headache from head blows and knew fighting wasn’t for me. I’m not willing to sacrifice the health of my brain for the temporary adrenaline rush of fighting. A lot of people need to get out of their own way, ignorance isn’t an excuse. To each their own

[@abdullahibrahimhassan7301]

Oml i can see this happening to me in a few months, coaches are saying that i gotta fight in January. There is nothing that can make me trade longevity. On that note, cut out sugars completely and stop using teflon, aluminium pans. Replace plastic with glass and metals. Try to buy farm grown veggies and fruits. People are knowingly selling us stuff that will kill us and the government is not interested in its regulation.

[@zachariahtaylor7811]

Weak sauce

[@mickyzzzeee]

One fight and taking a few isn’t going to cause brain damage. With your mindset though I probably wouldn’t compete. I would also like to see your gym get rid of you given that you are prepared to run your trainer under a bus online.

[@roejogan4540]

Understandable, i believe training can be for everybody, but fighting REALLY isnt for everybody. It definitely not for me. So many people get into this sport, sacrifice a lot and dont really go that far.

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

​@@mickyzzzeee one exposure to head trauma can and does cause permanent damage. 60 percent of prisoners have damage to the frontal lobe. people fall over hit their heads and die. One fight and taking a few isn’t likely to cause brain damage, but the risk is proven.

[@ddespair]

There was a time I used to defend mma as a safe sport because I thought I understood it. I’ve stopped doing that because I’m no longer convinced a combat sport that is a business first can ever be safe. I used to say “oh you can win by submission, the ref can stop it, the doctor can stop it, they have to pass drug tests.” but there are too many contradictions in the rules. People can get punched and kicked in the back of the head so long as it’s a looping punch or kick. You can literally get slammed, back of the head first, onto the mat and that’s legal. If you accidentally get punched or elbowed in the back of the head and it’s on accident, the fight goes on, but you still took that blow to the head. And because reffing is still not taught universally on the proper steps to stopping a fight, you can take multiple shots to the head even after you’re unconscious and not moving on the ground. Even if everything else goes fine, you can still end up with your skull getting bounced off the canvas. Add that up over a 10-15 year career and you’ve got CTE, my friend.

[@veyronv]

Thats so true

[@mathias5578]

But what if people do it for self-defense? I used to do muay thai and never competed, during trainining sessions, wed mostly spar lightly. now I only do with friends. Got a concussion, since my friend used bad 10 oz gloves, didnt know they were that dangerous, think I had a nice run, but gonna stop just in case. Spar lightly (:

[@ryder8646]

mate how the hell is a sport where you can be kicked in the head "safe"? the reasons you listed are completely unnecessary to realizing that the sport is obviously not safe, no deep understanding required

[@Jhl9191]

There’s more to life than just being safe. Plenty of people don’t care about their personal safety. Who are you to tell others what risks are worth it for them?

[@falloszaurus695]

​@@Jhl9191You are completely right. Some people just dont care about the long term, and the people who do just dont understand the first group.

[@dang.8743]

Fighting is the cruelest mistress one can ever have. The ring is like a drug, time stops, everything starts to happen in slow motion. Tunnel vision sets in and the world around you ceases to exist. This is a high like no other and nothing has ever made me feel more alive.

[@airdrumchick]

Poetic. And true.

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

That is the trap. No one would do drugs either it it would feel bad

[@sea2959]

sorry for you then

[@Im-Eva]

a high amount of brain damage

[@awkwardautistic]

IV drugs are pretty bad.

[@tatsuya4887]

This is why gsp said "get out when your still young and at the top, don't wait till it's too late." I'm surprised you didn't add the GSP situation, his memory gaps and him adding it up to aliens

[@CarlosGarcia-nt4wf]

Fr

[@hailarwotanaz5848]

Yeah but that was before fighting at all, and I also have seen some shit weirder than that 😂

[@tatsuya4887]

@@hailarwotanaz5848 oh well the clip I seen of him on Joe rogan in the earlier days which was when he was still fighting Joe also thought he had cte

[@hailarwotanaz5848]

@@tatsuya4887 That’s believable that he has it after or during fighting. Still doesn’t discredit the aliens thing tho

[@tatsuya4887]

@@hailarwotanaz5848 yeah I just figured maybe he wasn't actually that weird and CTE had a roll in it but I could be wrong lol

[@letmeknowhowthatgoes]

I was studying neuropscych in 2010 and my professor told me, "If you like MMA, that's great... there is going to be a lot of opportunity for neuropsychologists and neurosurgeons to in that space in the future."

[@metalkicker23]

any take aways other than try not to get hit in the head?

[@AP-op4rc]

Joke’s on him. That kind of repeated damage as it accumulates over years is beyond repair. There just isn’t anything medicine can do about it. I would be shocked if that changed anytime soon. Protect your brain, that’s who you are and unlike your eyes and your balls, you get one. One and done.

[@AndreLobov]

​​@@metalkicker23 train light, do technical sparring. Spend more time on grappling than striking (especially jiu-jitsu, as judo is worse CTE-wise). The way muay thai gyms usually train is good--lots of drilling, technical sparring, minimal hard sparring. The way boxing gyms train is terrible (too much hard sparring). And don't be a pro fighter, stay in school and get a job that pays better than fighting without the damage.

[@whatnani7372]

I don't even do mma. I'm just autistic, retarded, and mentally challenged, with ptsd, depression, anxiety, and delusional disorder - among some other things that I probably dorgot to mention. Maybe ocd. Used to have tourette's too, but my mental impairedness probably washed away that overactivity.

[@ShawnLallJD]

And neurotherapists

[@lightningonlycommentsonce5824]

Chasing a dream you may or may not remember by the time you're 50 is crazy.

[@carolitoffana]

I think we, as humans, tend to think that "this wont happen to me" or that they will know when to stop...it's sad, I watched the Aaron Hernandez doc and when I saw his brain cut in half...I was shocked, there are coma patients with more brain mass than he had at 27, thats insane to me.

[@thedualtransition6070]

Try 40, at fifty someone else may have to wipe your arse

[@Atomic_Pinneaple]

​@AesopsFables007 not necessarily greend and not necessarily sick.

[@TheMastadon1]

It doesn't matter if they themselves remember. What matters is that they will be remembered by future generations of people unlike any normal person like you or me. We will be forgotten soon after we pass. But these people have their place in history.

[@Quoxozist]

@AesopsFables007 That would be capitalism. Humans have been fighting each other for sport to see who is the best at hand-to-hand combat since the dawn of civilization, without any money involved.

[@ghiblinerd6196]

As a physical therapist working in a nursing home, I feel that potential career fighters should do mandatory volunteer work at a nursing home to be see what dementia really looks like. Taking off your own soiled diaper and putting it in your dresser drawer, shitting yourself while someone else is showering you, having someone feed you purée meatloaf while your trying to grip a child’s sippy cup, eating latex gloves, forgetting that you have children even when they’re standing in front of you, or using a toothbrush to brush your hair is IMO a fate worse than death.

[@Ricardo-cp2lu]

Excellent. Your comment should be pinned.

[@pianospeedrun]

damn

[@ghiblinerd6196]

@Christian Mac dementia’s dementia. Doesn’t matter what path got you there. If someone wants to face the risk, that’s their choice and they’re entitled to make it. But how many young fighters who have never once thought about the consequences do you think would change their career path if they saw how difficult it is to make money being a fighter, and what the end result may be? I imagine very few.

[@ghiblinerd6196]

@Oodles of Noodles there has been a 48% decline over the past 12 years of kids over the age of six playing American football. A big part of the reason is because their parents are more aware of the dangers of concussions. That being said I doubt many kids who play high school football ever plan on going pro. And I’m sure plenty of kids in martial arts classes never plan on making it to bellator. But the athletes who have made the decision to dedicate their life to a sport that will destroy their brain should really take a step back and decide if it’s really worth it, especially in mma where only a tiny fraction make decent money doing it at a pro level. If they decide it’s worth it, then that’s their decision. I would just hope that they are informed as to what dementia really is before making that leap and ending up like Liddell, wanderlei, babalu, Gary goodridge, spencer fisher, or Sakuraba

[@nousername7509]

@Oodles of Noodles why are you even comparing the two the fact that this sports can fu*k you up to the extent that you can’t remember or talk properly is enough to get it banned but the problem is if it makes money we will turn a blind eye to it

[@NapoleonBlownapartMMA]

Well, this was a real downer before tomorrow nights PPV 😆but in all seriousness, amazing, amazing work, and thank you for letting me be a part of it. Phenomenal work mate

[@Pariah108]

You are not wrong 😑

[@William-Morey-Baker]

love your content... keep up the good work

[@UnusualElan]

thanks for your recent post, i'm here watching this very interesting documentary because of it

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

It was a pleasure working with you as well man! An honour to have you on the channel!

[@Ohnoitsthatguy-620]

I love your vids. I wouldntmind seeing another Fakes, frauds and phonies vid. Blaha might be low hanging fruit but he's there for the picking.

[@ianadams7135]

That dementia part hit me hard. My grandfather had dementia and the way that movie portrays the way people with dementia act and behave is incredibly accurate. Brought me to tears. What a horrible way to go

[@dangrimes5078]

My father the same. I remember when I went to the day care to pick my dad up. Seeing the man who raised you playing with little kids toys and looking confused. It will bring you to tears.

[@dangrimes5078]

@@jakecollins4545 You're no pussy. Imagine Tony Ferguson in 10 years.

[@jcamp788]

@@dangrimes5078 Damn, that was rough to read.

[@Skoopyghost]

I am a futsaler for fun. I am turning 29 soon and I already have few injuries that annoy me time to time. I have gotten a hard hit in the nuts and face. With sports you have accept injuries. In professional sports. You become a old man at 40. Even too much weight lifting ages you if you do correctly.

[@DaveT383]

OP, I felt the same. The loss and the grief.

[@JonnyJetson754]

Very thoughtful and heartfelt that you mentioned the amateurs who didn't make the spotlight along with the well known fighters. Thanks

[@FarzamF90]

I train Muay Thai, and a couple years ago I got dropped in sparring with a spinning headkick that wasn't very hard, it just rocked me. Then I ran across a meme on CTE and decided to research it a bit. Ever since then I have quit sparring and only train it for the beauty of it, although I may not be as brave and strong as those warriors who go out there and fight, I'm content with my position and seeing this video gives me nothing but respect for these men and women who do this as a living

[@dhuss14]

ATTENTION! LINK TO CTE HEALING PROTOCOLS at the end! READ: CTE 🧠🧠🧠 is waaaay more common than one thinks, most people i know have cte, because over our lives we have many concussions ITS A PART OF LIFE. I've messaged many individuals over the years about these protocols. CTE IS CURABLE, LARGELY SPEAKING. I'm typing this for individuals such as yourself to know that i have studied cte since i was 15 years old or so and to benefit from my knowledge. Through protocols that induce neurogenesis, and increasing blood flow to the brain. Diet : EAT GINKO BILOBA TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN AND PROMOTE HEALING and also train: increase testosterone and male hormones in order to heal your brain. Eat lots of fat and omega 3 specifically. Eat fish, nuts, meat, EGGS A LOT OF EGGS AND BUTTER. Fat is the 'building block' of the brain 🧠. EAT TUMERIC AND OTHER ANTI INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES LIKE BLACK SEED OIL, TUMERIC, GINGER AND PEPPER. COMBINE PEPPER AND TUMERIC Every DAY IN HOT MILK TO CURE THE BRAIN AND FLUSH TOXINS FROM IT. BOOST NGF (NERVE GROWTH FACTOR) AND BDNF + AUTOPHAGY Through FASTINGFasting will increase autophagy. Autophagy, in particular, is very important to cellular health including brain cell health. Every cell in the body contains working parts called organelles and proteins and other various components. Think of each cell as a machine with several parts that all have jobs to do to keep us functioning at our best. Over time, just like any hard working machine, these parts start to function less. In a machine such as an automobile, when a part stops working like it should, we repair it or replace it. Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” In other words, our body has cells called macrophages that can eat a non-functioning cell, separate it into its parts and then re-use those parts to build up new cells and new parts. It’s the body’s way of “cleaning up” what’s old and damaged and replacing it with something newer and better. Autophagy is great because it also results in a “clean up” of things that can be damaging and inflammatory such as damaged DNA and, in the brain, the plaques and tangles that damage brain cells in AD and CTE and lead to neurodegeneration. Also avoid endocrine disruptors in shampoos, soaps, creams and gain NATURAL ALTERNATIVES, (IN REALITY, ITS HOW WE WERE DESIGNED BY GOD TO FUNCTION) like olive, avacado, castor, black seed, sesame, coconut oils. Read these protocols for healing cte and other TBI injuries: www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/a-powerful-protocol-proven-to-help-reverse-brain-damage .

[@WolframtheBlessed3499]

This is exactly how I feel about boxing. I train for health, and the beauty of boxing but stopped sparring after a hard sparring match and a headache that wouldn't go away until after a week. I am content to just practice for fun and know i will never be Good at it. I am truly happy with my decision.

[@havenlewis5913]

Hard sparring every now and then for the pros. Very controlled light sparring with highly skilled partners for people wanting to learn the art.

[@WolframtheBlessed3499]

@@havenlewis5913 i know brother but they are very hard to find though. So I will only spar maybe one three round session every 2 to 3 months and only with hand-picked partners. There are only two that I train with now they're both my weight and my height. Aside from them I won't train with anybody else and they know and respect my request to not be hit hard in the head, as well I won't hit them hard.

[@WolframtheBlessed3499]

@@havenlewis5913 just as an aside to my post I wanted to recommend a book that I read called damaged by Tris Dixon. The information in this book was what caused me to make a 180° turn in my training philosophy.

[@wakazuzu]

I really worry about the Diaz brothers and especially Nick. He gave so much to the sport and he's struggling.

[@thekevinfoster]

Yep, then the UFC matched Nate up with Khamzat. What a scummy organization full of horrible people with no respect for those who make them money.

[@yeshuasage3724]

Atleast nick and his brother are rich and loaded and can find therapy and treatment What about the millions of tough mfkers who never made it like diaz but trained just as hard? I find it strange that you would be worried about nick of all!

[@TheTruth__7]

@@yeshuasage3724 idk about Nick I heard he was in need of money last I heard

[@yeshuasage3724]

@@TheTruth__7 his blood nate is 1 of the highest paid in the ufc, made around 6 million$ over the past 6 years, that’s about 1 million/year How tha fuck is his bro in need of money? Maybe he needs money for coke and extravagant hookers or his gambling, but nick is well off by the highest standards

[@deleqtronica8733]

@@yeshuasage3724 what a dumbass thing to say. So you can’t care about someone because someone else might have it worse?

[@accubond3004]

I played football for 12 years and was told I more than likely have CTE. It took a doctor looking me in the eye and telling me "do you want your mother wiping your ass at 20 and be a vegatable!?," and I had to quit doing the thing that gave me purpose. This sport that I loved so much, and thought I was only sacrificing some time that I would have probably spent partying anyway, had actually taken my whole life from me. I couldnt focus or walk into bright rooms I forgot basic math equations, got to the point where I had people telling me that I wasnt myself anymore. My girlfriend and I split in part due to these things and I still forget what im saying and doing all the time. Its been almost ten years and while some things have gotten a little better others have got worse and I have to supplement with chemicals so my brain works correctly. Stepping onto that field or into that cage (or any impact sport) you are risking leaving part of yourself out there...

[@Picodaguyoh]

Jesus bro. 10 year vet here and luckily I wasn't as much of a mad lad as you I can only.imagime how many times you laid the wood and saved the game. Hats off to you and it wasn't a waste. You're a good man with discipline built into the fabric of your character. Go on and do great things in life brother. Never stop fighting

[@accubond3004]

@@Picodaguyoh I cant tell you what it means to hear that man... Im sure you had your fair share of those moments too putting it on the line to do what you needed to do. Mad respect and I cant explain how well timed your response was its been rough but thats right! WE keep fighting and you keep it up spreading positivity

[@kirkprospector4958]

You guys are wholesome as hell. Huge respect to you guys leaving yourself on the field. Hope you both are able to be healthy and happy.

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

If your mother ends up wiping your ass, then consider yourself LUCKY. I've worked in skilled nursing facilities, and I'll tell you what will REALLY happen if you get Alzheimers or dementia when you get older. You'll be 60 years old, and in an overcrowded, understaffed, skilled nursing facility. Because you will soil your pants, they will put a diaper on you. They will wheel you out into the "rec room", and you, and the rest of the patients in a semi circle staring at a TV set that is set on the same station, EVERY SINGLE DAY - usually game shows, soap operas, or a news station. You will sit there all day long. They will feed you there, and you will just sit there for hours upon hours each and everyday. You will shit in your diaper, and you could sit there with your dirty diaper for hours because they are short staffed. Then, after, dinner, they'll take you back to your room, maybe give you a shower, change your diaper, then put you to bed for the evening. Next day - repeat the process. No one likes to talk about these things, but this is reality. I've seen it first hand. The only way you will avoid this, is if you have a ton of money, and you can afford to pay for a private nurse and/or you can get yourself into a private, senior living community.

[@accubond3004]

@@kirkprospector4958 Thanks man we gotta look out for eachother more

[@sw00sh9]

As someone who kickboxed for 10 years since I was 16. I have been kicked and hit in the head throughout my life against tough opponents. I remember once after some hard sparring I felt completely normal but then as days went on I started dealing with psychosis and paranoia. I would see shadows and feel like someone was following me to the point that my little hairs would stand up. I genuinely would feel fear over the thought of someone behind me or following me into my home. I later researched it and realized it’s a side effect from being hit on the head. The brain overstimulates. Nervous system becomes hyper responsive to your negative thoughts. Fighting is dangerous. I love it and the adrenaline makes you feel alive. The empowerment and feeling like nothing can hurt you. However, eventually your body is paying a toll.

[@theasianjaywalker4455]

Can I share a quick personal story around this topic? When I was in my teens and 20s I was determined to become a championship level boxer. At my best I was a bit of the club's 'next potential up-n-coming thing' so i was on a real track to something. One of the real up-and-coming prospects was a great big heavyweight kid and we got along pretty good. He wasn't the smartest kid in the world but a good guy and definitely on the way up with lots of 'buzz' about how far he would go. I dropped out of boxing. I just couldn't work a laborious job AND try and put in the effort needed. I think the gym was disappointed in me. Years later, there is this thing with men who were once 'potential' in sports or were achieving higher levels but sidelined to whatever injuries or life changes: We get it in our heads. I know I COULD have been.. I was SO CLOSE... for sure IF ONLY I had stuck in another year I'd be... and then men get into a terrible rut of regrets. Every disappointment in life is somehow linked back to the imagined success in the sport. IF ONLY I'd kept boxing I wouldn't be short on my mortgage payment. Even relationships get involved. "She'd probably something differently if I was a little famous for boxing..." and all this. I write all that because I think someone reading this KNOWS this and can identify with this but I'm also hear to tell you I was utterly and completely CURED of any regrets, any further self-pity, any further living-in-the-past, all cured, gone forever and here's how: 20 years later, it's a small world after all because I just so happen to run into that Heavyweight Kid. Well, he's no kid, he's 40 and he's working as a diner cook. He doesn't look good. This is like the plot of the movie 'The Wrestler' where he's actually still got the muscles but its rough, he's struggling, he smokes, he drinks, he's divorced, he has been in jail several times and yet he says he's still sort of active in boxing with his last fight being just 2 years earlier. It turns out he spent most of his heavyweight career being 'a potential top guy' and what would happen is he'd get bouts with more advanced rankings climbing guys wanting a quality win and a good test. He'd put up a damn good fight and lose. I remembered back in the day he had a crazy solid chin. In a golden gloves final I remember him just getting nailed with shots over and over and he wouldn't go down. So much that he was wrongly labeled a kind of 'Rocky' (or think of the Simpsons episode) which wasn't correct because he was really a boxer-boxer. Wow that guy was durable though. Which was the death of him. He explained how he had a 50-50 record but almost all his losses were the last half of his run and in his 30s he had the ability to outbox opponents but he just didn't have the speed anymore. He says he never got knocked out (meaning, knocked unconscious aka floored, counted out) but many of his fights were stoppages when the ref just didn't want to see him take beatings round after round. That's a bad thing. That's a very bad thing. He was obviously experiencing 'CTE'. He was slow in speech and wit. He seemed to fumble for cigarettes and a lighter but forget he was going to smoke and seem surprised to find a cigarette and lighter in his hands a few minutes later. He had been fired from a dozen jobs. He would take breaks from boxing memories to tell me about the most trivial 'celebrity news' from 'People' magazine which, strangely, he had rolled up in his back pocket like he takes it with him. I learned later he had beaten up a coworker at a previous job after stabbing him. yes, stabbing him. Do you know how Mike Tyson has that thing where he's very likable, friendly and almost huggable and YET.. you can also see where Mike Tyson could become a dangerous problem IF something flips his switch the wrong way? This guy had that. A 'gentle giant' but that unpredictable factor where you'd really really not want to say the wrong thing to light him up. He was 40 so, realistically, things were not going to get better brain-wise. When he went back to his kitchen I could see he was slow. Not physically 'shaking' but like his body wasn't quite moving right. I realized that the entire time we talked, maybe an hour, even though I brought up things that would imply I was with him, that I knew places, names and events... ... I realized he didn't know who I was. Maybe he just thought I was a random stranger. I thanked God I am (for the most part) coherent. I know what things are. I have the usual brain function I ever had, I can read and comprehend most things, I'm able to do math, converse, figure out buttons (err.. usually). Right? After seeing what "could have" been me "if only" I really did become a solid professional boxer - I NEVER REGRETTED IT AGAIN. Never again. I'm grateful I had a stupid ass job that ended any possibility I would have been good enough to take 1000 punches to the head over decades. * keeping in mind, a lot of the "I could have been a contender!!" is just our own egos and fantasy and idealizing. Even still the point remains: boxing (or any head-hitting sports) are something people need to seriously weight and consider.

[@cbxxxbc]

Thanks for putting in the effort! Hopefully, this gets read by some of those that are contemplating this life choice. I love boxing to watch and practise. But even in practise I reduce sparring to be a bit more on the safer side ...

[@EverlastGX]

You described exactly how I feel. I had a huge potential in boxing, loved the sport, first year of practice and I already win some regional tournament with much experienced boxers. People saw it in me and I knew I could go really really far, like going to the Olympics. But life happens and I could not and did not stick hard enough with. I regretted it a lot but with time I also knew my health would not be the same if I followed that path. I became more and more aware of all these health issues. And I value my brain and my body much more than any gold medals or champion belts. I want to enjoy my life and my family as long and as healthy as I can. I want to play with and teach my children. Unfortunately, when you are young you don't know about it, you feel invincible. But your brain doesn't care how tough you are. It will get damaged no matter what.

[@invisibleman7971]

Your smart Good move

[@mrfake675]

That was a great read. Thanks

[@Steven-rp8zo]

Best post ever! you will save lives with this my friend. you should start a youtube channel or something.

[@Sycourn]

I used to be a CNA who worked in a dementia ward a few years back, we had a famous boxer from the 20's who was probably the most humble guy I've ever met. His daughter would come and visit every month or so for his evaluation/checkup. Having heard so many stories from him and his daughter about his fights and how he kept fighting to put food on the table for them even with severe brain damage is a heartbreaker. Thank you for making this video and bringing up CTE and the severity of Dementia.

[@jedikye]

How old is this guy?

[@Sycourn]

@@jedikye If I remember correctly he was In his early to mid 90's

[@facts2676]

No sabes como se llamaba??

[@missmorena1049]

Willie Pep?

[@thomaskent3136]

I thought u said u was in the cia

[@whitewolf9547]

Man I’m crying right now. This hit hard. I feel like my brain is messed up from playing football, fighting, and drug use. I ruin relationships with my anger and I’m alone with these intrusive thoughts daily.

[@Hatetheworldugh]

Don’t identify with the intrusive thoughts ❤

[@whitewolf9547]

@@Hatetheworldugh thank you sir. I am doing my best. I appreciate your positive words

[@gaddus7549]

Jesus would give you all the clarity you need, expecially from drug use

[@whitewolf9547]

@@gaddus7549 i am just starting to get back into my faith. My family was religious growing up but i never really got into it. We do Tuesday bible study classes and its nice. Also, i dont use drugs anymore. I went through a heavy use period in my early 20’s but i dont even drink now. Only coffee for me

[@chris_allupinya5613]

I can tell you from training although I have been concussed it's nothing compared to what football did to me. I've done my best to work with crossword puzzles and brain meds to help myself.

[@BobandWeave83]

The total package of this documentary is excellent. The risks and realities, the need for honest information and education. And most of all, the freedom and opportunity for the rarest of men to pursue their warrior drive at any cost.

[@copsuicide]

the rarest of men lmfao

[@OscarxArias]

Until I watched this video, I always felt some type of way regarding my dad refusing my requests to put me in boxing as a child despite my straight A’s. He’d simply say “no, I don’t want to risk you ending up like Ali. I won’t support that”. I had to work a shitty job to afford MMA classes back during the first TUF. Trained for a couple of years, but quit before a chance to compete when I set off to college. Now that I’m in my early 30’s, living an average American middle class lifestyle, I often wonder about the “what ifs”. What if my folks supported my interest in combat sports early? Maybe, just maybe I would have a little slice of combat sports history to my name by now. It’s a thought that occasionally crosses my mind, but this video really provided a sense of closure for me. I’ve always been so focused on the highs that these fighters experience, the glory. Never have I bothered to see how the old heads like Goodridge are living, and damn was that an eye opener. I see what my dad was doing now, he was protecting me from this very likely condition regardless if I was successful or not in combat sports. RIP to your grandma, and my respects to any fighter risking it all in that cage/ring. I love this sport!

[@CEOofSleep]

wrestling is better anyway

[@jayboi7565]

I love doing Bjj I need to compete more I’m 28 and 2 months ago I was thinking man I’m about to be 28 and now I’m think shit im closer to 29. I dreamed about being in the UFC as well even competed once in amateur. I still wonder

[@nr1NPC]

@@CEOofSleep Nah its boring af. Life is full of risks, whatever you do. From all negatives comes positives.. with all them CTEs science can possibly develop medicines that could fix brain damage.

[@CEOofSleep]

@@nr1NPC Solid wrestling still dominates in the octagon, you can give them CTE with elbows

[@dhuss14]

ATTENTION! LINK TO CTE HEALING PROTOCOLS at the end! READ: CTE 🧠🧠🧠 is waaaay more common than one thinks, most people i know have cte, because over our lives we have many concussions ITS A PART OF LIFE. I've messaged many individuals over the years about these protocols. CTE IS CURABLE, LARGELY SPEAKING. I'm typing this for individuals such as yourself to know that i have studied cte since i was 15 years old or so and to benefit from my knowledge. Through protocols that induce neurogenesis, and increasing blood flow to the brain. Diet : EAT GINKO BILOBA TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN AND PROMOTE HEALING and also train: increase testosterone and male hormones in order to heal your brain. Eat lots of fat and omega 3 specifically. Eat fish, nuts, meat, EGGS A LOT OF EGGS AND BUTTER. Fat is the 'building block' of the brain 🧠. EAT TUMERIC AND OTHER ANTI INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES LIKE BLACK SEED OIL, TUMERIC, GINGER AND PEPPER. COMBINE PEPPER AND TUMERIC Every DAY IN HOT MILK TO CURE THE BRAIN AND FLUSH TOXINS FROM IT. BOOST NGF (NERVE GROWTH FACTOR) AND BDNF + AUTOPHAGY Through FASTINGFasting will increase autophagy. Autophagy, in particular, is very important to cellular health including brain cell health. Every cell in the body contains working parts called organelles and proteins and other various components. Think of each cell as a machine with several parts that all have jobs to do to keep us functioning at our best. Over time, just like any hard working machine, these parts start to function less. In a machine such as an automobile, when a part stops working like it should, we repair it or replace it. Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” In other words, our body has cells called macrophages that can eat a non-functioning cell, separate it into its parts and then re-use those parts to build up new cells and new parts. It’s the body’s way of “cleaning up” what’s old and damaged and replacing it with something newer and better. Autophagy is great because it also results in a “clean up” of things that can be damaging and inflammatory such as damaged DNA and, in the brain, the plaques and tangles that damage brain cells in AD and CTE and lead to neurodegeneration. Also avoid endocrine disruptors in shampoos, soaps, creams and gain NATURAL ALTERNATIVES, (IN REALITY, ITS HOW WE WERE DESIGNED BY GOD TO FUNCTION) like olive, avacado, castor, black seed, sesame, coconut oils. Read these protocols for healing cte and other TBI injuries: www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/a-powerful-protocol-proven-to-help-reverse-brain-damage .

[@brente89]

As a huge fan of MMA for over a decade now, I have to say that I will forever be haunted by this documentary from now on when I watch my favorite sport. That being said, I didn’t mean this as anything more than a compliment. This is something every single fan of the sport should watch as a price of admission for continuing to watch the beautiful violence that is mixed martial arts. Thank you so much for this video, it’s the best content I’ve seen on KZbin in quite a while.

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Thank you so much for your comment and kind words it means a lot. I hope I was able to do the subject justice!

[@philcliffe6909]

Would you be happy for MMA to be banned then?

[@user-sh1su2rx4j]

@@philcliffe6909 shouldn’t be banned but definitely more care for fighters. Soon as mark hunt put out those words he should’ve been out

[@shamanschlong]

Been a fan a decade but didn’t know the consequences?

[@rimbusjift7575]

I hope you're REALLY young, because if you needed to be told...

[@fractalinfect3454]

I've noticed a trend that after a fighter gets knocked out severely, their performance and career take a hard, permanent dive. Vitor Belfort, Anderson Silva and others exemplify this. It's as if you can witness the performance degradation from the concussive brain damage.

[@mihaibalint4952]

Nah , it’s not that . Correlation is not causation . In most case were steroids or mentality change .

[@authenticinari-fox8164]

Nah this is not it. When a fighter loses skill they open themselves to being knocked out severely. At a certain point of any professionals career their skill will nosedive, see non contact sports. By the time a fighter gets to the point they can be considered washed, theyebe already taken tons of punishment

[@dhuss14]

ATTENTION! LINK TO CTE HEALING PROTOCOLS at the end! READ: CTE 🧠🧠🧠 is waaaay more common than one thinks, most people i know have cte, because over our lives we have many concussions ITS A PART OF LIFE. I've messaged many individuals over the years about these protocols. CTE IS CURABLE, LARGELY SPEAKING. I'm typing this for individuals such as yourself to know that i have studied cte since i was 15 years old or so and to benefit from my knowledge. Through protocols that induce neurogenesis, and increasing blood flow to the brain. Diet : EAT GINKO BILOBA TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN AND PROMOTE HEALING and also train: increase testosterone and male hormones in order to heal your brain. Eat lots of fat and omega 3 specifically. Eat fish, nuts, meat, EGGS A LOT OF EGGS AND BUTTER. Fat is the 'building block' of the brain 🧠. EAT TUMERIC AND OTHER ANTI INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES LIKE BLACK SEED OIL, TUMERIC, GINGER AND PEPPER. COMBINE PEPPER AND TUMERIC Every DAY IN HOT MILK TO CURE THE BRAIN AND FLUSH TOXINS FROM IT. BOOST NGF (NERVE GROWTH FACTOR) AND BDNF + AUTOPHAGY Through FASTINGFasting will increase autophagy. Autophagy, in particular, is very important to cellular health including brain cell health. Every cell in the body contains working parts called organelles and proteins and other various components. Think of each cell as a machine with several parts that all have jobs to do to keep us functioning at our best. Over time, just like any hard working machine, these parts start to function less. In a machine such as an automobile, when a part stops working like it should, we repair it or replace it. Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” In other words, our body has cells called macrophages that can eat a non-functioning cell, separate it into its parts and then re-use those parts to build up new cells and new parts. It’s the body’s way of “cleaning up” what’s old and damaged and replacing it with something newer and better. Autophagy is great because it also results in a “clean up” of things that can be damaging and inflammatory such as damaged DNA and, in the brain, the plaques and tangles that damage brain cells in AD and CTE and lead to neurodegeneration. Also avoid endocrine disruptors in shampoos, soaps, creams and gain NATURAL ALTERNATIVES, (IN REALITY, ITS HOW WE WERE DESIGNED BY GOD TO FUNCTION) like olive, avacado, castor, black seed, sesame, coconut oils. Read these protocols for healing cte and other TBI injuries: www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/a-powerful-protocol-proven-to-help-reverse-brain-damage .

[@kingjoseph5901]

Jorge Masvidal

[@finished6267]

@@mihaibalint4952 dude. It's common. Look at Chuck Liddell. Ffs there are dozens of examples. Foh.

[@davidhunternyc1]

At 29:58 "Dana White gives millions to research CTE each year." Stop gaslighting. Stop defending the monster that is MMA. Dana White gives millions to research CTE each year but he makes hundreds of millions of dollars each year exploiting each and every one of these fighters. The MMA is all about profits and the fighters are no more than laboratory rats to be used and discarded. If Dana White is benevolent, why does he rage against fighters trying to unionize? The guys at the top exploit, conquer, and divide their fighters. These fighters have got to wake up and strike back !!! They're experts with their fists. They need to back it up with their minds. Every life matters.

[@OutrageIsNow]

True. He even bans fighters Unionizing. One of the constant union demands is safer fighting conditions and more research into cte. Dana white is a piece of shit and a monster. He’s the Vince Macmahon of our generation but somehow worse.

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Watched my mother succumb to this horrible disease. It was brutal. Moving her out of her life long home and into a dementia purpose nursing home. I was with her, in her room, at the nursing home for her final 72 hours as her organs progressively shut down until the death rattle breath commenced and eventually she passed away. 2 years was all it took. I feel the pain and guilt today - 10 yrs later.

[@afwr209]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I've seen similar and it's not to be forgotten nor is it anything you can control or heal. You were there for her and that's amazing, be proud for that.

[@cmygamelife]

I hate that my mom had to help me off the toilet this morning. Being the one on the side of the tbi cte makes you wonder when it's time to call it. Will you be able to remember to when its time. What are we going to put our friends and families through. I am sorry you went through this.

[@chorizoramen93]

I have a son named Gabriel. It's my favorite name. I hope if I decline, that he would take care of me, too. You did your best and stayed to the end. There was nothing you could do...

[@151Phace]

What's the guilt for throwing her in a home instead of taking care of yourself? Good Lord please don't let my daughter be like this lady

[@krymera666x7]

It’s not just CTE, it’s shot knees, messed up elbows and a life of arthritis after the crowd is gone. I love the thrill of sparring and combat, just can’t push it too far. There’s nothing like it, you vs them in a winner take all. Even just imposing your ability over an opponent is such a rush. It’s so hard to explain it, but any other fighter will understand how it keeps you coming back for more.

[@texanmartialarts]

I completely understand, I’m in my 40’s and still spar. I shake, have memory loss, and a bad spine with a spinal cord stimulator. But there is a high there that can only be explained by being on the mats.

[@krymera666x7]

@@texanmartialarts 44 and still going at it. No major head injuries, bad knees and hands, but that could have been the 19 yrs in the military.

[@KaiStudioz]

I think kick boxers,muay thai,mma guys shouldnt have arthiritis They wear gloves bareknuckles guys have it. Or does kicking also cause arthiritis ?

[@hia5235]

Brother regular blue collar jobs do the same thing to almost all men that work them for 20+ years. Nobody cares.

[@JGtheefreemind]

Boxer. Boxed age 20 in 2015 to 2020 (took 2018, 21 & 22 off, restarted this year but no sparring/competition yet) even in that short amount of time, in my peak I worked out 5 days a week sparred 1 to 2 times a week. All hits on the mitts, bagwork, road work at 27 I feel aches & pains in my elbows, hands, shoulders, shins & knees but I still do. Something about the fighting, the mental warfare of it, outsmarting your opponent, out boxing them, the solitude of fighting, the solitude of training & the training itself is a high I'll never be able to describe. I just I'm not happy for too long when I'm away from it

[@How23497]

Something I think is related to this is Dominick Cruz, he said multiple times that he can’t afford to get permanent brain damage and that’s pretty much the only thing he fears, and his whole fighting style is based around that, every strike he throws is at some awkward angle that the opponent can’t retaliate against. His head is constantly off center and moving around

[@clarkcrawford5566]

I absolutely agree, Dom is probably my favourite fighter but that awkward style and crazy footwork comes at a risk. He is one of the most injured fighters to step foot in the octagon and I believe that style he uses is a massive factor to his long run of knee injuries

[@js-sv6kw]

Yet a lot of 'fans' will criticise izzy for winning safely. Fuck taking damage when you can win without doing so.

[@How23497]

@@js-sv6kw I find Izzy’s fighting style very interesting, he’s mastered the art of keeping his opponents at range and wearing them down over 5 rounds

[@How23497]

@@clarkcrawford5566 it definitely takes a lot of practice and mastering that’s for sure

[@FUGeorgeYarid]

Dom was my coach back 2004-2007 at undisputed in San Diego. We actually have had this discussion.....after he knocked me out in a training session sparring lol. I'll never forget, he said "welcome to the club"....and it was in that moment I knew there was levels to the game, and to be the level dom and those guys are...you have to be willing to take it all the way, no fear, and I'm not ashamed to say i just wasn't willing to take it to that level. I had other goals and things in life I wanted to do, fighting wasn't my life. But I have nothing for respect for these guys, nor do I think we should judge these men. This is their lives, and they should be able to make a living however they deem fit

[@johnmccance3680]

This might be the single most important video I've ever seen. I love boxing. There is nothing absolutely nothing in this entire world that makes you feel as alive as boxing. I don't want to give it up, but after watching this and seeing how dangerous it is... I can't keep going with it. Thank you. You might have saved my life.

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Make the best decision for yourself brother, but I for one will not be getting punched in the head. You can still train just don’t spar is all I’d personally do.

[@julieplummer6611]

Eminently sensible! Best wishes from the UK!

[@apt1313]

Can you do softer sparring?​@@MixedMartialAcademic

[@bigdeal6852]

My son wanted to get into boxing at an early age of 17 and I was kind of concerned about it and was against it...but I knew once he turned 18 he would do it which is exactly what he did. He was a Golden Gloves boxer. I thought okay well he'll find out how hard it is. My (dad was a Golden Gloves champion also in which he told him how hard it is) Next thing I know his first year he goes Undefeated and wins a Championship. I talked to his coach and he said he's got an amazing long reach and power...but because he's big he can't move as quick as some. Well he boxed 2more years after ...but in the second year (which he was doing good with the sport) after 6 months we had to take him to the hospital because we thought he had the Flu.. well it turned out he was diagnosed with diabetes if we would of got there a day later he would of went into a Coma. So anyhow he stopped that year and just continued doing his Construction job. Then he decides to go back in it the third year...and he wanted to box in the middle weight class (he was super middle before) well he dropped weight to fast as for as I was concerned and only trained about 2 months for the Championship....but he went and fought in the Middle Weight class and did good , and when the day of the Championship came he was fighting a guy also that was undefeated and was trained by a friend of my son who knew everything about my son's style. So when the first round came they both were going back and forth. Then the second round and the opponent came in low and close and hit my son right inside of his head on the temple. And rocked him really good where the Ref had to give him a count . He said he was okay (which he wasn't) but he came in and still gave the guy one good right that backed him up and almost knocked him down. Then the guy did the same thing he did before and rocked my son again and the ref gave him a count and then looked in his eyes and called it off. That was the last time my son boxed ....but what I'm getting to is he talked with a doctor one day and mentioned that he boxed and stopped and the doctor told him it was a good thing he did because of his disease and taking to many shots in the head could be really bad for you. He was trying to fight with a concussion also which was not at all good. Doctor told him that it could be very dangerous if he continued boxing with what he was dealing with. People really really need to be careful with it ! A good example of what it could do is what's in this program and what happened to Tony (boogeyman) Ferguson. P.S. My son is now 35 with a beautiful baby boy and beautiful wife and has his own business. 👍 🇺🇸 🥊

[@spencerwinston4334]

Ty for sharing your fascinating description of your son's fighting journey. You raised a warrior it seems infused with the bushido ethos. Bravooooo!!!!!

[@th-cc6ei]

We need to let kids fight. Otherwise they will turn to guns and thats exactly what's going on today. And yes I'm advocating letting kids fight.

[@dragonjay7277]

I had a dream of becoming a fighter, i truly believed in it, i analysed my past my school fights and everything i did, till this dream came, and i started pursuing it. I started training in taek won do and kempo and mma, i was going at 3 different arts thats how determined i was to learn and to improve at this sport. I was a student of the arts and it started passionating me more and more. In my mind i always thrive to be the best, i dont care who my opponent is, i always want to win and be on top, be that special one who is gonna make it. One day, after i lost a fight, i took a bad beating, i couldnt think and realise how i got beat, i was so lost, i put everything into this just to lose. I started having doubts, i was sad and numb. I cried like a baby, then i decided that i cant do this anymore, that i will quit. I believe everyone should think like that. If you are not in that 1% of people who made it. Who are really special at something, you should quit, because is not meant for you. If is meant for you, you should see results, if not is not worth the risk of injuring yourself. Now i o

[@epimeno9146]

​@@dragonjay7277 that's pretty sad

[@michaelsirianni6149]

​@@dragonjay7277 the fact you gave up, do you regret it now ? A champion gets back up and keeps going. You didn't give yourself the opportunity you deserved to find out. Does that trouble you sometimes. Just curious dude

[@sleepysleepy9913]

I stopped playing football cause of shoulder injuries. That was a blessing looking back

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Yeah that’s probably the best thing that could have happened, what a ruthless sport that is!

[@TheSkinnyman28]

Lost my grandmother to dementia and Alzheimer’s last year. It is awful watching someone you love degrade into a husk of what they once were. Forgetting almost everything and seeing hallucinations all the time. Listening to them say vile things to you when you are only trying to help them. I wouldn’t wish that disease on anyone. Wonderful video explaining the risks these fighters are willingly take. Should make everyone appreciate what they do for our entertainment even more.

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

That's really tough to hear man, Im really sorry for your loss. My gran passed away this year also from Dementia, it was horrorfying to watch unfold. It's kind of why I wanted to make this, just say, hey this is what can happen potentially, lets respect them a little more. I hope that comes across in the video.

[@TheSkinnyman28]

@@MixedMartialAcademic Sorry for your loss too. Doing good by her making this. Don’t doubt your abilities. Your documentaries and in depth analysis of MMA are some of the best I’ve seen in any area. Look forward to your next project. 👍🏻

[@TheSoonToBePurgedJackMeHoff55]

My grandfather had vascular dementia. It was rough on him, and everyone... he's in a better place now.

[@unhpsychology3909]

Same experience with my grandmother, and her father before that. I am seriously terrified to watch the movie and listen to the song he points out in this video. It’s a harsh dissonance to know that other people have experienced that kind of horror and feel less alone at the same time knowing that’s the case.

[@roachmancam9012]

I feel your pain and send my respect and love for what it's worth. I too have been taking care of my mom with dementia/alzheimers for the past 3 years full time by myself with 0 help and no breaks at all.its quite the journey.

[@russel5458]

My former athletic trainer in HS said he had a football player under his care that get 2 concussion 2 games in a row (before concussion protocol). He went into a comma after the second big hit for a few days and later passed. Was just glad I played soccer at that point.

[@OrroHelhammer]

But you look gay tho so you gotta live with that

[@nicholasbrown668]

what made me stop watching football was the last game of my junior year, one of the guys on the team took a massive hit and ended up paralyzed, and i couldnt help but feel as if i had enabled what had happened simply by purchasing a ticket

[@LaMOi1]

As a psychiatric nurse, been working in mental health for 20yrs. I have seen alot. And it’s a very serious thing, especially when there’s no family. No one to support you. People should consider this when entering into combat sports. But those who do have family. They should consider the possible future, not only for themselves, but those around them. I also have personal experience of caring for my grandfather who had Alzheimer’s for over 10 years… I can tell you, it destroys not just the person but those around them. It took a heavy toll on my mother who quit her job to care for him. Every day was Groundhog Day. My only comfort was my grandfather eventually was not aware he was lost. Eventually he stopped asking where my grandmother was after she died, and we just told him she had gone on a trip. I do believe his last years with us were happy. Which is all any of us could hope for.

[@Magikarp-4ever]

>_< but you don't know how to spell "A lot" correctly? Don't lie to push your message harder you sound silly

[@JustnNDTrollSniper]

​@@Magikarp-4ever that wasn't the earth shattering critique you thought it was

[@nouhorni3229]

​@@Magikarp-4ever strongest bait on YT.

[@AnneALias]

Thanks for being a part of the big pharma pill-pushing machine

[@hata6290]

@@Magikarp-4everlol wut

[@owenbaxter7945]

Thank you for posting this my dad was a pro kick boxer from before i was born till I was around 10 there were days he'd come back from a tournament and he forgot me and my siblings even existed from time to time he will forget my name and he used to get very angry then 20 minutes later came back like he never said anything I showed him this video so he could understand what CTE is because he had no idea or just didn't care he's forgot alot of my childhood and always gets things flat out wrong I see him with that blank stare all the time and it'd heart breaking. For anyone that has a family member who has fought especially back in the day where it was basically just get into a ring and when one man doesn't get up that's when it's over enjoy your time well you still have it left I love my father but he will never be the same again it hurts alot but the day that he loses everything will happen soon I still love boxing and mma always will it's in my blood but enjoy the time you have with them because one day there gonna forget you ever existed and the fact that they were even a fighter.

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

that was a hard read man, thanks for sharing. Damn.

[@StraightouttaBristol]

Scheduled for .. 45 Rounds. 🥊🥊 What the 🤔

[@paynekaufmann403]

Old school boxing was crazy, no knockdown rule and 40+ rounds

[@danielsalomon1217]

Scariest part was no standing eight count.

[@erenjaeger1475]

WHO LET THAT HAPPEN!

[@xxxxxxx82736]

How tf did they have the cardio for 40 rounds?

[@elfastzarate2971]

That legendary 1900's 140 rounds+ match was so epic

[@theBORGman]

As a guy with 6 concussions under his belt from rugby, kyokusin and MMA, I can say I love contact sports, but I cannot abide going after a guy who is already knocked to the ground or showing clear signs of being at the edge of going out. It's plain wrong.

[@101marisarox]

I have no words for how incredibly moving this was. I am a psychology graduate currently in the process of applying for a PhD in clinical neuropsychology. I wrote my honours thesis on novel psychiatric symptoms after paediatric TBI. I've always been fascinated by the brain, but nothing has fascinated me as much as the effects of head injury, and it is ultimately the plight of athletes struggling with the aftereffects of repetitive head trauma that keeps me motivated in my studies. Alongside the children I wrote about in my thesis, they are the people who I see myself working with in my future career. Whether that be as participants in research, or as patients in a clinical setting, their experiences matter. Their stories matter. Despite the unequivocal message that the literature on head trauma is sending us, so many people are either unaware or unwilling to listen when it comes to handling the fallout of such injuries, and how it affects not just the patient, but their loved ones as well. I saw my grandmother spend her final years fighting Lewy body dementia. It still breaks my heart to think of how horrifying her last days must have been. Dementia with Lewy bodies causes vivid visual and auditory hallucinations - she would see children climbing into her window at night, and became so paranoid that she would lock every single door in the house when my parents weren't home. Contact and combat sports alike are making great steps forward in terms of protecting and supporting their athletes, but regarding the UFC there is still much to be desired about their treatment of fighters in general, which concerns me because everything ultimately leads back to their health and welfare, including how the promotion itself is structured. As nice as it was to hear that Dana White regularly gives donations to fund neurotrauma research, after what he did to Spencer Fisher I really have a lot of trouble seeing him in a positive light. It would mean so much more to myself and other researchers and allied health professionals if the UFC changed their pay structure to be more equitable, or if they were to give some other kind of ongoing support to fighters post-retirement. TL;DR - This documentary was fantastic. Not only was the production quality amazing, but you did a really excellent job of adequately explaining the science and history behind CTE in a format that a layperson can easily understand. Brilliant job :)

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

I hope to join you in this field also, coming to then end of my degree now, onto my masters then PhD after that. I really want to get into the world of CTE And TBI, let’s see how that works out! Thank you for your study and dedication to hopefully and eventually making the lives of athletes better!

[@101marisarox]

@@MixedMartialAcademic That's fantastic to hear! I wish you luck in your future studies :)

[@Melcavic42]

What did he do this time? I don't know the story of what happened to this Fischer guy?

[@dhuss14]

ATTENTION! LINK TO CTE HEALING PROTOCOLS at the end! READ: CTE 🧠🧠🧠 is waaaay more common than one thinks, most people i know have cte, because over our lives we have many concussions ITS A PART OF LIFE. I've messaged many individuals over the years about these protocols. CTE IS CURABLE, LARGELY SPEAKING. I'm typing this for individuals such as yourself to know that i have studied cte since i was 15 years old or so and to benefit from my knowledge. Through protocols that induce neurogenesis, and increasing blood flow to the brain. Diet : EAT GINKO BILOBA TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN AND PROMOTE HEALING and also train: increase testosterone and male hormones in order to heal your brain. Eat lots of fat and omega 3 specifically. Eat fish, nuts, meat, EGGS A LOT OF EGGS AND BUTTER. Fat is the 'building block' of the brain 🧠. EAT TUMERIC AND OTHER ANTI INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES LIKE BLACK SEED OIL, TUMERIC, GINGER AND PEPPER. COMBINE PEPPER AND TUMERIC Every DAY IN HOT MILK TO CURE THE BRAIN AND FLUSH TOXINS FROM IT. BOOST NGF (NERVE GROWTH FACTOR) AND BDNF + AUTOPHAGY Through FASTINGFasting will increase autophagy. Autophagy, in particular, is very important to cellular health including brain cell health. Every cell in the body contains working parts called organelles and proteins and other various components. Think of each cell as a machine with several parts that all have jobs to do to keep us functioning at our best. Over time, just like any hard working machine, these parts start to function less. In a machine such as an automobile, when a part stops working like it should, we repair it or replace it. Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” In other words, our body has cells called macrophages that can eat a non-functioning cell, separate it into its parts and then re-use those parts to build up new cells and new parts. It’s the body’s way of “cleaning up” what’s old and damaged and replacing it with something newer and better. Autophagy is great because it also results in a “clean up” of things that can be damaging and inflammatory such as damaged DNA and, in the brain, the plaques and tangles that damage brain cells in AD and CTE and lead to neurodegeneration. Also avoid endocrine disruptors in shampoos, soaps, creams and gain NATURAL ALTERNATIVES, (IN REALITY, ITS HOW WE WERE DESIGNED BY GOD TO FUNCTION) like olive, avacado, castor, black seed, sesame, coconut oils. Read these protocols for healing cte and other TBI injuries: www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/a-powerful-protocol-proven-to-help-reverse-brain-damage .

[@101marisarox]

@@mrrooster4876 That man has too much power over and cares too little for these elite athletes. Unless drastic changes are made to the UFC's pay structure and other practices, I won't be convinced that he (or the entire promotion, for that matter) truly has the fighter's best interests at heart.

[@HOMERdu76]

this vid is a piece of art mate. hard to express how touching it is every time you think about how much those guys put on the line and you resumed it perfectly. cheers

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Thank you so much my friend, I appreciate it a lot!

[@chakko007]

@@MixedMartialAcademic I second that. This is really well done. Thanks for your work.

[@dhuss14]

ATTENTION! LINK TO CTE HEALING PROTOCOLS at the end! READ: CTE 🧠🧠🧠 is waaaay more common than one thinks, most people i know have cte, because over our lives we have many concussions ITS A PART OF LIFE. I've messaged many individuals over the years about these protocols. CTE IS CURABLE, LARGELY SPEAKING. I'm typing this for individuals such as yourself to know that i have studied cte since i was 15 years old or so and to benefit from my knowledge. Through protocols that induce neurogenesis, and increasing blood flow to the brain. Diet : EAT GINKO BILOBA TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN AND PROMOTE HEALING and also train: increase testosterone and male hormones in order to heal your brain. Eat lots of fat and omega 3 specifically. Eat fish, nuts, meat, EGGS A LOT OF EGGS AND BUTTER. Fat is the 'building block' of the brain 🧠. EAT TUMERIC AND OTHER ANTI INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES LIKE BLACK SEED OIL, TUMERIC, GINGER AND PEPPER. COMBINE PEPPER AND TUMERIC Every DAY IN HOT MILK TO CURE THE BRAIN AND FLUSH TOXINS FROM IT. BOOST NGF (NERVE GROWTH FACTOR) AND BDNF + AUTOPHAGY Through FASTINGFasting will increase autophagy. Autophagy, in particular, is very important to cellular health including brain cell health. Every cell in the body contains working parts called organelles and proteins and other various components. Think of each cell as a machine with several parts that all have jobs to do to keep us functioning at our best. Over time, just like any hard working machine, these parts start to function less. In a machine such as an automobile, when a part stops working like it should, we repair it or replace it. Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” In other words, our body has cells called macrophages that can eat a non-functioning cell, separate it into its parts and then re-use those parts to build up new cells and new parts. It’s the body’s way of “cleaning up” what’s old and damaged and replacing it with something newer and better. Autophagy is great because it also results in a “clean up” of things that can be damaging and inflammatory such as damaged DNA and, in the brain, the plaques and tangles that damage brain cells in AD and CTE and lead to neurodegeneration. Also avoid endocrine disruptors in shampoos, soaps, creams and gain NATURAL ALTERNATIVES, (IN REALITY, ITS HOW WE WERE DESIGNED BY GOD TO FUNCTION) like olive, avacado, castor, black seed, sesame, coconut oils. Read these protocols for healing cte and other TBI injuries: www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/a-powerful-protocol-proven-to-help-reverse-brain-damage .

[@victorpapillon1487]

@@MixedMartialAcademic Who is Mike Jones?

[@TheSoonToBePurgedJackMeHoff55]

My grandfather suffered from vascular dementia. I'm glad he told me so many stories so many times; so then, I could tell them to him, at the end...

[@CalvinLangatMMA]

33:13 I strongly disagree with Sam Alvey on this point. We can’t diagnose CTE until post mortem. If anything, it’s probably more common than we think when you consider some athletes have been diagnosed with CTE without ever getting KO’d

[@MNZGamin]

What an ending. Feels like there’s not enough truly moving and emotional UFC videos out there. The quick compilation of seeing fighters dreams become reality was excellent, and then the quick cut back to the reality of this video was so well done. Great video, amazing end

[@xannypacquiao_hxc]

As a brain health scientist myself who loves this sport. Thank you for doing this documentary. It’s important work and all needs to see it and fully understand the risk and repercussion to understand it’s beauty and delicacy. This sport is the human condition on full display and it should be carefully examined and admired. Thank you again.

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Thanks so much that’s high praise from yourself and that means a lot to me, thank you!

[@qxqp]

I'm really surprised you are a brain health scientist who loves MMA. Sounds like a paradox.

[@dhuss14]

ATTENTION! LINK TO CTE HEALING PROTOCOLS at the end! READ: CTE 🧠🧠🧠 is waaaay more common than one thinks, most people i know have cte, because over our lives we have many concussions ITS A PART OF LIFE. I've messaged many individuals over the years about these protocols. CTE IS CURABLE, LARGELY SPEAKING. I'm typing this for individuals such as yourself to know that i have studied cte since i was 15 years old or so and to benefit from my knowledge. Through protocols that induce neurogenesis, and increasing blood flow to the brain. Diet : EAT GINKO BILOBA TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN AND PROMOTE HEALING and also train: increase testosterone and male hormones in order to heal your brain. Eat lots of fat and omega 3 specifically. Eat fish, nuts, meat, EGGS A LOT OF EGGS AND BUTTER. Fat is the 'building block' of the brain 🧠. EAT TUMERIC AND OTHER ANTI INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES LIKE BLACK SEED OIL, TUMERIC, GINGER AND PEPPER. COMBINE PEPPER AND TUMERIC Every DAY IN HOT MILK TO CURE THE BRAIN AND FLUSH TOXINS FROM IT. BOOST NGF (NERVE GROWTH FACTOR) AND BDNF + AUTOPHAGY Through FASTINGFasting will increase autophagy. Autophagy, in particular, is very important to cellular health including brain cell health. Every cell in the body contains working parts called organelles and proteins and other various components. Think of each cell as a machine with several parts that all have jobs to do to keep us functioning at our best. Over time, just like any hard working machine, these parts start to function less. In a machine such as an automobile, when a part stops working like it should, we repair it or replace it. Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” In other words, our body has cells called macrophages that can eat a non-functioning cell, separate it into its parts and then re-use those parts to build up new cells and new parts. It’s the body’s way of “cleaning up” what’s old and damaged and replacing it with something newer and better. Autophagy is great because it also results in a “clean up” of things that can be damaging and inflammatory such as damaged DNA and, in the brain, the plaques and tangles that damage brain cells in AD and CTE and lead to neurodegeneration. Also avoid endocrine disruptors in shampoos, soaps, creams and gain NATURAL ALTERNATIVES, (IN REALITY, ITS HOW WE WERE DESIGNED BY GOD TO FUNCTION) like olive, avacado, castor, black seed, sesame, coconut oils. Read these protocols for healing cte and other TBI injuries: www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/a-powerful-protocol-proven-to-help-reverse-brain-damage .

[@cadcc]

Glad to see more people being truly aware of the risks fighters take. Almost every fight is like getting into a car crash in terms of damaging your body. Thats why defence is my highest priority.

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

No problem, feel like these things need to be discussed!

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

I don’t think it’s a case that people aren’t aware that it’s dangerous the point is, they don’t actually understand what’s at risk. I interviewed loads of fighters for this, only 3 of them actually knew what they were talking about.

[@yknows3158]

@@MixedMartialAcademic i think the popularity of mma recently has made people think its all glitz and glamour, not having knowledge of combat sports and its risks of physical injuries and depression from losing or being KOd, alot dont have many brain cells to begin with.

[@MasculineGG]

Yea I train at the moment now an I think defense is the most important thing even in terms of being the best the brawler just doesn't last anymore even if u can brawl I can stand n there n trade all day but if one wrong punch can do it u got to be a defense boxer or fighter in general an it's crazy how much u really love this sport when u commit ur time to it

[@sore_forey9259]

@J Men yeah gladiators wore helmets to protect them from CTE, they weren’t wreck less enough to gamble their peaceful retirement on the temporary glory of being a slave, forced to fight (often to the death) in a coliseum

[@JamesonWilde]

Man. Wolgasts manager not allowing him to ever spar again. I wonder how much guilt he felt in those days after his prime knowing what his friend had been through as he cheered it on.

[@SuperTommox]

Man watching this really makes you understand why Mayweather fought the way he did. You can have all the money in the world, but if your mind is broken, you don't own anything. It's terrible

[@mickyzzzeee]

This I agree with. People give him a lot of flack for it but he mastered the art of hitting without being hit. This afterall is what the sport is about

[@sonic-bb]

on top of that, it's just been proven that a defensive style is always more effective than an offensive style. People giving him flack for his style arent fans of the sport. They are fans of brutality

[@KidsWithGuns1992]

@@sonic-bbabsolutely perfectly said.

[@michaelsmelt5218]

​@@sonic-bbWhere was this proven?

[@sonic-bb]

@@michaelsmelt5218 his own fighting style… And the number of champions in boxing and other combat sports have all favored a more defensive style

[@blacknapalm2131]

Might sound off topic but look what CTE did to the pro wrestler Chris Benoit. Wrestlers can actually take more concussions in a career than any combat fighter because of all the chair shots, whiplash on the matt, and in Benoit's case, his OWN finishing move the flying head-butt would routinely 'ring his bell' almost every match. His autopsy showed his brain was so damaged it looked like an elderly person with Alzheimer's.

[@_J0N_TAFFER]

Pro wrestling is fake

[@thomashightower7881]

They can't take more shots, but they could potentially "take more shots" in their career. I still doubt it though. I haven't watched much wrestling, but I haven't seen people routinely be turned limp like a ragdoll from blows straight to their head like in UFC or boxing. No human can take the repeated punishment, and Chris Benoit is a tragic example of how the constant head trauma (and PED use) can affect people permanently.

[@ryantrudell4686]

@@thomashightower7881 I mean to be fair, a professional can put on dozens of matches in a year (not including house shows that aren't televised). They may not be taking fully concussive blows to their head, but they certainly make themselves vulnerable to numerous subconcussive (micro-concussion) hits, repeatedly. Like they found with offensive lineman in football... they're not knocking themselves out every play, but repeatedly, they're slamming their head into a 300 lb guy play after play. And that adds up. And research has shown that is arguably more damaging than 1 or 2 substaintial concussions.

[@Flukas-yk5qr]

Chris was just a psychopath, wrestling is fake dude 🤣 hahahaha

[@jeremyweems4916]

@ryantrudell4686 some of them do hundreds of shows per year. Literally.

[@Perspectiveside]

After a few months of not wanting to see this video, I finally see it, it is devastating for someone who loves this sport, but the most important thing is that it is real. Thank you for posting this for the world to see.

[@kaileylane]

Honestly before I clicked this video I watched MMA without a second thought. Now all of a sudden every single hit to the head seems so much more intense. Thank you for the information.

[@gameburn178]

MMA without striking/headshots could exist, in theory. Judo has none. It is the only way I know of to retain the sport while at the same time eliminating most head injuries.

[@lou8120]

The only time I've ever felt a strong sense of borderline disgust with myself for watching MMA even though I know it wasn't your intention and even though you gave me so many reasons not to. This video was so potent, especially since Dimensia is by far my biggest fear and even in the most glossed over sense is the most harrowing thing ever. Rest in Peace to your Grandma and anyone who's ever died with CTE/Dimensia as they pass. Especially fighters who put themselves through this for our entertainment. RIP to your Grandma once again may her soul rest.

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

It truly a hard thing to contend with, and I will say the alst couple of UFC events havnt really been the same for me sine making this. Its tough. Im sure I will either stop watching or come to terms with it, but I have to figure that out. Thanks for you respect towards my gran as well, that means a lot!

[@manny45629]

They are adults who sign up knowing full well the consequences. Come on this isn’t 1950, they know what can happen. I will watch but I think fighting is the dumbest thing ever.

[@somerled5513]

They don't do what they do for our entertainment. They do it because they like fighting. For money, for glory, to compete and be the best. We are simply entertained as a result of what they do.

[@thekevinfoster]

Not sure how I’m feeling about it now either

[@SuperMelphis]

I mean its like hardcore drugs there is a thing called personal responsibility most of these guys were fighting people already for free might as well make a living off of it Edit* not that im trying to make excuses but i think that plenty of things we indulge in on a daily bases are detrimental to our health i dont think just because something is bad for you it should be banned thats not a good enough reason to me

[@bp6877]

As one who loves fighting, I'd say it's the deep euphoria that one experiences while "in the arena" that makes it extremely difficult to leave fighting behind. I think it's a lot like veterans who can't stop returning to the battlefield. It pained me deeply to leave it, I had to, to protect my health! Now, I "fight" with a heavy bag that never hits back; it's a great workout, but in terms of euphoria, it simply cannot compare to the thrill of battle!

[@thomasmacdonough288]

It is definitely akin to chasing an addiction. Smokers smoke knowing their lungs will give out one day. Fighters fight knowing their brains will give out one day. There's no feeling quite like it when you're in the moment.

[@TimaHypenoodles]

I’m so glad I came across this video. It’s so well done and gives me chills. I’m touched by the care you’ve given to this difficult topic and by the experience people are sharing in the comments.

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Thank you so much! That really means a lot!

[@luism.5999]

Yeah I agree but you know there’s nothing better in life than your health. I’m 40 years old right now I can’t see I’m very very happy but I can see I’m pretty happy! World will never bring you what your decisions make you feel

[@infiniti37G]

Hundreds of the UFC, boxing, football, wrestling stars have or will get CTE. Many already do and many more to come

[@KingKalashnikov]

I think an underdiscussed factor in why many young fighters feel so blase about CTE is that most of the examples used in discussing the dangers of it use famous, legendary figures like Muhammad Ali. So when these young fighters are weighing whether its "worth it", theyre subconsciously relating CTE with these legendary careers and subsequent glory. So it becomes a lot easier to justify taking that risk. Nobody talks about the forgotten fighters, the amateurs, the underdogs, the up-and-comers who get their futures destroyed with nothing to show for it.

[@1stGenRex]

I grew up a casual boxing fan and found out about MMA when it was freak shows. Then a few years went by and I found the UFC many years later and have been following it closely for about 5 years. To say I love the sport would be a bit of an understatement. I’m the past couple years, I’ve even take up Muay Thai at a relatively old age compared to most. This subject cuts deep. It’s one we all sort of know about but never really think of in a conscious manner. It’s too ugly. To think that those men and women who chase their dreams, and literally sacrifice years of their later life at a young age is hard. I guess in part that’s why either in person, or on TV, I make sure to watch from first fight to last. It’s my small way of acknowledging that their sacrifice is worth something, even if they don’t become the next superstar. This is one of those videos I could watch 50 times and feel a bit of heart break every time.

[@megsley]

just an incredibly nuanced, thoughtful, and most importantly realistic documentary. you pulled no punches, but you did it with care and respect.

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

I appreciate that, thank you so much 🙏

[@gykeewheeler2015]

This makes me contemplate whether I should compete in kickboxing. On one hand, I love the idea of competing and fighting. Martial arts definitely made me feel at peace with myself. But on the other hand, I’m afraid of the negative mental health effects. Great video though

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Do what’s best for you and your growth my friend, but as long as you are aware of the potential side effects. Train smart and if you take a knock recover long and we’ll!

[@jayn6943]

What did you decide?

[@gykeewheeler2015]

@@jayn6943 I’m still deciding to this day. But im still practicing it. Though Im not sure if I’ll make it a career cuz im tryna join the Air Force now

[@hasanagic96]

If u go with it, keep in mind that a few fights will likely not cause u long term damage. I say have the experience pf an interclub (smoker fight) and then see whether this is for you

[@simond6050]

Same just took on Muay Thai and I would love to compete, but this video made me almost nauseous with existential dread and mental images of my deteriorating grandma. I have training in about an hour but my normal excitement is now replaced with a real bitter aftertaste.

[@StriveForLuck]

38:36 Brilliant editing. Show us all the glits and glamour, the success and triumph to then morph into the harsh reality.

[@raginasiangaming910]

Very long story here, but I think it's important for those of us who have experienced brain trauma to share our experiences. A lot of folks never worry about brain injury until it happens (I know I didn't), but damn near everyone is terrified when it does. This is why I stopped fighting amateur. I went into the sport with a history of head injuries from highschool football and from explosions in Iraq. I ended up eating a hard roundhouse that put me in the hospital as an inpatient for days. Scariest time of my life without question and my life includes fighting in the 2006 Battle for Ramadi. With that said, I would never tell someone not to fight. It was a great experience for me physically, mentally and emotionally. Fighting gave me a sense of purpose that I had been lacking since leaving combat arms and the discipline that martial arts requires helped me to center myself. However, while I have no regrets about fighting, I would never wish my end experience on anyone, not even my worst enemy. My advice to anyone getting into or fighting amateur right now is to be realistic with yourself. Don't take damage that you don't need to unless you are sure that it's a.) your dream and b.) you can realistically attain that dream. I was a key example of being unrealistic and harming myself. I took fights before I was fully recovered and pushed myself to stay in fights that I should probably have conceded because I was chasing the dream of becoming a pro. I was that fighter who was good enough to be just a small step away from becoming a pro, but never good enough to actually take the needed small step. Waking up in the ambulance and then spending almost a week at the hospital was a wakeup call for me. While there, I had trouble expressing ideas, trouble remembering things and trouble walking. I forgot I was in the hospital twice. I was with it enough to know that something was really, really wrong and I was terrified (had a panic attack terrified) that I would never recover. I did, for the most part, though my doctors believe my migraines, depression and memory issues are probably related to repeated head traumas. Would I do it all again? Honestly, yes. The discipline, friendships and purpose that MMA gave me helped me to get out of a really dark place battling PTSD and depression. I stayed in awesome shape, quit drinking and quit smoking for the sport. With that said though, I talk to a lot of friends who are interested in training at an MMA gym and are 'thinking about fighting competitively'. I always tell them what happened to me, how terrifying it was to sit in a hospital bed, confused, disoriented, unable to think or do things that are normally second nature and to be terrified that you're never going to 'get better'. I tell them about what it's like to lose vacation days to debilitating migraines and the strain that mood swings put on relationships. I also tell them about the good things that MMA did for me and how passionate I still am about the sport and martial arts in general.

[@chipwilliams6236]

You been through alot

[@raginasiangaming910]

@@chipwilliams6236 comparatively, I've suffered relatively little. As this video shows, many people aren't fortunate enough to make full recoveries.

[@chipwilliams6236]

@@raginasiangaming910 yes at least your alive to see another day.

[@ewjiml]

Then go share your experiences in a TBI forum if you are so concerned. Go to local MMA training ring and spread awareness. I’m sure you’ll be well received.

[@raginasiangaming910]

@@ewjiml you assume that I haven't done so. A piece of advice, you should probably avoid making uninformed assumptions. Assumptions is the mother of all F*** up.

[@ExploringtheKawithRa]

I'm a retired pro Muay Thai fighter I am 44 years old, but I retired at 27 because I was having post concussion syndrome, thank God I did, I've had blown knees , even a testicle that got smashed from getting kicked , black tissue formed in it, which had to be removed to save my life. It's a intense sport , especially when you come from America trying to prove a point in Thailand

[@metalkicker23]

Did it get better?

[@Gregori-mi2vy8nc6y]

I had a brief fight career in the 80s. It dawned on me one day that the rewards were not worth the risks. I stop officially fighting, but I was still in the gym sparring, I needed the rush. I would admit the adrenaline rush is hard to explain to non-fighters. I decided to hang up the gloves permanently, as any fighter would attest there is nothing to replace the rush of fighting. I found a replacement as a cop, here is the crazy part, during the most intense life-and-death scenarios that I encountered I realized I was getting the same rush making potentially deadly drug busts as I got throwing punches and kicks at a guy trying to hurt me. I later entered University to pursue degrees in psychology to attempt to understand the mind of fighters, firefighters, soldiers, and cops. It does not take rocket science to recognize the aforementioned people are a special breed of people who are not afraid to face death. Despite well-meaning people desiring to save fighters from brain damage etc., there will always be fighters be it in a ring, cage, or the streets of a city nearby, fighters will fight and disregard the risks, and yes the risks that may lead to death! Great work on this video!

[@onapig6449]

Nothing else to add but very well said and thoughtful comment

[@Makadedo-journey]

Brother i am in the same situation too could i get contact with you

[@teijaflink2226]

It's probably in lot of our genes and specially in the genes of many men. Great your using that need for a rush at least to do something for society instead of getting CTE.

[@bassyey]

Did you kill innocent civilians? What kind of rush was did that bring? Curious. No judgement.

[@Gregori-mi2vy8nc6y]

@@bassyey During the majority of my career I was assigned to Tbe Rescue Unit. In that capacity, I dealt with little babies shot and abused, I also helped a few pregnant women with their deliveries. The last rescue call I went on was a lady in cardiac arrest, but thankfully we were able to get a heartbeat back. Yes, there are bad cops, just like we have bad doctors, etc., but I am proud to say I helped many people during my career. I also arrested a few bad guys who would kill. a person like you in the blink of an eye!

[@glenbateman5960]

It's frightening how often chasing a dream ends with you catching a nightmare.

[@salvatormundi5184]

After training boxing seriously for years, meaning a lot of hard sparring, I became an amateur boxer for about a year; I became pretty active during that year, doing 12 fight, and I realized quickly that fighters, no matter what’s their level, all choose to put their health on the side, and put their life at risk. You realize it first when you go to a gym that trains fighters, sparring hard multiples times a week, brain damage starts here. In my amateur fights I always was cautious and made sure I didn’t get punch too bad, but so many of us were taking heavy shots, even thinking at what I landed on my opponents, people really don’t realize what fighters take in the head. Without mentioning the many injuries to joints and the damages to hands hitting repeatedly the heavy bag. Then I had to decide, keep going what I wanted to experience knowing I would risk my health more and more facing stronger and more experienced opponents, keep sparring and damaging my brain over again, or leaving it here and securing my health. It was not such a tough decision for myself because I never seriously dreamed to be a champion, I was just doing it for the experience. But anyone who wishes to fight even as an amateur must understand this : there is no other way, if you fight, you pay the price with your health.

[@frockz69]

That's why many fighters now are refusing to spar altogether, not even light sparring.

[@Jordan-Ramses]

Every blow to the head damages you. I had 3 concussions as a child. I'm good. But I feel like it would have been a lot easier without that.

[@frockz69]

@@Jordan-Ramses I know what you mean, I've hit my head so many times as a child that it was no big deal, just iced the bumps. Also growing up sparring and actual fights. I would've almost definitely been better off without that, but that's life, everyone gets some bruises.

[@richardmiller797]

I stopped boxing 7 or 8 yrs ago but mostly to go back to work. I do often think that in the long run I saved some of my "marbles" by stepping away.

[@l3loodforpride426]

​@@richardmiller797 I stop yesterday best decision when u look at It from a logical point of view

[@utkarshpandita4645]

Not only brain issues, but torn ligaments, tendons, broken bones, dislocated joints just to name a few and most of the time everytime we choke someone out or knock someone out there is a some part in our mind being fearful whether the person is critically injured or not. Its a brutal sport which makes your lifestyle something you have to live with

[@MaxMustermann-bm7qt]

I don’t mind the rest of the body. Concussion turned me temporarily stupid and there is no way of really telling if i recovered completely and if my cognitive capacities are the same they were before. I see how choking someone out is a shitty feeling, but to me it was scary to a lesser extend as the limit is clearer and the tap out could stop it. But yeah it’s weird to punch someone in the face i must admit i got used to it fast.

[@Anon.G]

Broken bones can basically always be 100% healed from. Torn ligaments are difficult but also have good rates of recovery. Dislocations have good recovery times but sometimes cause laxity after. Tendon tears do suck though

[@Marcelo-m6f]

It's so hard to write about it, but my father started getting worse with dementia, forgetting things that just happened, bringing up histories that never happened, I can tell you it's worse than death itself, because he probably will die with no memories about who he was, or what he did, it's non existence, just so hard to describe how painful it is , he said " I don't wanna die as a dead man" that hurt in my soul.

[@jayboi7565]

Did he play sports or anything that caused it or was it just developed?

[@dhuss14]

ATTENTION! LINK TO CTE HEALING PROTOCOLS at the end! READ: CTE 🧠🧠🧠 is waaaay more common than one thinks, most people i know have cte, because over our lives we have many concussions ITS A PART OF LIFE. I've messaged many individuals over the years about these protocols. CTE IS CURABLE, LARGELY SPEAKING. I'm typing this for individuals such as yourself to know that i have studied cte since i was 15 years old or so and to benefit from my knowledge. Through protocols that induce neurogenesis, and increasing blood flow to the brain. Diet : EAT GINKO BILOBA TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN AND PROMOTE HEALING and also train: increase testosterone and male hormones in order to heal your brain. Eat lots of fat and omega 3 specifically. Eat fish, nuts, meat, EGGS A LOT OF EGGS AND BUTTER. Fat is the 'building block' of the brain 🧠. EAT TUMERIC AND OTHER ANTI INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES LIKE BLACK SEED OIL, TUMERIC, GINGER AND PEPPER. COMBINE PEPPER AND TUMERIC Every DAY IN HOT MILK TO CURE THE BRAIN AND FLUSH TOXINS FROM IT. BOOST NGF (NERVE GROWTH FACTOR) AND BDNF + AUTOPHAGY Through FASTINGFasting will increase autophagy. Autophagy, in particular, is very important to cellular health including brain cell health. Every cell in the body contains working parts called organelles and proteins and other various components. Think of each cell as a machine with several parts that all have jobs to do to keep us functioning at our best. Over time, just like any hard working machine, these parts start to function less. In a machine such as an automobile, when a part stops working like it should, we repair it or replace it. Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” In other words, our body has cells called macrophages that can eat a non-functioning cell, separate it into its parts and then re-use those parts to build up new cells and new parts. It’s the body’s way of “cleaning up” what’s old and damaged and replacing it with something newer and better. Autophagy is great because it also results in a “clean up” of things that can be damaging and inflammatory such as damaged DNA and, in the brain, the plaques and tangles that damage brain cells in AD and CTE and lead to neurodegeneration. Also avoid endocrine disruptors in shampoos, soaps, creams and gain NATURAL ALTERNATIVES, (IN REALITY, ITS HOW WE WERE DESIGNED BY GOD TO FUNCTION) like olive, avacado, castor, black seed, sesame, coconut oils. Read these protocols for healing cte and other TBI injuries: www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/a-powerful-protocol-proven-to-help-reverse-brain-damage .

[@アキコ2003]

​@@jayboi7565 most dementia is just developed in every old person so I assume it was that. Violent Sports just cause the dementia to appear sooner

[@Jess-wb4ux]

Brilliant! Very sad, but the history, detail and presentation is perfect 👏

[@HappyLeigh]

Wow, this video was so sad. For 5 years, I worked as a mental health tech at a state hospital in IL and all I can say is that I've seen some shit. I don't usually talk about it but, hearing you mention that Nelson took his worst beating in the hospital literally made me cry.

[@kaylekutkind]

You brought me to tears with this one. Your narrative skills are elite and im sure you will achieve lots of great things in life. Just the time and work put into this is beautiful as is the message in these masterpieces.

[@noremac0575]

I remember like 6 years ago. This shit was my passion. I was convinced i was gunna be an mma fighter. Trained every day, got in good shape, i had a blast doing it. Took some decent shots, but i never got put out. I was sparring a guy alot smaller than me one day. We were wearing head gear and everything. I went to throw a half strength knee and at the same time he ducked down, i guess to throw an overhand. And he just went motionless. Out for like 3 mins. I thought i killed him. Told me he was never the same. Saw a few other guys get koed and decided to quit while i still had brain cells. I also have bipolar disorder, dont need to add to that

[@15walkingaway]

Good on you buddy. As someone with bipolar as well we should all be aware that we're already at higher risk of neurological issues than most, don't be adding more to that. Best of luck bud.

[@athiefinthenight6894]

Atheletes crying after winning is so beautiful man, almost makes me tear up, the amount of suffering and time in their life they put towards something and to really achieve it is just astounding and so beautiful.

[@jacko4483]

Having had around 7 or so concussions since I was young I can attest that this stuff is no joke. At 61 and still playing hard, mostly dirt biking, it's hard to face getting older and to accept that it's okay to slow down. I've been on Adderall and anti depressants for 18 years, and several months ago I had the brilliant idea that I thought the meds were no longer working so I probably will try getting off of them. That was two of the most difficult months I have had in a very long time. Whatever had happened to my brain from the multiple concussions over the years will be with me for the rest of my life. There is great strength in accepting ones limitations.

[@daimonsaiko]

Check out lion’s mane mushroom

[@thatdude3977]

Tweaker ass 😂

[@EzoroViden]

Growing up i was always involved with martial arts and every gym i entered i was always sought out to compete. The only ones i ever felt comfortable doing was wrestling or grappling. Wrestling is still pretty tough on the brain though. A lot of the guys that sparred I would best but after I realized we were gonna be doing it every Friday I was slowly distancing myself and eventually left realizing the future consequences. Mainly in muay thai and boxing. Im glad i made that decision I felt pressured as a 19 year old to compete but i stood my ground. Im currently just doing jiu jitsu. Everyone training please do what is best for yourself, these gyms will try to make money off of you if they see the opportunity they don’t care for your health. Thats why you sign liability contracts if anyone actually reads those.

[@hritikkumar9926]

so waht do you recommend ?cause im thinking of going for wrestling since I'm not gonna get hit on my head everytime

[@ey8767]

@@hritikkumar9926 Brain damage is still possible for wrestling. But what's more likely to happen is to have a fked up knee or back. As I said in other comments, I am not trying to discourage you. What I am trying to say is that if you want to do any sports professionally, be prepared for major injuries that might impact the rest of your life.

[@Pbcvl]

even if you don't go pro?

[@ey8767]

@@Pbcvl Yes sometimes even if you don't go pro. You see people get injured from playing basketball all the time.

[@colinhaney]

Leon Edwards is the man. I watched this doc today, and I thought it was a good omen about where the sport will head as history shakes out. Now I just watched Leon knock out Kamaru a couple minutes ago, and he didn't even come CLOSE to chasing a second concussive blow on the ground, which convention wisdom in the sport holds to be MANDATORY. Multiple concussions are no joke, much respect to him for taking the risk that that wasn't a fight-ending knockout. It was fully BAD strategy, but GOOD evidence that the sport of fighting isn't dominated by selfishness. Dude chose not to do unnecessary damage to the guy he KNEW he'd have to fight a second time.

[@caiquereis5732]

Who’s here after Ryan Garcia’s mental breakdown?

[@suptho808]

Im here after his win

[@oshadhagamage8821]

We the same man😂​@@suptho808

[@maxventuri-sn2mi]

na

[@iceeclair]

Here before you fell for social media, gay

[@Scaevola9449]

CTE is the reason bare-knuckle boxing was infinitely better. Without hand protection, the fighters had to focus on body blows lest they break their own hands.

[@Little_Italy768]

Never thought about this. Interesting but Makes sense.

[@runningthor1999]

Same reason why rugby has fewer concussions than football. Nobody uses their head to hit another player. Let alone their head, wrapped in a solid plastic helmet to use as a weapon.

[@e2rqey]

@@runningthor1999 yep! Rugby will teach you proper tackling technique very quickly. Or you won't be playing rugby very long

[@liukang85]

well you can see bare knuckle fighters today, they don't care about their hands. Maybe better without bandages

[@calidara3236]

@@runningthor1999 While less there is still a ~14% increased risk per year of CTE. 68% of brains donated to research institutes in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia by (obviously former) rugby players show signs of CTE. the longer you play , the more likely to get CTE.

[@charlyabarca3881]

I’ve been fighting since I was 14, I’m 19 now, I love it, even won a Muay Thai state championship, it’s honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done. Cte scares the living shit out of me, I’ve found my self going less and less. I fear I may have some now. Pain of life I guess…..

[@INKEDKYNG]

Been training and fighting for years now. There's no need to regret or be fearful of what's to come. Life in itself is finite. It comes to an end regardless. Be happy that you have the courage to chase your goals and love instead of being one of those so afraid of what life may bring that they don't do anything. Don't preserve what's already destined to end instead chase what you can now and achieve what you can while you still have time. People have died that never did anything in life. People have gotten dementia with no at risk factors at all. Just live your life the best you can and limit hard sparring. There's a reason Thai fighters last so long and can fight so often.

[@JukemDrawles87]

I want a simple life, my mma career and a brain when I'm older where I'm able to play video games, a favorite hobby of mine and to read.

[@pinkguy1261]

@@JukemDrawles87 as time passes the variety and knowledge on medical procedures and solutions to remedy these kinds of nightmares grows. look into things like the benefits of mushrooms for the brain. stem cells, and transcranial magnetic therapy

[@chris2790]

@@INKEDKYNG do you hear yourself? Sounds like Brad Pitt's old Chanel commercial.

[@chris2790]

@@pinkguy1261 yeah, makes perfect sense. Abuse your brain, and hope you can patch it up with wishful thinking later. Brilliant!

[@uke_mike]

That was the best, eye opening documentary on CTE I’ve ever seen….I’m a BJJ practitioner and sometimes compete, this really made me think about all the lumps and bumps I’ve taken in my lifetime. Incredibly well done.

[@dhuss14]

ATTENTION! LINK TO CTE HEALING PROTOCOLS at the end! READ: CTE 🧠🧠🧠 is waaaay more common than one thinks, most people i know have cte, because over our lives we have many concussions ITS A PART OF LIFE. I've messaged many individuals over the years about these protocols. CTE IS CURABLE, LARGELY SPEAKING. I'm typing this for individuals such as yourself to know that i have studied cte since i was 15 years old or so and to benefit from my knowledge. Through protocols that induce neurogenesis, and increasing blood flow to the brain. Diet : EAT GINKO BILOBA TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN AND PROMOTE HEALING and also train: increase testosterone and male hormones in order to heal your brain. Eat lots of fat and omega 3 specifically. Eat fish, nuts, meat, EGGS A LOT OF EGGS AND BUTTER. Fat is the 'building block' of the brain 🧠. EAT TUMERIC AND OTHER ANTI INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES LIKE BLACK SEED OIL, TUMERIC, GINGER AND PEPPER. COMBINE PEPPER AND TUMERIC Every DAY IN HOT MILK TO CURE THE BRAIN AND FLUSH TOXINS FROM IT. BOOST NGF (NERVE GROWTH FACTOR) AND BDNF + AUTOPHAGY Through FASTINGFasting will increase autophagy. Autophagy, in particular, is very important to cellular health including brain cell health. Every cell in the body contains working parts called organelles and proteins and other various components. Think of each cell as a machine with several parts that all have jobs to do to keep us functioning at our best. Over time, just like any hard working machine, these parts start to function less. In a machine such as an automobile, when a part stops working like it should, we repair it or replace it. Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” In other words, our body has cells called macrophages that can eat a non-functioning cell, separate it into its parts and then re-use those parts to build up new cells and new parts. It’s the body’s way of “cleaning up” what’s old and damaged and replacing it with something newer and better. Autophagy is great because it also results in a “clean up” of things that can be damaging and inflammatory such as damaged DNA and, in the brain, the plaques and tangles that damage brain cells in AD and CTE and lead to neurodegeneration. Also avoid endocrine disruptors in shampoos, soaps, creams and gain NATURAL ALTERNATIVES, (IN REALITY, ITS HOW WE WERE DESIGNED BY GOD TO FUNCTION) like olive, avacado, castor, black seed, sesame, coconut oils. Read these protocols for healing cte and other TBI injuries: www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/a-powerful-protocol-proven-to-help-reverse-brain-damage .

[@jarnold1789]

@Andrell Hunter People can get CTE from seemingly innocuous activities like riding jet skis. I don’t think we should downplay the cumulative affect of many small impacts over time. Awareness is key to making smart decisions for yourself in the long term

[@byronbass1370]

Cte from bjj. Come on man

[@uke_mike]

@@byronbass1370 cte can be caused by many things and bjj can be one of them

[@byronbass1370]

@@uke_mike i know it can happen thru many different activities, but if your worried about cte while training bjj at your gym, that gym should be shut down, and you shouldn’t be training anyway. Dont train football,soccer,skating surfing….etc. you guys are very worried/ thats half of it. Dont train then. I definitely don’t believe you get cte from training bjj, i dont care if you train for 20 years. Which is black belt length

[@evastern231]

I think it's also important how they train, not taking headblows between fights helps for sure. And obviously how much focus is on a good defense when practicing. And of course retire when beatings, getting wobbled or KOd become the norm.

[@JustATakit]

I'm pretty sure I have CTE and have had it for more than 10 years now. The memory loss is nothing compared to the damage it will cause the relationships that are closest to your heart. Its caused me to destroy the relationship i had with my daughter and everyone else in my family. My siblings wont even associate with me anymore and the friends I had back before my mental issues started they dont want anything to do with me and I dont blame them. The violent mmod swings can and are extremely dangerous for anyone to be around. Hearing people tell me some of the stupid things I've said and done are embarrassingto say the least. Maybe I deserve this but those close to me don't and shouldn't have to worry about me doing something stupid because of some paranoid fueled rage I happen to have convinced myself they did.

[@harvestingseason2725]

I hear you man

[@queenofthebutterflies5212]

So sorry to hear what you are going through. I've said a prayer for you 🪷

[@chilluxtheduck8023]

dude... Fuck man...

[@evangelicalsnever-lie9792]

They are right to hate and fear you. You should agree with me if you are a realist. Wouldn't you agress you were a terrible person to begin with, and the CTE made it worse?

[@sleepisthecousinofdeath7395]

Blaming CTE because you’re a terrible person bruh 🤣

[@fearlv1rattata]

My biggest problem with the argument of "they know the risks" is that they aren't the only ones at risk. They're risking the safety of the very people who they purport to do this for. I think men want glory. And crowds love violence. But seeing these guys and their families suffer afterwards is heartbreaking. The 30 for 30 on Junior Seau is incredibly heartbreaking. Watching his kids without their dad at such a young age. It's brutal. Fighters need better pay but the UFC and all of these organizations need to commit to take care of these guys once they're alone and of no use to the organization. They're making billions of dollars on the backs of health and longevity but not doing a thing to help these guys later. I love the sport, but I'll be damned if this documentary didn't make me like it a lot less.

[@Reflectionmaterial]

Only a few make big money out of it. Most of them only make a few K.

[@Meuricen]

The cost of treating them later in life will be enormously expensive. Much much more than most fighters could afford, i don't even think Dana White would be able to pay for all the medical needs of older UFC fighters.

[@TGPDrunknHick]

this. a lot of guys say they're doing this for family. well watching my grand parents deal mental and phyiscal disabilities degenerating until death by the time I was 18 hurt. carrying their coffins hurt. Can't even imagine if it was my Mum or Dad. that was by 18. some of these people have kids that will see it from younger. not married so I can't speak for partners but, I can't imagine watching someone you thought you'd spend your life with slowly fading away would be much better either.

[@solainarewayzone4095]

as a former football player i feel incredibly scared of CTE since i already feel effects of stage 1 and im only 27

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Man I hope you are well, and that you are free from further developments, that tough to hear though!

[@nuda2393]

@THE HEAT GOT BEAT BROTHA fr, I'm a boxing fan but for me with American football it's the fact that so many young ppl are smacking thier heads on the ground or into other players for so long and they don't even realise what's happening in thier heads

[@hectorjones4176]

I would suggest you try some magic mushrooms or ketamin. Both increase neuroplasticity in the brain (the capacity of growing new brain cells)

[@oddadder5530]

We ran head against head without helmet, the loser had to pay all the drinks later.

[@TheSoonToBePurgedJackMeHoff55]

Be careful not to self diagnose

[@4000angels]

Thank you for this OUTSTANDING video documentary. Please keep up the great work 🙏

[@shibity]

CTE is so sad. It's way more widespread than we think or hope. They are even starting to see increased rates of CTE in former soccer (football) players from heading the ball into goal. That's crazy. It really shows that you can not use your head for any type of contact long-term. It really was not designed for that. The opposite in fact, everything in your body attempts to keep it stable and protected.

[@bernardoj54]

In the past heading was rare in soccer, was way better

[@BiggestCorvid]

I had to review stats of child injuries and hospital visits for a job in the past, the number one source of TBIs in my state was girl's soccer. Of course, that's the number one common source in part because it happens in a field surrounded by friends, parents, or spectators. When a drunk parent hits their kid it isn't always so visible. (This is part of why we should embrace year round schooling. Same number of days off, less child neglect and abuse)

[@mitchellbailey6078]

This hits home for me, my grandfather had dementia before he passed away, I never watched that movie you referenced, but I think I will so that I can understand what he went through as he declined. Great video as always

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Im sorry to hear that man, my gran passed away recently with it, it just sucks it really does. it's kind fo what inspired me to make this. Thanks for watching mitchell means a lot!

[@MoonMilk64]

As someone with brain injuries I'm still thankful mine aren't so bad. God the decay is terror

[@rexjohnston6743]

My friend recommended this video and me and all I can is wow. This is one the greatest KZbin sports documentaries I’ve ever seen. Keep up the good work man

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Thank you so much Rex that means a lot, give my thanks to your friend also he is doing gods work!

[@LeoSRL300]

As an avid combat sports fan, this is truly one of the greatest fighting documentaries I've ever watched. Thanks for creating one of my favourite videos ever 👏

[@sohailsaffari5348]

This video hits especially hard for me because I'm an 18 year old fighter and I myself have already suffered 2 concussions and constantly worry about the everlasting effects of CTE and the irreparable damage I've put upon myself. I start college soon and I'm definitely someone who is intelligent enough to make a great living away from the sport. I now have a fight inside myself that on one hand, recognizes that this sport will most likely be the end of me in horrid and brutal ways, but on the other hand, the taste glory and the undying pursuit of greatness in a sport that saved me from suicide and depression in a hellish childhood. I thought this film would make the answer clearer to me, but now I know that like all fighters, it didn't turn me away from the spectacle at all. I thank you Martial for this video because it could very much save lives, and it's definitely the best thing for any young fighter to watch before they commit to a long term career in this sport.

[@mohameddiakite4953]

I'm in the same position as you brother, a boxer 19 in a few days and start college soon, only had 1 supposedly mild concussion but I'm having lingering symptoms and I care about my faculties/cognitive abilities but my pride as a fighter won't let me quit. But I'm scared for the first time.

[@JoseGabriel-bc3wq]

@@mohameddiakite4953 you could only go for amateur fights with head gear i know its more like a remedy than a permanent measure but it might buy you a few years.thats what i do as a kickboxer.

[@mohameddiakite4953]

@@JoseGabriel-bc3wq Most amateur fights are with headgear but headgear doesn't absorb any of the head trauma it just prevents superficial cuts.

[@JoseGabriel-bc3wq]

@@mohameddiakite4953 buy a head hear right now and ask someone to jab you in the face. It still hurts and still causes damage dont get me wrong but it still has some protection even if minor. it can change what would be an devastating k.o to just getting rocked real hard. Still of you are that afraid of cte cutting striking combat sports and avoiding polluted urban areas and eating better is the ideal course of action.

[@mohameddiakite4953]

@@JoseGabriel-bc3wq I live in a "polluted urban area" and I already have headgear barely any protection except for preventing cuts.

[@treblegibbs1395]

The video is Astonishing on how it's made and the way it is edited. I'm mindblown

[@jaye2491]

I have been training MMA and BJJ for multiple years now, and it is absolutely amazing. But CTE is the reason I only compete in grappling tournaments, and do not want to risk the head injuries. If I person wants to risk it for their glory and love of the sport, then all the power to them. But it will leave effects. Great documentary mate.

[@davidcook680]

You have brain damage. I'm sure you have never taken shots to the head. Sorry bud you have.

[@SweetLuLund]

This is one of the most moving documentaries I’ve ever seen. Hits close to home as a Muay Thai fighter and coach.

[@whodatboi2567]

You almost touched upon it but the biggest moral dilemma regarding this subject IMO is the exploitation of fighters and fighter pay. Due to the fact that fighters are underpaid, many have to take more drastic measures in their training, decisions and their fighting styles just for the sake of making enough money to live off of for a couple of months. The UFC not only knows this but takes full advantage of this and uses their desperation as leverage to get what they want often at the fighters' expense. A prominent example is Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje where Ferguson said he only took the fight because he really needed the money. Because of this he took a career-altering (if not life-altering) beating, lost his legitimate shot to fight for the undisputed championship, and lost opportunities to earn more money.

[@jazzabighits4473]

Tbh, if he was really the undisputed champion he should've beat Gaethje lol

[@theironsheik6322]

What about filmmakers exploiting their audience for clicks with over-dramatizations?

[@tanura5830]

@@theironsheik6322 lol true

[@PAlt-p6y]

I hate Dana White; he's worth $450m.

[@Titanxproduction]

this video documentary is the most beautiful ive ever seen the music and everything is just beautifully done it felt like a movie!!

[@MixedMartialAcademic]

Thank you mate I really appreciate that! 🙏

[@nineplus113nineplus7]

Really touches a nerve, the trouble is when taking risk especially in competition, you can only see the win right up until its to late for whats coming!! Tough viewing and thank you for bringing this up. Respect 113.

[@SinlowMusic]

Martial Arts are about discipline and self-defense. UFC, ONE, Bellator, etc. are about entertainment and money at all costs. Remember that.

[@vspec17]

I love your narration and respectful treatment of the subject. Seemingly kind regard, yet never indulging the hypersensitive and overemotional response of so many other analysts. Nice one on that and fair play.

[@NewEnglandInSeattle]

This is a high-quality documentary. Props to the entire production team. This should be entered into film festivals.

[@batfink274]

Fighters fall pray to the same thing singers, comedians, sports stars and stage actors fall pray to, applause and love from adoring fans, it just feel like a shot of heroin the first time they hear and feel it and are forever hooked from that moment on. I believe the feeling associated with that experience is pride. Pride is king of all emotions because it feels so good and is so rare. Leaving the crowds for the last time must be devastating and heart breaking as most rely on it to stay afloat, just like a heroin addict needs the high to stay alive, for without it he drowns.