Hawks Center Kristaps Porzingis Pondering Bizarre Career Move

Kristaps Porzingis wants to try MMA when his NBA career is done

Kristaps Porzingis already has an NBA title, and is one of the most accomplished big men in the league (when he's healthy enough to stay on the court). But he's now revealed a bizarre career move that he's seriously considering. The original Unicorn wants to take his talents into the... MMA ring?

"MMA is a sport that's very close to my heart. It's number one for watching," said Porzingis (h/t Bleacher Report & BasketNews).

7'2" NBA center Kristaps Porzingis says he wants to potentially pursue an MMA career after he's done playing basketball 👀

"I have also tried my hand at MMA, but I promised one of the clubs I represent that I wouldn't do it during my career.

I'm saving up to start an MMA career… pic.twitter.com/sfWA8vSlzm
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 13, 2025

"It's something I get fired up about, so I decided to join a new MMA project," he explained. "Everything is still in process—once we get closer to the final result, I'll be able to share more. This summer, I've also tried MMA, but I promised one of the clubs I represent that I wouldn't pursue it during my basketball career. I'm saving myself for an MMA career after basketball."

Uh yes, that's a good idea. Porzingis has been more than a bit injury-prone throughout his NBA career, having not been able to play more than 57 games in a season since his rookie & sophomore years with the New York Knicks from 2015 through 2017.

Since then, the lanky 7'2" center has suffered a series of injuries to his knee, ankle, calf, quad, hamstring, back, and even an eye issue. How he'd hold out in the full-contact combat sport of Mixed Martial Arts is certainly a question worth asking.

The Atlanta Hawks, who acquired Porzingis from the Boston Celtics this offseason, certainly don't want to find out, and are hoping that the big man keeps his word and doesn't get back into the Octagon while he's still hooping for them.

Porzingis was part of the Celtics' 2024 championship team, and last year averaged 19.5 points per game, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots, all pretty close to his nine-year career averages. For now, however, he'll save the striking, grappling, and takedowns for his next career.