Kristaps Porzingis isn’t just thinking about the paint anymore. He’s thinking about the cage. Yes, you read that right, the 7’2” Latvian unicorn who’s been terrorizing NBA defenses for a decade now says he might just throw hands (and knees, and maybe a few head kicks) in an MMA octagon once his basketball career is over.
According to BasketNews, in a recent interview, Porzingis dropped the kind of revelation that makes you immediately imagine the pay-per-view poster. Forget “McGregor vs. Diaz.” Try “Porzingis vs. Literally Anyone Brave Enough to Sign the Contract.”
“MMA is a sport that’s very close to my heart. It’s number one for watching,” Porzingis said. “It’s something I get fired up about, so I decided to join a new MMA project. Everything is still in process. Once we get closer to the final result, I’ll be able to share more.”
Kristaps Porzingis Is Already Training
So not only is he a fan, but he’s apparently already dipping a very, very large toe into the fight world. And in case you were wondering if this was just a casual hobby, think again. Porzingis revealed that he actually tried MMA training this summer. The only thing stopping him from going full throttle? A promise.
“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,” he explained. “I’m saving myself for an MMA career after basketball.”
That’s right, the man’s already planning the sequel to his NBA career, and it’s going to be in 4-ounce gloves. Imagine a fighter who’s taller than Stefan Struve, has the reach of a pterodactyl, and the footwork of a pro baller. That’s not just intimidating, that’s nightmare fuel for any poor soul across from him in the octagon. However, not everyone is buying into the hype. “One calf kick and he’s done,” commented one X user.
But before Porzingis can start worrying about takedown defense and spinning elbows, he’s got business to handle on the hardwood. With FIBA EuroBasket 2025 on the horizon, he’s gearing up to lead Latvia’s national team in front of a home crowd. This is a big deal, not just because Latvia’s been making waves in recent international tournaments, but also because Porzingis hasn’t suited up for them in a major competition since 2017. That was his first and only EuroBasket appearance, and you can bet the home fans are starving to see him back in action.
How Soon Could This Happen?
On the NBA side, Porzingis is heading into his 10th season, but it’ll be his first in an Atlanta Hawks jersey. After averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the Boston Celtics last season, he was shipped to the Hawks in a late June trade. Atlanta fans are already dreaming about the pick-and-roll possibilities, but somewhere down the line, MMA fans might be dreaming about what kind of havoc he could wreak in a completely different sport.
The idea of NBA players transitioning into fighting isn’t entirely unheard of, but usually, it’s just a fantasy people kick around on social media. Porzingis seems dead serious. Sure, we’ll have to wait until he hangs up his basketball sneakers to see if it actually happens, but one thing’s for sure: if he ever steps into the cage, there won’t be a single opponent who can look down at him.
For now, the world gets to enjoy Porzingis throwing down dunks instead of punches. But give it a few years, and “The Latvian Laser” might be lighting up an MMA arena instead of an NBA scoreboard. And honestly? That might be the most must-watch crossover event since Michael Jordan tried baseball.
Sofia Bassett 
