Image Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Kristaps Porzingis to UFC? Dana White Provides Update on Former Celtics Star’s UFC Possibilities

Image Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

UFC President Dana White shared an update about former Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis’ move to the UFC. White was addressing the media after UFC 319, which saw Khamzat Chimaev dominating Dricus du Plessis across five consecutive rounds to claim middleweight gold in the main event. During the presser, a reporter asked White about Porzingis’ chances to be in the UFC.

In his response, White praised Porzingis and said that the transition from basketball to UFC is hard and it is something that they would consider after the NBA star’s retirement. White also said that fighters might end up changing their mind after getting a couple of fights under their belt. White told the reporter, “I like him. He’s a great guy. That’s a tough transition to leave basketball and come fight in the UFC. But I love that that’s how he feels and we’ll see when he retires.”

“And once you’d have to fight some amateur fights and once you get a couple fights under your belt or one, you might change your mind.”

He concluded by saying, “I mean I don’t know. I don’t know. We’ll see. But I like him. I’m not going to uh you know say I wouldn’t do anything with the guy or anything like that. consider him a friend.“

Notably, recently the 2024 champion talked about his post retirement plans and revealed that he wanted to try his hands at fighting. The 7-foot-2 admitted that he is considering moving to the mixed martial arts after he hangs his boots in the NBA. Not only this, but he also said that he has already started training in the offseason when he is back in Latvia, but doesn’t participate in hitting and sparring sessions due to commitment towards basketball.

Kristaps Porzingis Shines in EuroBasket

Former Celtic Kristaps Porzingis is putting up decent performances in EuroBasket friendly games. The 29-year-old, who was traded to the Atlanta Hawks as a part of the three-team deal last month, Porzingis led team Latvia in a 109-105 loss over team Lithuania. In that game, he dropped 22 points and dished out five assists. Not only this, but he also led the side to a stunning 100-88 win over Slovenia.

In today's loss to Lithuania, Kristaps Porzingis finished with 22 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds.

Latvia was +12 in his 26 minutes. https://t.co/3gtt3wfdFH
— Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) August 14, 2025

In that game, Porzingis dropped 20 points, while grabbing six rebounds, and two assists. Notably, the last time Porzingis stepped on the court was for the Celtics during the playoff run that ended in Eastern Conference Semifinals. He has battled an undisclosed illness for the majority of the playoffs which affected his performance on the court in a very negative way. However, his recent run comes as a positive sign for the Hawks.

Dana White

Kristaps Porzingis

UFC 319

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.