Thiago Tavares shifts from fighting to researching brain damage in athletes
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 12, 2026, 4:27 AM
Last updated Oct 12, 2026
Former UFC fighter Thiago Tavares, who retired in 2021, has become a practicing physician specializing in neurology. He is researching potential markers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) among 40 former UFC fighters who competed from 2010 to 2017. Tavares aims to utilize a helmet designed for electroencephalography to measure brain wave activity and analyze symptoms, hoping to find a reliable marker for CTE in living patients. His medical endeavors are intended to give back to the sport that supported his career.
- •Thiago Tavares retired from MMA in 2021 to pursue medicine.
- •He is studying CTE markers through brain wave measurements.
- •The project involves 40 former UFC fighters from 2010 to 2017.
- •Tavares plans to utilize AI in his research on CTE.
- •He aims to help future generations of fighters with his findings.
- 4:27 AMYahoo Sports — Former UFC fighter becomes doctor, now researches brain damage
- 4:27 AMSherdog — Former UFC fighter becomes doctor, now researches brain damage
"Former Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight Thiago Tavares has embarked on a new challenge outside the cage.
"Former Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight Thiago Tavares has embarked on a new challenge outside the cage.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 12, 2026, 4:27 AMFormer UFC fighter becomes doctor, now researches brain damage
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight Thiago Tavares has embarked on a new challenge outside the cage.
- SherdogOct 12, 2026, 4:27 AMFormer UFC fighter becomes doctor, now researches brain damage
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight Thiago Tavares has embarked on a new challenge outside the cage.
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