Jordan Parsons, who was a Bellator fighter, is the the very first MMA fighter who has ever been publicly diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a report says that was published Thursday by Boston Globe
Dr. Bennet Omalu has informed the Boston Globe of Parsons' official diagnosis. Omalu is a forensic pathologist who first found CTE in a pro football player in 2003 and a pro wrestler in 2007.
CTE is a progressive degenerative brain disease found in those who have had severe or repeated blows to the head. Colloquially, it has been known as "punch drunk." CTE can only be officially diagnosed through direct tissue examination post mortem.
Sadly, Parsons left the world at the age of 25 on May 4th due to a hit and run accident.
CTE has been involved in lawsuits against WWE and other sports such as the NFL.
Below is what Omalu had to say about the findings.
"These findings confirm that the danger of exposure to CTE is not limited to just football, hockey, and wrestling. Mixed martial arts is also a dangerous sport, and it's time for everyone to embrace the truth."
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