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Former UFC Fighter Donates Brain to Science

Former UFC fighter Julie Kedzie has pledged to donate her brain to science, contributing to research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Learn about her decision and the importance of studying brain conditions in sports.

Topic Summary
Julie Kedzie’s Decision Former UFC fighter Julie Kedzie has decided to donate her brain to science, contributing to research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Kedzie hopes her donation will shed light on the unique perspective of female athletes.
The Importance of Research The Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) has seen an increase in brain donations from athletes, but most research has focused on male brains. Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder of the CLF, urges more women to contribute to the study of brain conditions in sports.
Kedzie’s Continued Involvement Julie Kedzie currently works as a fight commentator and interviewer for Invicta Fighting Championships, continuing her involvement in the sport.

Former UFC fighter Julie Kedzie has made a significant decision to donate her brain to science. Kedzie, who retired from mixed martial arts in 2013, has been open about her struggles with depression and other symptoms related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated head trauma. In an interview with BBC Sport, Kedzie expressed her willingness to contribute to research on CTE and advance the cause of women in the sport. The Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) has seen an increase in brain donations from athletes, but the majority of research has focused on male brains. Kedzie hopes that her donation will shed light on the unique perspective of female athletes. Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder of the CLF, has called for more women to follow Kedzie’s lead and contribute to the study of brain conditions in sports. Kedzie currently works as a fight commentator and interviewer for Invicta Fighting Championships.