UFC Extended Brain Health Study Partnership Through 2030
The Las Vegas-based research project at the Lou Ruvo Center will continue tracking long-term head trauma.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Stroke
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Local athletes and professionals enrolled in the long-running brain health study will continue receiving care through 2030 following a new partnership extension announced by the UFC. The effort, which is hosted at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, monitors the effects of repetitive head trauma among active and retired competitors.
Why it matters
The study remains a critical resource for understanding the long-term impacts of head impacts and potential risk factors for CTE. Researchers aim to use this extended window to identify new diagnostic biomarkers and begin testing potential treatments.
The study has enrolled 900 active and retired athletes since 2011, backed by $3 million in total financial support from the UFC. While funding is secured through 2030, researchers are still searching for definitive predictive biomarkers for brain health.
The players
UFC
The Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts organization has provided over $3 million to the brain health study since 2011.
Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health
This downtown Las Vegas facility conducts the multi-year study on repetitive head trauma in athletes.
WWE
The professional wrestling organization has joined the study as a financial contributor and participant.
Zuffa Boxing
The boxing organization is participating in the study to assist in tracking long-term brain health outcomes.
The details
The Professional Athletes Brain Health Study provides participants with annual brain health assessments and MRI scans at the Lou Ruvo Center. With the inclusion of WWE and Zuffa Boxing as new contributors, the scope of the study will expand its observation of protein changes in the blood following head impacts. Investigators plan to shift focus toward how lifestyle and environment affect the progression of CTE pathology.
Timeline
2009: Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health opened in Las Vegas.
2011: The Professional Athletes Brain Health Study was established.
October 8, 2026: UFC announced the multiyear extension of its research partnership.
Beyond the Strip
The Professional Athletes Brain Health Study has been tracking head trauma impacts at the Lou Ruvo Center since 2011. This extension marks the program's most significant commitment to date, ensuring data collection continues through the end of the decade.
Athletes participating in the study will continue their annual assessments and MRI scans at the downtown facility through 2030. The expansion of the program may provide more localized data for residents involved in combat sports and professional athletics.
The takeaway
The study continues to be a primary vehicle for understanding the long-term impact of head trauma in professional sports. Interested athletes should monitor the facility's website for updates regarding enrollment opportunities.
Further reading
For more on ongoing research into neurological health in our community, visit the Stroke section.
More information
To learn about joining the study, view the Lou Ruvo Center research participation info.
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