The idea that pugilism leads to traumatic brain injury is nothing new. Even by the 1950’s it was well-trodden ground among the boxing faithful. Once known simply as being ‘punchy’ or ‘punch drunk,’ modern science has taken a keener eye towards concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (or CTE) as a result of sports competition.
Much of the current research into these injuries is centered around the NFL, as fresh data suggests that the number of pro football players suffering from CTE may be staggeringly high. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not still a haunting problem in the combat sports world.