It has been a little over four months since Bellator MMA veteran Jordan Parsons was killed in a hit and run accident.
However, the fighter has now become the first professional MMA fighter to be diagnosed with CTE, better known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. He was only 25 years old as of his passing, the autopsy was performed by the Dr. Julia K. Kofler, an associate of the world famous Dr. Bennett Omalu.
Omalu recently spoke with The Globe about the findings, now linking MMA to the world of professional football, hockey and others when it comes to CTE.
"These findings confirm that the danger of exposure to CTE is not limited to just football, hockey, and wrestling,'' Omalu said. "Mixed martial arts is also a dangerous sport, and it's time for everyone to embrace the truth.' As a scientist, a physician, and a person of faith, I beg everybody involved with these sports to come together and identify the problems and find solutions.”
Bellator MMA President Scott Coker, in response to the findings of Dr. Omalu, issued the following statement to The Globe:
"Jordan was a shining star in this sport and a beloved member of the Bellator family who we miss very much and we continue to honor through the ‘Jordan Parsons Memorial Scholarship Fund,'" the statement said. “Bellator MMA is committed to the safety of our fighters and has been a strong supporter of the Cleveland Clinic [Professional Fighters Brain Health Study] for the last few years.''
Dennis Wright, the man who is responsible for the hit and run death of Parsons, is facing several felony charges in connection with the incident.
