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When Christine Ferea, BKFC flyweight champion, first got involved in a brain health study almost a decade ago, it was more about making ends meet than thinking long-term. Participating in the Cleveland Clinic’s brain health program offered some extra cash in exchange for an MRI and a few tests. However, the study turned out to be life-changing, giving Ferea insights into her cognitive health as a fighter.
“I didn’t know what it was at first, and I went in and they do a brain scan on you, and it lets you know if your cognitive [function] is getting messed up, if your brain is damaged from the hits,” Ferea explained.
As part of the study, she undergoes regular scans and tests, ensuring her cognitive health remains intact despite the brutal nature of her sport. Ferea, who has displayed immense durability in her career, admits that understanding the toll of repeated head injuries has become crucial.
“If I’m starting to decline, I’m quitting. Period. I’m not messing with my brain,” she said.
Her participation in the study has been so impactful that she plans to donate her brain to science after her death to help researchers better understand conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Ferea’s commitment to brain health was heightened after fellow fighter Heather Hardy revealed she was retiring due to extensive head trauma. Hardy’s sobering words—
“When you have a concussion, a piece of your brain dies and you never get it back” struck a chord with Ferea, reminding her of the risks all fighters face.
While Ferea’s dedication to brain health hasn’t changed her fighting style, she remains clear about her priorities:
“If it gets bad, I’m going to stop. I love being champion, but it’s not worth not being able to remember my family.”
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