In a groundbreaking development for the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), UFC, one of the largest sports leagues in the world, has Cellular Performance Institute (CPI) to be their official provider for Stem Cell Therapy. This alliance is an industry first not only heralds a new era of athlete care in the octagon but also promises to revolutionize the standard of regenerative medicine around the world
How Does This Impact Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Ironically 2 of the Co-Founders of CPI, Scotty Nelson and Ed Clay are black belts in BJJ and have a deep history in the Sport.
Scotty Nelson is a BJJ pioneer and is the founder of On The Mat (OTM), the first American Bjj/MMA gear company. His brand was synonymous with BJJ and MMA throughout its inception in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. All the top athletes from Tito Ortiz to BJ Penn could be spotted with OTM Gear.
Ed Clay was a professional MMA fighter who founded Nashville MMA and brought world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Tennessee. Much like Scott, Ed had a deep love BJJ and started Gamness, a Gi company who at one point was the largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi company in the world.
With that being said, Ed and Scott have not forgotten their BJJ roots and understand that BJJ athletes often grapple with injuries and recovery setbacks. In fact many BJJ Legends are already under the care of CPI; Rafael Lovato, Eddie Bravo, Felicia Oh and Dean Lister, just to name a few.
Here’s what Scott had to say:
“From empowering fighters with my brands On The Mat and Lucky Gi as they faced rigorous challenges, to now pioneering their healing journey through advanced stem cell technology, the evolution has been profound. Since the early 2000s, my dedication to supporting UFC athletes has transformed into an impactful partnership, serving as the UFC’s official provider of stem cells. It’s a dream fulfilled! I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries, extending fighter careers, and ensuring the longevity of their combat journeys by reducing injuries.”
UFC and CPI
By providing its athletes with access to cutting-edge stem cell treatments, UFC is not only prioritizing the health and well-being of its fighters but also paving the way for a safer and more sustainable future for the sport..
Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President of UFC & WWE, aptly captures the essence of this partnership, stating, “We’re dedicated to providing our athletes with the best possible care, both inside and outside the Octagon.” His words underscore UFC’s commitment to fostering a culture of support and innovation—a commitment that resonates deeply with the values of the BJJ community.
Bjj Black Belt, Ed Clay, CPI co-Founder and former owner of Gameness Gis, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the potential of stem cell therapy to revolutionize athlete recovery in BJJ and MMA. With CPI’s state-of-the-art treatments, BJJ practitioners can now explore non-surgical alternatives for injury management, allowing them to stay on the mats and pursue their passion for grappling without compromising their long-term health.
The partnership will make its debut at UFC® 300: PEREIRA vs. HILL, a historic event that showcases the pinnacle of combat sports. For BJJ enthusiasts, this event offers a glimpse into the future of athlete care—a future where stem cell therapy plays a pivotal role in optimizing performance and enhancing recovery.
In a sport where resilience and perseverance are revered virtues, UFC’s partnership with CPI stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA. By prioritizing athlete health and well-being, UFC is not only shaping the future of combat sports but also reaffirming its commitment to the values that define our community—values of respect, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.