Former mixed martial artist Gary Goodridge has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), also known as pugilistic dementia. Now the fighter has come forward with an emotional statement over the matter.
Goodridge is the first and only mixed martial artist to ever be diagnosed with pugilistic dementia. The debilitating condition is common within the world of boxing and kickboxing, with Muhammad Ali famously suffering from the condition after his storied career as a pugilist.
While Goodridge had a stunning career within MMA, the fighter first had a lengthy career in kickboxing. Goodridge potentially suffered his condition following trauma suffered during his time in kickboxing.
Taking to Twitter, Goodridge offered the following message on the matter:
“To everyone I am sorry for how I am now. I have been battling this. I honestly don’t wish to hurt anyone. I left an important part of myself in the ring. Please forgive my behaviour. You know me and know my character. The most sad and hurtful thing am not the person I want to be”
To everyone I am sorry for how I am now. I have been battling this. I honestly don’t wish to hurt anyone. I left an important part of myself in the ring. Please forgive my behaviour. You know me and know my character. The most sad and hurtful thing am not the person I want to be
— Gary H Goodridge (@garyhgoodridge) March 27, 2018
