As a professional MMA fighter, I’ve always been taught to push through pain. That mindset became second nature—until it almost cost me everything.
During a match a few months ago, I took a brutal kick to the head. I was dazed, but I kept fighting. I finished the bout, thinking I had toughed it out like a true warrior. But after the fight, doctors told me I had a concussion and strongly advised me to take a break from training for at least a couple of months.
I didn’t listen.
Instead, I kept training—light at first, then full sessions. I thought staying active would keep me sharp, but all I was doing was making things worse. The headaches got stronger, my balance started slipping, and I couldn’t focus. Eventually, it got so bad that I was forced into complete bed rest. No gym. No sparring. No activity. Just silence and recovery.
Lying there, completely still, I had nothing but time to think. And the truth hit hard: I messed up. I let pride and stubbornness overpower common sense. I should’ve listened to the doctors. I should’ve let my brain heal.
Now, I tell every fighter and athlete I meet—rest isn’t weakness. It’s part of the process. If your body’s injured, especially your brain, the strongest thing you can do is slow down and give it time. Recovery isn’t just physical—it’s mental discipline too.
I regret not listening sooner. But I’ve learned my lesson the hard way: no fight is worth more than your health. And sometimes, the toughest battle is knowing when to stop.
Lawrence Hopkins
