As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, the Denver Nuggets, fresh off their first NBA title, are gearing up to defend their championship with a unique addition to their training regimen: jiu-jitsu.
The defending champs have taken their talents to the Easton Training Center, a renowned jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai gym in Denver. Here, they are honing their skills in jiu-jitsu, adding a new dimension to their basketball prowess.
This move signifies a conscious effort by the Nuggets to enhance their physicality and agility on the court. Jiu-jitsu training incorporates takedowns, guard passing, and various grappling techniques, all of which can be applied to improve their overall performance.
After a historic 46 years in the league, the Denver Nuggets clinched their first NBA title in the previous season. Their victorious journey included defeating formidable opponents like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers during the Western Conference playoffs. Ultimately, they secured their championship with a convincing 4-1 series victory over the Miami Heat in the 2022-23 NBA Finals, led by two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic.
In another exciting development, Jamal Murray, a key player fresh off the Nuggets’ triumphant championship season, recently showcased his versatility by taking on a unique challenge against none other than UFC Featherweight Champion, Alexander Volkanovski.
The UFC champion, renowned for his dominance in the featherweight division and his high-ranking status on the UFC pound-for-pound list, faced off against Murray in an intriguing contest. Volkanovski accepted the challenge to submit Murray within a tight 60-second window, despite Jamal Murray’s lack of formal training in mixed martial arts or grappling.
Surprisingly, Murray managed to withstand Volkanovski’s submission attempts, including a last-minute guillotine choke, emerging victorious in this unconventional challenge. This achievement demonstrates Murray’s remarkable resilience and adaptability, as he outlasted a seasoned MMA champion like Volkanovski.
It’s worth noting that Alexander Volkanovski’s affinity for the Denver Nuggets is no secret. In a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, a former UFC champion, Volkanovski proudly proclaimed his support for the Nuggets, showcasing the strong connection between MMA and basketball.
As the Denver Nuggets embark on their journey to defend their NBA championship, their incorporation of jiu-jitsu into their training regimen adds an exciting and unique dimension to their preparation, highlighting the evolving intersection of sports disciplines.
