From 2006 to 2013, Martin Kampmann was a staple of the UFC. Unfortunately, concussions forced the now 34-year-old to retire from active competition.

Now, Kampann has a simple message for young fighters: Take it easy in the gym.

“I think if I could give any advice to younger fighters, probably limit your hard sparring,” Kampmann said during an appearance on MMAjunkie radio. “I stopped because I didn’t want to get any more concussions because that will mess with your head a little bit. I had a couple of fights where I wasn’t giving myself enough time to heal up before I took the next fight. I think that messed me up, for sure.”

Kampmann compiled a 20-7 professional record, going 11-6 in the UFC octagon. He also picked up five bonuses for his thrilling performances in the world’s premier MMA organization.

The unfortunate reality of the wars he had in the cage – and the gym – was that he paid the price in brain injuries. Even now, almost three and a half years since his last fight, Kampmann deals with the after-effects of those concussions.

“I feel healthy as long as I get my sleep,” Kampmann said. “I’ve been down to the gym, but if I do five rounds of sparring, I’ll get a headache. That’s why I don’t go spar. … When you start having headaches from little things, that’s a good sign you’ve been pushing it.”

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