The difference with boxing and UFC is the athletes know they are getting into the ring/cage and a significant point of contact will be with their head.
While hockey and football are physical sports, it can be argued that head shots in both can be avoided, and that the game can be played physically without contact to the head (for the most part). Further, someone who decides to play hockey doesn't go into it thinking that their brain might get scattered. UFC and boxing athletes absolutely go in knowing that they can be knocked out.
Two totally different things and one reason why boxing/UFC isn't involved in these CTE studies. The athletes there know and essentially accept the risk they're taking.
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