Former NFL quarterback and college football star Johnny Manziel was back in the spotlight on Saturday, but not on the football field.
The 33-year-old stepped into the ring on Saturday night at the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas as the co-main event, put on by Kick streamer Adin Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions.
Manziel was pitted against 38-year-old influencer and podcaster Bob Menery, securing a first-round victory via referee stoppage.
He was able to land some body kicks early on before landing a takedown on Menery. That’s where Manziel gained control and let out a barrage of punches, knocking out Menery’s mouthpiece and securing the first-round win.
After the victory, Manziel told ESPN he likely won’t be fighting again.
“This was good enough for one time,” he said.
In 2012, Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 3,706 yards and 26 touchdowns while leading Texas A&M to an 11-2 record.
A number of other matches featuring celebrities were held on Saturday, including an MMA bout between former NBA player Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley.
In this battle, the two exchanged a few jabs before Stephenson secured a successful takedown. Beasley tried to use a guillotine choke, but Stephenson got out of it and got behind Beasley.
There, he was able to put Beasley in a chokehold and secure the win via submission.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
