Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel surprised the sports world by making his debut with a victory in mixed martial arts (MMA), defeating content creator Bob Menery by knockout in the first round at a function held at the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas.

More than a decade after his last appearance in the NFL, the former Heisman Trophy winner once again tasted victory, although this time off the gridiron and inside an octagon, where he showed aggression, control and power in his first official fight in contact sports.

Johnny Manziel dominates his MMA debut with knockout in 2:16

The fight between Johnny Manziel and Bob Menery was part of the billboard of Brand Risk Promotions, a company owned by streamer Adin Ross, known for organizing confrontations between celebrities, influencers and former athletes in boxing and MMA.

From the beginning of the fight, Manziel took the initiative. The 33-year-old former quarterback landed kicks to the body, achieved an effective takedown and controlled the fight from the top position, punishing with blows in the “full mount” position.

The dominance was total until the referee stopped the fight at 2 minutes and 16 seconds of the first round, declaring victory by technical knockout in MMA for the former NFL player.

After his victory, Johnny Manziel left the door open to never fighting professionally again:

“This was enough for one time,” the former quarterback said.

From the NFL to the Octagon: Johnny Manziel's unexpected turn

His time in the professional league was brief. In two seasons he had 1,675 passing yards and seven touchdowns before being released by Cleveland in 2016 during the preseason.

Subsequently, Manziel attempted to continue his career in other leagues, including the Canadian Football League, without managing to establish himself again in professional American football.

In recent years, his figure has remained in the media spotlight, including his participation in the Netflix documentary series “Untold”, in the episode titled “Johnny Football”, released in 2023.

Brand Risk Promotions promotes fights between celebrities and former athletes

Johnny Manziel's debut in MMA took place under the characteristic format of Brand Risk Promotions, which has gained notoriety for organizing events where sports personalities and content creators face each other.

The evening in Las Vegas also included another eye-catching fight on the card: former NBA players Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley starred in an MMA duel in the co-main event.

In that fight, Stephenson managed to win by submission in the first round, reinforcing the media appeal of an event focused on recognized figures beyond traditional sport.

Johnny Manziel and a debut that generates conversation in contact sports

Johnny Manziel's MMA debut opens a new chapter in the career of the former quarterback, now a recurring figure in sports entertainment events.

Although Manziel himself suggested that he does not plan to continue in mixed martial arts, his victory by knockout in Las Vegas already places him in the conversation about athletes who have successfully crossed between sporting disciplines, even if only occasionally.

For now, the former NFL player leaves the octagon with a resounding victory, on a night that once again put his name in trend within the world of sports and entertainment.