Former Heisman Trophy recipient Johnny Manziel entered the mixed martial arts arena for the first time on Saturday, prevailing over digital content creator Bob Menery at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Manziel, age 33, swiftly overcame Menery, landing multiple kicks prior to bringing him to the ground. The ex-Texas A&M luminary subsequently maintained Menery’s prone position, striking him repeatedly. As Menery was defenseless and had lost his mouthguard, the official concluded the bout at 2 minutes and 16 seconds into the opening round.
Despite his rapid victory in the octagon, Manziel indicated later that this combat appearance would probably be his only one.
“This experience served its purpose for a single occasion,” he stated, as reported by ESPN.
The previous NFL initial-round selection possessed a physical advantage in terms of stature and mass against Menery, age 38, recognized for his humorous Instagram clips, vocal performances, and media work. Menery offered minimal opposition, promptly adopting a defensive posture as Manziel launched an assertive assault.
The contest between Manziel and Menery functioned as the secondary headline event on a UFC Apex program organized by online figure Adin Ross and his Brand Risk Promotions. This fight roster, broadcast across YouTube, Kick, Twitch, and TikTok, also showcased various other confrontations involving digital influencers.
During an additional highlighted bout, ex-NBA athletes Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley likewise competed. Stephenson triumphed over Beasley through a submission in the opening round.
Manziel secured the Heisman Trophy in 2012, marking him as the initial freshman to achieve such distinction. He completed passes for 3,706 yards and 26 scores, guiding the Aggies to an 11-2 standing under Coach Kevin Sumlin. He enhanced those statistics the subsequent year, accumulating 4,114 passing yards and 37 touchdowns. Nevertheless, Manziel placed fifth in the Heisman ballot, behind victor Jameis Winston.
The Cleveland Browns chose Manziel as their top-round selection (22nd pick overall) in 2014. Over two playing years, Manziel commenced eight contests and participated in 14, tallying 1,675 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
The Browns let him go subsequent to the 2015 campaign, following which he competed for the Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats within the Canadian Football League, alongside the Memphis Express from the short-lived Alliance of American Football.
