Former first-round NFL Draft pick Johnny Manziel made his debut in a new sport over the weekend. He took on the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Videos by FanBuzz
Manziel, 33, made his MMA debut at the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas over the weekend. He faced off with social media influencer Bob Menery, 38. This bout did not last long.
The former NFL player went full bore from the moment the opening bell sounded. He threw several punches and kicks, landing multiple in the process. He then took Menery to the ground.
The social media influencer attempted to lock up Manziel's neck, but the former football player slipped out and began throwing punches from a full mount while Dana White provided some commentary and laughs.
Johnny Manziel just stopped Bob Menery in the first round of their MMA fight
Dana White couldn’t stop laughing 💀 pic.twitter.com/9x98EqYsY1
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) May 24, 2026
The referee brought the fight to an end after 2 minutes, 16 seconds. This secured Manziel's first career MMA victory. Although he indicated it would be his last.
"I need a cigarette," Manziel joked during his post-race interview. He then said it "was good enough for one time" when discussing the topic of a return to the ring.
Long before taking on MMA, the Texas native spent two seasons playing college football for Texas A&M. He led the conference in completions and completion percentage in both seasons. He also led the conference with 4,114 passing yards and 37 touchdowns during his sophomore season in 2013. He won the Heisman Trophy before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Manziel landed with the Cleveland Browns as the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but he didn't last with the team. He only played in 17 games while starting 10. He threw for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions before the team cut him.
He then played for the the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League in 2018. He spent 2019 with the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football. He played in Fan Controlled Football in 2021 and 2022.
