Former Heisman Winner Johnny Manziel Wins MMA Debut by TKO
Manziel defeated influencer Bob Menery in just over two minutes at the Brand Risk 14 event in Las Vegas.
Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel made a successful transition to combat sports on Saturday night, stopping social media influencer and podcaster Bob Menery by technical knockout in the first round.
The bout served as the main event of Brand Risk 14, an influencer boxing promotion organized by internet personality Adin Ross. The event was hosted at the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas and streamed across YouTube, Kick, Twitch, and TikTok.
Fight Progression
The contest lasted just 2 minutes and 16 seconds of the opening round. The referee stepped in to halt the action with 44 seconds remaining on the clock.
Manziel opened the fight by landing body kicks before executing a takedown on Menery. From there, he transitioned to a mount position and delivered a series of hammerfists and punches. The referee stopped the match after Manziel landed multiple unanswered blows to a defenseless Menery.
UFC president Dana White was audibly heard laughing from ringside during the bout.
Fighter Backgrounds
Manziel, age 33, won the Heisman Trophy in 2012 as a freshman quarterback for Texas A&M. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Over two seasons, he played in 15 games, recording 1,675 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Released in 2016, he later played in the Canadian Football League and the Alliance of American Football.
Menery, age 38, is known for comedy videos and sports broadcasting. According to Menery, Manziel outweighed him by approximately 30 pounds.
Post-Fight Statements
After the bout, Manziel stated that this was likely his last MMA fight.
Menery expressed disagreement with the referee's stoppage, claiming he was not hurt, though he acknowledged that Manziel "dominated the fight."
Other Event Results
In a separate match on the same card, former NBA player Lance Stephenson defeated former NBA player Michael Beasley via first-round submission.