Former NFL great Chad Ochocinco is serious about a mixed martial arts debut to bring a new angle to Super Bowl week.
Ochocinco, one of the greatest NFL wide receivers of all time, has dipped into combat sports since leaving the gridiron. He made his boxing debut in 2021 on the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul card, fighting to a draw against Brian Maxwell.
Since his exhibition boxing debut, the often-brash Ochocinco has made some headlines in MMA circles. After former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje for the BMF belt in April, Ochocinco called him out, claiming he’d “thump” him.
While a fight with Holloway will likely never happen, Ochocinco has turned his attention towards one of his former NFL rivals. Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison, who battled with Ochocinco numerous times in their careers, is Ochocinco’s callout target.
Chad Ochocinco slams ‘scared’ James Harrison
In a recent interview with The Schmo, Ochocinco updated on where things stand between him and Harrison.
“We’re going to find out, we’re going to see if he backs out,” Ochocinco said. “Knowing James, he’s probably scared of me, probably s****ing bricks right now. I’m ready, it’s all on him.
“Openweight, I don’t need [a] weigh-in. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Take him into deep waters, probably around Round 4 or 5, guillotine.”
As of this writing, Harrison hasn’t responded to Ochocinco’s fight prediction. The two have verbally agreed to an MMA fight in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX next year.
Chad Ochocinco targets MMA debut in latest post-NFL venture
After initial contention over the fight details, Ochocinco and Harrison seem to be on the same page regarding a five-rounder versus a three-rounder. As of this writing, nothing has been formally booked nor announced regarding the all-NFL fight.
Ochocinco is one of the most accomplished wide receivers in NFL history. He was a two-time first-time All-Pro with the Cincinnati Bengals and set numerous franchise records.
Holloway has called out UFC greats Georges St-Pierre and Tito Ortiz in recent years. But, he has yet to follow up his trash talk with action in securing an MMA debut.
Harrison won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers as one of the most feared linebackers in the NFL during his prime. He retired from professional football in 2018 after a comeback attempt with the New England Patriots stalled.
The Bengals and Steelers have always been heated rivals in the AFC North division. If Ochocinco vs. Harrison comes to fruition, the latest chapter in their storied rivalry will be written.
