Chad Ochocinco is seriously fighting a former NFL All-Pro in MMA

Crossover and novelty fights have become big business. Jake and Logan Paul, along with other online personalities like KSI, have paved the way, and they too have achieved success and notoriety through their efforts.

Chad Ochocinco has already dipped his toe into the combat sports pool, with an exhibition boxing match in 2021 on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Logan Paul. Now the 46-year-old all-time wide receiver-turned-online personality is aiming for a high-profile MMA fight.

His opponent is former Pittsburgh Steelers star, two-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champion James Harrison. If you are not a professional football fan and this name doesn't sound familiar to you. Here's a look at Harrison.

The fight is scheduled to take place on Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans.

Size isn't everything in martial arts, but it's impossible not to recognize that there is a huge difference in size and strength. Ochocinco spoke with Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe about the fight on his podcast and, as expected, the two had a humorous exchange on the topic.

Ochocinco said his preparatory work was “impeccable,” “similar to Khabib’s.” [Nurmagomedov].”

Ochocinco and Harrison exchanged some trash talk while watching the action from their time as opponents on the gridiron.

Here's a look at their back and forth on X, captured by Bleacher Report:

Ochocinco drew against Brian Maxwell in his only official match in martial arts. The fight was a boxing match, and while he secured a draw, Ochocinco was knocked down by a nasty right cross.

Take a look:

When it comes to pure toughness, Ochocinco will always check the box. He played 11 seasons in the NFL, getting hits like this and continuing to produce.

Ochocinco is also always in fantastic shape when it comes to muscle mass, so perhaps that speaks to his courage.

Harrison is also 46, but he went viral a few years ago when, at 42, he posted a video of himself pushing nearly a ton on a sled.

When Harrison played, he was considered one of the most powerful and ferocious defensive players of his time.

The man respectfully known as Deebo in homage to the legendary villain played by the late Tommy Lister on Friday has inspired highlight reels like the one below.

Make no mistake. Ochocinco and Harrison are elite athletes who can do things at 46 that most people can't do at 26 – let alone 40. Still, it would be silly to discuss this fight from a technical perspective.

If this fight comes to fruition, it's important to approach it with a different mindset than you would if you were watching the seasoned MMA pros in Salt Lake City, Utah at UFC 307 on a Saturday.