NFL News: Chad Johnson announces MMA fight against Steelers legend

The Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers have had all sorts of memorable moments on the field over the years. The two AFC North teams are rivals and whenever they face off, bad blood often arises.

But it appears the rivalry is now leaving the field and heading towards the ring. Former Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco revealed he will compete in an MMA match before the Super Bowl. His opponent will be former Steelers legend James Harrison.

Johnson wrote about the upcoming competition on social media.

“I’m fighting James Harrison in a three-round MMA exhibition fight before the Super Bowl in New Orleans, I’m so excited 😆”

The two former players weren't finished talking to each other about the duel. Johnson took to social media to confront Harrison.

“I beat you by a hair in round 1, so don’t worry about the other 4. I’ll stay in business.”

Harrison then responded in a classic way that fans will likely remember.

“You won’t be able to stand when I’m done with you.”

The two former players know each other well from their time against each other. While there may not be any real bad blood between the two men, when they enter the ring, friendship is put aside for a while.

Assuming this fight actually happens, it won't be the first time Johnson has stepped foot in the ring. In 2021, he completed a four-round boxing match against fighter and boxer Brian Maxwell. This was part of the preliminary round for the highly anticipated fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Logan Paul.

Both players had solid careers, with Harrison winning two Super Bowl titles with the Steelers. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 and made the Pro Bowl five times.

Johnson is considered one of the smoothest route runners in NFL history. At the peak of his playing career, he was one of the better wide receivers in the league.

Over his career, he amassed 766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns. Johnson was named to the Pro Bowl six times and was selected to First-Team All-Pro three times.

This duel between the two former NFL rivals will be highly anticipated. Fans from all over the world will likely tune in to see what happens, providing some fun drama in the process.

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