Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson vs. James Harrison: Former NFL stars will fight in exhibition MMA fight

CNN
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Former NFL stars Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and James Harrison will compete in a mixed martial arts (MMA) exhibition bout in New Orleans next year, the pair announced on social media Wednesday.

Johnson first broke news of the fight, which was set to take place before Super Bowl LIX, by writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, “I'm so excited.”

However, the length of the fight appears to be a point of contention. Johnson initially said it was a three-round fight before Harrison said it would actually be five rounds.

The pair have already traded barbs, with Johnson telling Harrison: “I beat you in round 1, so don't worry about the other 4. I'll stick with it.”

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Harrison responded, “You won’t be able to stand when I’m done with you.”

The prospective fight won't be the first time Johnson has stepped into the ring. In 2021, as part of the undercard for the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Logan Paul, he faced MMA fighter and boxer Brian Maxwell in a four-round boxing match.

Johnson had an 11-year career in the NFL, most of which was spent with the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished his career with the New England Patriots.

The former wide receiver had 766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns in 166 games. He was named a Pro Bowler six times and first-team All-Pro three times.

Harrison, on the other hand, enjoyed a 15-year NFL career, most of which was spent with the Steelers. Considered one of the league's most fearsome defenders, he won two Super Bowl rings with the team and was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro twice.