Former first-round NFL draft pick Johnny Manziel made a successful start to his MMA career over the weekend. The Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M competed in the co-main event for Brand Risk Promotions' MMA event on Saturday against sports media influencer Bob Menery.
Although neither Manziel nor Menery had significant prowess or experience in the ring, the former Cleveland Browns star set the tone early. Manziel began with a running knee attempt before striking Menery repeatedly with kicks to the back and abdomen. At one point, an over-eager Manziel tried for a knockout blow but missed with his right hand and slipped. Menery attempted to counter but missed his punch before Manziel took him down.
As Manziel sat on the influencer's chest, he delivered hammer punches repeatedly. After 44 seconds, the referee intervened and stopped the fight. Menery appeared visibly upset that the fight was halted, despite leaking blood from a forehead cut.
The influencer shared a photo of his forehead on his Instagram story, captioning it: 'Holy f***. I retired 0-1. I kept fighting. I tried. He had 30 pounds on me. But pummeled me. I told you it made sense (Johnny Manziel) to do.'
Manziel jokingly responded, 'We both fight like s***, Bobby Boy. Respect for getting in there though. I was trying to write OVO on your forehead.'
In the second event of the night, musician Ray J was knocked out by YouTube comedian Supa Hot Fire.
