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Former NFL Pro Shawne Merriman is not just a name on the gridiron. With a passion for MMA ignited during his career, Merriman has shifted gears, predicting that the next great heavyweight in MMA will emerge from the NFL ranks.
Merriman's journey into MMA began as a spectator, attending a UFC event headlined by Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell in 2005. Intrigued, he connected with MMA through FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer, incorporating it into his offseason training routine. Reflecting on his early experiences, Merriman shared,
"It was probably the most humbling [experience] that happened to me in my life."
Transitioning from NFL stardom to MMA entrepreneurship, Merriman founded Lights Out Xtreme Fighting in 2019, leveraging his gridiron nickname. His venture has thrived, recently expanding to include the Lights Out Sports streaming app, showcasing his MMA promotion alongside other sports.
With nearly two decades immersed in both NFL and MMA, Merriman believes the NFL will birth the next MMA heavyweight champ.
"There’s going to be a strong safety, a linebacker, a defensive end that says, ‘You know what? This is what I want to do,’" Merriman remarked, emphasizing the athletic prowess and mental fortitude cultivated in football as catalysts for success in MMA.
Despite few NFL pros making the leap to MMA, Merriman cites Greg Hardy as a notable exception. Hardy's transition, though controversial, underscored the potential for NFL stars to carve a path in MMA. Merriman acknowledged the financial allure driving this trend, noting, "The money’s there now," making MMA a viable post-NFL career option for top-tier athletes.
Merriman predicts a wave of NFL pros crossing over into MMA, citing conversations with players eyeing a future in the octagon. He emphasized the marketability of NFL names in MMA, foreseeing financial success for those leveraging their gridiron fame.
"He’s not going to climb that same ladder that most fighters will because he actually has a name and can sell tickets and pay-per-views," Merriman explained.
While Merriman refrains from setting deadlines, he anticipates NFL-to-MMA transitions to accelerate soon. He believes that a determined athlete from the NFL, committed to MMA, could rise to become a future champion.
"I see some of these guys who are curious, just popping in the gym and working," Merriman observed.
As Merriman continues to champion MMA's evolution, his vision underscores the potential synergy between football and MMA. With his expertise spanning both sports, Merriman's prediction of an NFL heavyweight champion in MMA signals an exciting crossover in sports history waiting to unfold.