Manziel defeats Menery by TKO in MMA debut

Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel made a successful transition to mixed martial arts on Saturday night, defeating social media influencer Bob Menery by technical knockout in the first round of their light heavyweight bout at Brand Risk 14 in Las Vegas.

The fight, held at the UFC Apex, lasted just over two minutes. Manziel took Menery down in the opening minute, moved to full mount, and unleashed a series of punches and elbows that forced the referee to stop the contest at the 2:15 mark of the opening round.

The event, promoted by streamer Adin Ross, was relocated from Miami to Las Vegas after receiving approval from UFC CEO Dana White. The exclusive, invite-only crowd included musician Chris Brown, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, and UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland.

White had generated additional interest during fight week by publicly doubting the matchup would happen. He revealed he placed a $10,000 bet that Menery would withdraw from the event entirely.

Weight concerns had emerged in the days before the fight. Menery, who is shorter and lighter than Manziel, posted on social media that he was struggling to add weight while suggesting Manziel might come...