It’s been quite a while since fans got to see Johnny Manziel on the football field. For at least one night, he will be back in the spotlight again — a much different kind of spotlight.
Manziel is set to face social media personality Bob Menery in a celebrity MMA fight on Saturday in Las Vegas. The event, put together by streamer Adin Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions, features other celebrity bouts on the main card.
Manziel last played in the NFL more than a decade ago and was in the news as much for his off-field ventures as he was for his on-field production during his time in the league, but the former Heisman Trophy winner is betting that he can handle a social media star who rocketed to fame with voiceover videos on TikTok and Instagram.
Here are the details for the Manziel vs. Menery fight and the other notable names fighting on the card.
MORE: What is Johnny Manziel doing now?
Johnny Manziel vs. Bob Menery fight details
Manziel and Menery are set to face off in an MMA fight on Saturday, May 23 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, just a few blocks west of the Las Vegas Strip.
The main card is set to begin at 11 p.m. ET, though the estimated time of the Manziel vs. Menery fight is unclear.
Streamer Adin Ross put the card together through his Brand Risk Promotions, which brands Saturday’s card as Event 14. Brand Risk has previously hosted fights involving popular streamers, internet celebrities and even former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell.
The card is currently set to feature 11 fights, including five boxing matches and five MMA fights before the bout between Manziel and Menery. One of those fights features former NBA players Michael Beasley and Lance Stephenson, while the co-main event will see R&B singer Ray J take on YouTube viral sensation Supa Hot Fire.
The exact rules for the fight between Manziel and Menery aren’t clear. While it was originally reported that the two would face off in a boxing match, it will be an MMA-style fight between the two.
The weight limit also isn’t clear, but Menery said on social media that he is attempting to add 25 pounds to keep up with Manziel. “I have so many disadvantages in this thing. He’s got me by 25 pounds and I have to, like, just try to force myself to eat 24/7 for regulation s—,” Menery said.
MORE: Revisiting Manziel’s 2012 upset over Alabama, earning ‘Johnny Football’ nickname
Johnny Manziel vs. Bob Menery undercard
Here’s the full Brand Risk Promotions Event 14 card for Saturday night:
| Card | Fight | Event type |
| Main event | Johnny Manziel vs. Bob Menery | MMA |
| Co-main event | Ray J vs. Supa Hot Fire | MMA |
| Main card | Michael Beasley vs. Lance Stephenson | MMA |
| Main card | Johnathan “No Neck Jay” Webb vs. Shane Chance | MMA |
| Main card | Ryder Warbrick vs. Jeremy Smith | MMA |
| Main card | Dominick “Dom the Troll” Giannetto vs. Kyle Vazquez | MMA |
| Prelims | Antonio Williams vs. Haskell Rhodes | Boxing |
| Prelims | Gabe Silva vs. Malcolm Peck | Boxing |
| Prelims | Anthony Proctor vs. Ethan Stern | Boxing |
| Prelims | Andrew Garcia vs. Deshawn Prather | Boxing |
| Prelims | Britton Norwood vs. Alvin Varmall Jr. | Boxing |
The bout between Manziel and Menery is set to be preceded by 10 fights, including five boxing matches. The main card exclusively features MMA fights, with former NBA players Michael Beasley and Lance Stephenson facing off and Ray J facing Supah Hot Fire of viral YouTube fame.
Why is Johnny Manziel fighting Bob Menery?
Manziel isn’t a fighter, nor is Menery, who got his start doing voiceovers on social media. Nevertheless, both are set to square off at UFC Apex.
Money is undoubtedly part of the equation for both, as the card figures to pay well. Manziel and Menery have a prior connection, too. Menery co-owns an arena football team in Fan Controlled Football that Manziel happened to play for in 2021 and 2022.
While Manziel was considered undersized from an NFL standpoint, he stands taller than Menery, who is listed as anywhere from 5-7 to 5-9. Manziel is also five years younger than Menery. That doesn’t mean Menery won’t be prepared for the fight, but Manziel isn’t getting in there against a professional by any means.
How to watch Johnny Manziel vs. Bob Menery fight
- Date: Saturday, May 23
- Time: 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. PT)
- Live stream: YouTube, Kick, Twitch, X, TikTok
The main card is expected to begin at 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local time) from UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night. It’s unclear when the main event will begin.
The fight between Manziel and Menery, along with the full card, won’t air on cable but will be available to stream widely.
Streaming platforms Kick and Twitch are expected to carry the event, while Brand Risk Promotions is also expected to stream the fight live on YouTube, X and TikTok. Given Adin Ross’ streaming background and Menery’s popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok, the event is heavily geared toward those audiences.
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