Things are getting interesting for Steelers legend, James Harrison. The former Defensive Player of the Year has not slowed down in retirement as the physically fit legend plans to keep his domination going. He will be stepping into a new sport in the coming months, MMA. No, it's not wrestling or boxing, but it will be a mixed martial arts exhibition match. That is something completely new for Harrison.
One of the biggest surprises is the opponent he will be taking on. Chad Johnson, formally known as Chad Ochocino will be the man on the opposite side of this fight. How this seems fair is beyond comprehension.
Harrison remains a muscular behemoth while Johnson has always been slender. It seems like an easy win could be on the horizon for Pittsburgh's representative in this fight.
Iām fighting James Harrison in a exhibition MMA format 3 round bout in New Orleans before Super Bowl, Iām so excited š
ā Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) October 2, 2024
The actual date of the exhibition fight has not been officially announced yet. Johnson posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that it will take place before the Super Bowl. Expect this to occur during the first week of February if the schedule aligns. MMA is a massive sport that continues to grow, and it just got bigger with the NFL fanbase.
Johnson has been talking a lot of smack, but Harrison should be primed for a win. Things are already getting chippy.
You not go be able to stand once I get done with you. https://t.co/Qxnq2A9tNA
ā James Harrison (@jharrison9292) October 2, 2024
Steelers legend's upcoming fight seems unfair for his opponent
Two former professional athletes enter a new sport during their retirement from football. Both are 46 years old and are willing to dive headfirst into this opportunity. Harrison has been retired from the NFL since 2017 and hasn't played for the Steelers since that year. Johnson was out of the NFL by 2012 and retired from the game of football following the 2017 season when he played in Mexico.
Harrison has remained in his legendary shape since retiring from football. It seems like he could jump onto Pittsburgh's defense and still provide quality snaps if he wanted to. He has remained busy after retiring from football. The former linebacker has found some work as an actor. Harrison was featured on episodes of Heels and S.W.A.T. The MMA is a new endeavor for the former Pittsburgh player.
When you look at weight class alone, Harrison has a huge advantage over Johnson heading into this fight. Johnson might be slightly taller, but he weighs over 40 pounds less according to most recent listings.
How Johnson can overcome that will be interesting to see, unless these two can get their weight class closer. This could be a beatdown for Johnson.
Fighting is not something unfamiliar to Johnson as he gets ready for this showdown. He does have boxing experience after an exhibition match that he competed in during May of 2021. It has been a long time since, but MMA is a different beast than boxing. It will be interesting to see how Harrison and Johnson battle it out during this fight. Steelers fans will show interest as Harrison is a beloved figure.