Chad Johnson Says He's Agreed to MMA Fight with James Harrison Before NFL Super Bowl

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson said this week on social media that he agreed to have an MMA exhibition fight against former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

In a post on X, Johnson wrote that it would be a three-round bout taking place in New Orleans during Super Bowl LIX weekend in February 2025:

Johnson, also known as Chad Ochocinco, has remained relevant since last playing in the NFL in 2011, as he currently serves as a panelist on Inside the NFL and co-hosts the Nightcap podcast with fellow former NFL player Shannon Sharpe.

The 46-year-old Johnson was among the best wideouts of his era, racking up 766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns in 11 NFL seasons with the Bengals and New England Patriots.

A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro, Johnson was known for his flashiness and showmanship on the field, which are qualities that could conceivably make him an entertaining MMA fighter.

However, at 6'1" and 188 pounds, it is fair to wonder if he would be able to measure up to Harrison physically.

Harrison, 46, was a dominant force during his 14-year playing career with the Steelers, Bengals and Patriots.

He was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, as his 84.5 career sacks rank 69th on the NFL's official all-time list. Harrison was also a five-time Pro Bowler, two-time First Team All-Pro, two-time Super Bowl champion and one-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

The 6-foot, 242-pound Harrison is well known for his intensive workout and weight training routines, and they contributed to him being one of the most feared players in the NFL during his playing days.

Harrison has been out of football for seven years at this point, but given his demeanor and the aggressiveness he always displayed on the field, he would have to be considered a huge favorite against the much thinner Johnson.

Should the MMA bout actually come to fruition, it will pit two former players against each other who had their fair share of battles in the AFC North.

Johnson played in the division with the Bengals from 2001 to 2010, and Harrison was with the Steelers for nearly that entire timeframe as well.

While Johnson was usually dealing with cornerbacks and Harrison was trying to outwork offensive linemen, they were up against each other on opposite sides of the ball many times, and now it sounds as though they may come face to face inside a cage.