Raiders' Maxx Crosby Says He Won't Rule Out Future UFC Fight: 'I Truly Love It'

Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby is known for his intensity on a football field, so it's not a surprise to learn he would at least consider stepping into the octagon for a UFC fight at some point.

Speaking to TMZ Sports, Crosby explained he does boxing exercises as part of his NFL training and would be tempted to parlay that skill into a UFC bout in the future.

"Like, I truly love it," the three-time Pro Bowler said of fighting. "So we'll see, you know what I mean? If my heart desires it, and I want to go in there, s--t, I might. I'm not ever putting anything out the window."

In the lead-up to the 2023 season, Crosby said he spent time during the offseason sparring with former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. He later revealed that Strickland broke his nose during one session.

It's become fairly common for athletes and celebrities from outside of the combat sports world to try their hand at it, though it's not often done in mixed martial arts. Boxing, while not easy, is simpler than mixed martial arts with its various disciplines.

Crosby's affinity for mixed martial arts might push him to try that out if he were to get involved with combat sports, but starting in boxing and working his way up might be a smarter approach if he were to give it a shot.

He was frequently underestimated as a football player, which is how the Raiders got him in the fourth round of the 2019 draft, and has turned into one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, so perhaps underestimating his MMA ability is foolish.

For now, though, Crosby will continue in his primary job of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks for the Raiders.