Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, Nevada – The octagon at the UFC APEX is set to host an unconventional yet highly anticipated main event this Saturday, as social media personality Bob Menery prepares to face off against former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. The bout, organized under Adin Ross’s Brand Risk 14 banner, caps a night of influencer-driven combat sports that also features a clash between former NBA stars Michael Beasley and Lance Stephenson. The main event, scheduled for 11 p.m. ET, will be broadcast live on YouTube, drawing significant attention from both sports and internet culture audiences.
The rivalry between Menery and Manziel has simmered for an extended period, originating during their time together in the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league. Menery, a podcaster and influencer known for his distinctive voice and outspoken personality, was an owner of the FCF team, the Zappers, for which Manziel played. It was during this tenure that tensions between the two men escalated, leading to public disagreements and ultimately setting the stage for their upcoming confrontation.
In a final pre-fight address on Friday, Menery issued a stark warning to Manziel, blending elements of past camaraderie with a fierce competitive resolve. "I love you so much," Menery began, adopting a surprisingly affectionate tone. "You’re one of my best friends. I’ve made you so much money. I want to go easy on you, but I can’t. I can’t. I can’t go easy on you. But I love you. You’re a good kid. I love Johnny. He’s one of my best buddies, but I’m going to probably f*cking kill him at the end of the day." This statement, characteristic of Menery’s often hyperbolic and provocative style, underscores the deep-seated nature of their animosity despite a veneer of friendship.
Neither Menery nor Manziel possesses any professional combat sports experience, introducing an element of unpredictability to the contest. However, Manziel’s athletic pedigree is undeniable, stemming from a storied, albeit tumultuous, career in American football. His journey began spectacularly in 2012 when, as a redshirt freshman quarterback for Texas A&M University, he captivated the nation with his electrifying play. That season, Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual award, accumulating 3,706 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 1,410 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns. His dynamic, improvisational style earned him the moniker "Johnny Football" and propelled him to national celebrity.
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Following another impressive season in 2013, Manziel declared for the NFL Draft and was selected 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2014. High expectations surrounded his arrival, but his professional career proved short-lived and riddled with challenges. Over two seasons with the Browns, Manziel appeared in 14 games, starting 8, completing 147 of 258 passes for 1,675 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He also added 259 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. His time in Cleveland was marred by struggles with consistency, off-field issues, and a lack of commitment, ultimately leading to his release in March 2016.
Post-NFL, Manziel continued to pursue professional football opportunities, albeit with limited success. He had stints in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes, and later played in the Alliance of American Football (AAF) before its collapse. His most recent foray into organized football came with the Fan Controlled Football league, a startup venture featuring a 7-on-7 format where fans vote on play calls in real-time. It was here, as a marquee player for the Zappers, that Manziel’s path intersected with Menery’s, an owner known for his active involvement and commentary on team affairs. Details surrounding the exact nature of their conflict remain somewhat opaque, but it is understood that disagreements over Manziel’s performance, commitment, and overall conduct fueled the growing friction between the two. Menery’s mention of "I’ve made you so much money" in his pre-fight remarks hints at potential financial or business-related disputes that may have contributed to their fractured relationship.
Despite his lack of combat experience, Menery expressed unwavering confidence in his preparations and outcome. "Many things could happen," Menery acknowledged, "I think that every situation I’ve ever gone through in my head – because I take this extremely serious – any situation I’ve gone through in my head, I’ve not seen one way that I’ll ever lose." However, he did concede one potential threat posed by Manziel’s unique athletic background. "But if I ever get hit with a – he’s got one motion. He can throw a football down the field, really hard. He’s got that motion. That means you’ve got a good overhand right. You avoid that, you’re good." Menery’s assessment highlights a common observation in crossover combat sports, where athletes from other disciplines might possess raw power or specific biomechanical advantages that translate unexpectedly into striking prowess. Manziel’s powerful throwing motion, honed over years of high-level football, could indeed translate into a potent overhand right, a punch that could potentially end the fight if landed cleanly.
The gravity of the impending clash, at least from Menery’s perspective, was further emphasized by his grim prediction. "My final prediction is one of us will be going to the hospital. 1000 percent, somebody will be at to the hospital." This statement underscores the perceived danger and the high stakes involved for both participants, regardless of their amateur status in the boxing world. Such rhetoric is common in influencer boxing, where a blend of genuine animosity and promotional theatrics often blurs the lines between sport and entertainment.
The Brand Risk 14 event itself is part of a broader trend of influencer-led combat sports, a phenomenon that has gained considerable traction in recent years. Streamers and content creators like Adin Ross have leveraged their massive online followings to produce events that combine the spectacle of celebrity feuds with the raw excitement of fighting. These events often feature participants with varying degrees of athletic background, from former professional athletes like Manziel, Beasley, and Stephenson, to pure internet personalities. While often criticized for their technical shortcomings compared to professional boxing or MMA, these events consistently draw millions of viewers, captivated by the drama, the personal narratives, and the sheer unpredictability of seeing familiar faces step into the ring.
The undercard bout featuring former NBA players Michael Beasley and Lance Stephenson is another testament to this trend. Beasley, a former No. 2 overall draft pick, played for multiple NBA teams, showcasing a potent scoring ability throughout his career. Stephenson, known for his tenacious defense and often eccentric on-court behavior, was a key contributor for the Indiana Pacers. Both bring a competitive fire and a history of high-level athletic performance, albeit in a vastly different sport. Their clash adds another layer of intrigue and star power to an event already fueled by the animosity between its main headliners.
As Saturday night approaches, the focus remains firmly on the main event. While Menery and Manziel may lack the refined technique of professional fighters, their personal history and Menery’s aggressive pre-fight declarations ensure a highly charged atmosphere. The outcome is genuinely uncertain, with Manziel’s natural athletic gifts pitted against Menery’s perceived dedication to training and mental fortitude. The UFC APEX, a venue typically reserved for the world’s elite mixed martial artists, will serve as the backdrop for a collision born of internet fame, old rivalries, and the enduring appeal of a good fight. The event is scheduled to commence at 11 p.m. ET on YouTube, promising a conclusion to a rivalry that has long captivated their respective fan bases.
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