UFC President Dana White Sees NFL Star Maxx Crosby as Future Heavyweight Champion

Crosby's impressive physical attributes and combat sports training make him a promising contender in the UFC's heavyweight division.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

UFC President Dana White has expressed strong confidence in Maxx Crosby's potential to become a UFC champion. Crosby, a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, has been incorporating boxing and MMA training into his routine and has sparred with former UFC champions, indicating a serious interest in the octagon. White and other UFC executives believe that if Crosby maintains his health and athleticism, a move to MMA could be realistic within the next decade, with the possibility of him becoming a UFC heavyweight champion by 2030 or 2031.

Why it matters

Crosby's pursuit of both NFL and MMA goals exemplifies a trend among athletes aiming to cross over between physically demanding sports. His blend of football experience and fighting skills could inspire more athletes to consider similar paths, and his potential rise in the UFC would add a new dynamic to the heavyweight ranks and draw significant attention to crossover athletes competing at elite levels.

The details

Crosby, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds, has impressive physical attributes and has been dedicated to training in boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) alongside his NFL workouts. He has practiced with established UFC fighters such as Dominick Cruz and Sean Strickland, which underscores his growing experience in the MMA world. UFC executives, including Hunter Campbell, have publicly commented on Crosby's talents, suggesting that if he maintains his health and athleticism, a move to MMA could be realistic within the next decade.

  • Crosby currently plays as a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • Dana White and other UFC executives envision Crosby as a potential UFC heavyweight champion by 2030 or 2031.

The players

Dana White

The president of the UFC.

Maxx Crosby

A defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has been incorporating boxing and MMA training into his routine and has sparred with former UFC champions, indicating a serious interest in the octagon.

Hunter Campbell

A UFC executive who has publicly commented on Crosby's talents.

Dominick Cruz

A former UFC champion with whom Crosby has practiced.

Sean Strickland

A UFC fighter with whom Crosby has practiced.

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What they’re saying

“Maxx is a freak athlete with a lot of potential in MMA.”

— Dana White, UFC President (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

If Crosby chooses to transition into MMA after his NFL career, the judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

Crosby's pursuit of both NFL and MMA goals highlights the growing trend of athletes aiming to cross over between physically demanding sports. His potential rise in the UFC would add a new dynamic to the heavyweight ranks and draw significant attention to crossover athletes competing at elite levels.