Full Breakdown
Johnny Manziel to Box Bob Menery on May 23 at UFC Apex
5/8/2026, 1:08:35 PM
Fight Overview
Former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel will meet social-media influencer Bob Menery in a boxing bout on May 23. The contest is scheduled for the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and is promoted by Brand Risk Promotions, a company run by streamer Adin Ross. The match is billed as Event 14 in Brand Risk Promotions’ series of celebrity bouts. The event will be hosted by UFC chief executive Dana White.
Background
Manziel, the 2012 Heisman recipient from Texas A&M, was drafted 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2014. He appeared in 15 NFL games, throwing for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions before his 2016 release. He later played in the Canadian Football League, the Alliance of American Football and Fan Controlled Football, and participated in those leagues during 2021-2022. Brand Risk Promotions has previously staged celebrity fights, including a 2025 bout featuring former NFL running back Le'Veon Bell.
Fight Details
The bout will occur inside the UFC Apex arena, normally used for mixed-martial-arts events. Although it is not an official UFC fight, White’s involvement gives the match a UFC-affiliated platform. Manziel’s NFL-era measurements were 6 ft 0 in and 210 lb; his current weight may differ. Menery’s weight has not been disclosed, and his height is reported as either 5 ft 9 in (Tennis.com) or 5 ft 7 in (IMDb).
Official Statements & Responses
Dana White publicly stated that he would wager $10,000 on Menery’s failure to appear and described Menery as someone who “never does anything he says he’s going to do.” White also confirmed he will host the event at the Apex, providing a UFC-affiliated stage.
Criticism & Opposition
Hosting the bout at a UFC venue blurs the line between exhibition and professional competition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Menery’s height is listed as 5 ft 9 in in Tennis.com and 5 ft 7 in in IMDb. Early reports placed the fight in Miami, but the venue was later confirmed as the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Menery’s weight has not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Menery hits me up and says, 'Who are you betting on?' I said, 'I'm betting on you don't even show up, that's my bet,'” — Dana White, UFC CEO (Instagram, April).
- “Menery never does anything he says he's going to do. … There's no way 49 percent of people believe in Bob Menery and that he's going to show up.” — Dana White, UFC CEO (Instagram, April).
What’s Next
The bout will take place on May 23. Post-fight coverage is expected from sports-news outlets and social-media platforms, and Brand Risk Promotions may announce follow-up events based on audience response.
