Manziel and Stephenson secure MMA debuts at UFC Apex

Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel and former NBA player Lance Stephenson secured victories in their mixed martial arts debuts at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday, 23 May. The event, organised by Brand Risk Promotions and featuring a card of social media personalities and former athletes, saw both competitors win their respective bouts in the first round.

Manziel defeated sportscaster Bob Menery by referee stoppage after 2 minutes and 16 seconds. The former Heisman Trophy winner delivered strikes to Menery’s face, causing the 38-year-old influencer to lose his mouthpiece, which contributed to the official’s decision to halt the contest. Manziel, 33, stated to streamer Adin Ross that this performance was likely his final MMA fight and was observed requiring a cigarette post-match.

In the co-main event, former NBA player Lance Stephenson defeated fellow ex-NBA player Michael Beasley by submission after 1 minute and 26 seconds. Stephenson secured the victory by wrapping his opponent’s arm around his neck until Beasley tapped out. The win was characterised as revenge for a previous one-on-one basketball game that Beasley had won against Stephenson.

Singer Ray J was knocked out by DeWayne "Supah Hot Fire" Stevenson in the second round. Stevenson dominated the early stages of the bout before delivering a blow less than 30 seconds into the second round that rendered the singer unconscious. Ray J expressed shock at the outcome, telling Stevenson after the fight, "I thought we had a plan."

The event card featured additional results including victories for No Neck Jay by referee stoppage, Jeremy Smith by unanimous decision, Dom The Troll by submission, Antonio Williams by majority decision, AP The Fighter by unanimous decision, Deshawn Prather by unanimous decision, and Alvin Varmall Jr by TKO. Rules regarding the event specified that elbows and knees to the head were considered illegal.