White Says Crosby Could Be UFC Champion

Dana White believes Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby would hold a UFC title if he had trained mixed martial arts from childhood.

The UFC president made the claim following Tuesday's Contender Series event, where former New York Jets linebacker Anthony Wint earned a contract with a 34-second ground-and-pound finish over Matthew Adams. Speaking at the post-fight press conference, White pointed to Crosby as an example of NFL athleticism translating to cage success.

White's Belief in Crosby's Potential

"When you look at a lot of these guys that play in the NFL, if they… Imagine if Maxx Crosby trained in MMA since he was a kid, he would be a world champion right now," White said, per Sherdog. "And I believe that to my core. And I know a lot of stuff about Maxx Crosby that you guys don't know."

White, who is friends with the Raiders star, drew the comparison as Wint became the latest in a long line of football players to cross over. The list includes Greg Hardy, Matt Mitrione, and Dominick Reyes, all of whom competed at the NFL level before switching sports. Josh Hokit, who had stints with the 49ers and Cardinals, has posted three finishes in four UFC wins since debuting last year.

White said he plans to book Wint on the UFC Sacramento card scheduled for Aug. 22.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Dana White says Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby could be UFC world champion