The 104th season of the National Football League kicks off this Thursday in Kansas City, where the Chiefs will face off against the Detroit Lions. In celebration of the new season, we’ve created NFL teams composed entirely of UFC fighters. Now, I know this may sound crazy, but bear with me as I explain the inspiration behind this idea.

Over the years, we’ve witnessed several former NFL players successfully transition into MMA, with names like Herschel Walker, Matt Mitrione, Greg Hardy and Austen Lane, who is set to compete this Saturday at UFC 293 in Sydney. However, the reverse journey, from MMA to American football, remains an uncharted territory.

Despite the initial absurdity of the concept, it sparked an enjoyable discussion among us about which prominent UFC fighters might hypothetically thrive in the NFL. To approach this task properly, we quickly recognized the need for specific requirements and guidelines for each position.

So, how do you determine which UFC athletes could make the leap into a sport so different from their own? It required considerable thought and creativity on our part. It’s essential to keep in mind that this is all in good fun, based on our personal opinions and guidelines. You’re more than welcome to devise your own criteria.

Our approach involved examining the attributes NFL scouts seek for each position and translating those attributes into their potential use in mixed martial arts. For instance, we equated tackling in the NFL to takedowns in the UFC. Surprisingly, many attributes overlap between the two sports, such as vision, speed, strength, and footwork, even though they serve different purposes.

In this article, we’ll cover six positions in total – three on offense and three on defense. For each position, we’ll outline the traits and attributes that NFL scouts typically look for in a player and then explore how these attributes relate to MMA, and select a fighter based off that. Now, let’s kick things off by delving into the quarterback position.

1. Quarterback

NFL Player: Strong arm, good decision-making, advanced knowledge of the game, good hand-eye coordination, and leadership.

UFC Fighter: Strong jab or certain singular punch, high fight IQ, good hand-coordination, and championship material.

BRANDON: I want to preface my picks noting that I am the least educated observer regarding football between the three of us. However, my team pick was by far the best last season, so I’ll let that speak for itself. This year I’m taking the brash, yet precise Sean Strickland for the QB slot.

It’s easy to get lost in his ability to talk trash and play mind games, which makes him a super fun interviewee at press conferences. Yet behind all the personality, Strickland is a very structured and efficient striker. You know what he is going to do, but it’s incredibly difficult to stop. He marches forward, shells up and jabs you into oblivion. Keeping it simple and consistent could lead to longevity in the NFL.

Stricklands outward personality could also make him a valuable leader on and off the field, firing up the guys in the locker room with die-hard loyalty to his team. While known for his divisive comments at times, he could just as easily be the rallying member of the team in the typical leadership position of QB.

JON: I’m going with Jamahal Hill; with him, I see a lot of the intangibles you’d want in a QB. He has the size, the athleticism, and the arm talent. Not just with power, but he throws from angles that aren’t common, and that allows him access to windows that aren’t there for other guys. He might not have all the tools yet, but every time he’s out there, he shows improvement.

He has the bravado you want to lead your team, the confidence to face anyone, and took the harder road to the league with Dana White’s Contender Series – and lastly, he’s just a winner. That’s all he has done in his whole career. Even in his loss, he wouldn’t quit; the referee had to step in. He still needs some more big wins to separate himself from other star quarterbacks, but he has the potential to be the best.

NATE: I’m going with the big lefty, Alex Pereira. While he may not have the seasoned experience, his potential is reminiscent of a rookie quarterback entering the league. Pereira combines impressive raw talent with the readiness to step onto the field right now.

His agility and footwork make him a dual-threat quarterback, capable of both running and passing effectively. Additionally, his robust physique equips him to withstand hits from opposing defenses. Of course, we can’t overlook the sheer power he wields in his left arm, promising an absolute cannon of a throw.

While Pereira might not be the most vocal leader, his dedication and serious attitude towards the game could compensate for this. These qualities may serve him well in the high-pressure role of a quarterback, which is undeniably the most crucial position in football.

2. Running Back

NFL Player: Speed or power (or a balance of the two), good vision (ability to see the field and blockers, figure out where the best path is), and ability to take a hit.

UFC Fighter: Good speed and power, good vision/strike defense, good takedown defense, stamina, good chin, and capable of going 5 rounds.

BRANDON: I’m going with “The Highlight,” Justin Gaethje, who could prove to be just that in the running back position. He is not afraid to put himself in harm’s way in order to secure the first down or game winner. Gaethje brings an immense amount of power and vision to the running back position which also cannot be ignored. He has an ability to lull the opposition into the type of game he wants to play which usually leads to him having his way in the fire fights.

I also wouldn’t put it past Gaethje to completely disregard the laws of physics and hurdle over a defender Najee Harris style, making him unpredictable for the opposition to track down and stop. At RB you need a guy willing to take a hit and put it all on the line, Gaethje is just that.

JON: The pick here for me is Rafael Fiziev, and the main reason is violence, violence, and more violence! Fiziev has that “run through a wall” mentality that you want in a running back. He plays with a level of intensity that makes most opponents attempt to take the path of least resistance to stop him. The problem is that he never takes a step back; he always pushes forward, and that would translate into pushing for extra yards. And he’s not all power; he has the finesse to set you up for a move later in the game. With said move, he’ll open a hole for him to finish off the play for a TD.

He has every move in the book and utilizes them all. Good luck slowing him down, and even with that, good luck taking him down, and once he sees blood, he’ll be running right at you for the rest of the game. We have seen a couple instances where his physicality has been matched and he’s worn down later in games, but those are few and far between.

NATE: I’m going with the wrecking ball, Alexander Volkanovski. Despite his relatively smaller size, his background in professional rugby and his previous weight of over 200 pounds prove his exceptional toughness, making him more than capable of taking on larger opponents. What sets him apart is his extraordinary vision, a crucial asset for a running back. Additionally, his remarkable endurance ensures he doesn’t tire easily, making him an exceptionally durable athlete.

While there may be concerns about his takedown defense, his recent performances, even against formidable opponents like Islam Makhachev, have showcased significant improvement in this aspect. What truly defines Volkanovski is his unwavering determination and refusal to quit. In a sport where every inch matters, having an athlete like “Volk,” who relentlessly pursues victory would be invaluable.

3. Wide Receiver

NFL Player: Speed, agility, ability to make sharp cuts and conserve speed, ability to catch, height and/or jumping ability, ultra-competitive, a diva personality.

UFC Fighter: Good speed/agility, very dynamic striker, uses creative angles to strike, flashy, and diva or big personality.

BRANDON: Middleweight king Israel Adesanya seems like a logical choice for wide receiver. He has good height and incredible athleticism. He has also been known to bring out the dog in him when needed (such as his interim title fight vs. Kelvin Gastelum and title rematch vs. Pereira).

Adesanya is also very tough to hit, boasting a strike absorption rate of just 2.88 per minute. All this combined could make Adesanya a major problem on the field once he catches the ball. Throw in the dynamic between him and Strickland at QB, and you’ve got must-see TV right there!

JON: I have to go with Ian Machado Garry for this pick! Although we haven’t seen him against the elite of the elite yet, the signs are there for him to be one of the best in the future. He’s quick, tall, controls the distance, and isn’t afraid of big moments. We’ve seen him get popped hard and go right back at his opponent. He also has the flashy ego that you see in some of the all-time greats. But with that, he backs it up, just like they do with his abilities.

He loves theatrics and thrives on creating viral moments, and because of that, sometimes you can tell he is only looking for the big plays, which can hinder his production. But he’s one of the best playmakers, and it hasn’t cost him a game yet. Like Hill, he’s very much a winner. He’s constantly training and looking for new techniques to get an advantage, and if he can keep ascending at the pace he is at now, he could very well become the face of the league.

NATE: My wide receiver is Leon Edwards. This guy’s got it all, and there’s a tenacity in him that’s hard to deny. When the games on the line, and you need someone to soar high and snatch that last-second Hail Mary pass, who else would you turn to but the last-second king himself?

He’s more than just talent; he’s a born winner. He has all the flash and footwork you love to see for the position. There could be concerns about his endurance over a grueling season, and you can’t help but worry about those physical defensive backs trying to jam or bully him. But here’s the secret sauce – with the right position coach who builds trust and a solid relationship, he can overcome those minor setbacks mentally and contribute to those big game victories.

4. Defensive Line

NFL Player: Size, ability to get past O-linemen either through power or finesse, speed, tackling ability, good trash talk game.

UFC Fighter: Big and athletic, powerful hands, good takedowns, aggressive, and a good trash talk game.

BRANDON: Simply put, Tom Aspinall is a problem on the defensive line. He’s got hands, speed, power, takedowns, submissions, and he’s 260 pounds. Thinking back to his fights with Andre Arlovski and Alexander Volkov, I see most offensive lineman having a very hard time keeping their QB and RB safe. Factor in his ability to move in and out at a moment’s notice, you’ve got potential star for a defensive tackle, so long as he can stay healthy! But if his most recent outing against Marcin Tybura taught us anything, it’s that Aspinall should never be counted out due to an injury/long layoff.

JON: Jailton Almeida is the one for this spot! This guy has the ultimate NFL build in terms of body and athleticism. He has the rare ability to use his speed as an edge rusher against guys his size and has the strength to get past the bigger guys in the middle. Casual fans might not recognize his name, but coaches of his opponents lose sleep over trying to game plan for him. His tackling ability is top tier, as is his effort. The guy is just restless and relentless with his rush and has multiple moves to get to the QB.

To me, his ability to get you down and finish off plays is honestly scary. Right now, he’s stuck in a tweener position where people are not sure if he should be playing to be stronger than the smaller guys or faster than the bigger guys. But he seems to be committed to playing in the middle with the heavier opponents. We still need to see what happens when he runs into a wall, but no one has been able to slow him down yet.

NATE: For my choice of defensive end, I’ve opted for Jon Jones. Football prowess seems to run in his family, as his older brothers, Arthur and Chandler, both excelled in the same position in the NFL.

Jones is the epitome of an edge rusher; his athleticism and speed would be a formidable challenge for opposing tackles. Once he secures his grip on the quarterback, I think his takedown and finishing abilities are truly exceptional. He also has a high level of finesse for a man of his size.

However, it’s worth noting that off-field and character issues could potentially surface. Yet, within a well-structured and tightly knit system that holds him accountable, Jones has the potential not only to thrive but also to evolve into a vocal team leader.

5. Linebacker

NFL Player: Tackling ability, good size/speed combo, ability to cover TEs and RBs, unreasonable desire to play through injuries.

UFC Fighter: Freakish strength, Speed that could compete at a smaller weight class, takedown abilities, maybe has fought or would fight through injuries, and just an all-round tough S.O.B.

BRANDON: Linebackers are usually tasked with seeing things others might miss on the field. Requiring them to be versatile and play through potential adversity. Dricus Du Plessis is nothing if not a guy who sees things others do not. Many people will count him out in a situation, only for “DDP” to prove he is EXACTLY where he belongs (see Darren Till, Robert Whittaker).

“DDP” is also one of the more durable guys, often finding himself on the losing end of the first couple of rounds, only to come back stronger at the end of the fight. This is a characteristic which will play dividends in the last few plays of the game were stopping the run or the Hail Mary pass is a must. Remember, the “s” is silent.

JON: “The Hangman,” Dan Hooker, is the exact type of person I want in the middle of your defense. He’s like a Bill Romanowski type, where he’s coming at you headfirst and has no regard for his own health if he gets you. He can match up with some bigger guys and even some smaller, fast ones. He doesn’t shy away from contact, sometimes to his downfall, but you can never say you’ve seen him give up on a play. He’s very much a field general and is like a coach in uniform.

He’s tall and rangy, trains with some of the best guys in the world, and on his best day, he’s just as good as anyone else in the league. You won’t see him using form tackles, but you will see him hitting everything early and often, high and low. He’s tougher than everyone on the field, and even if he broke his arm, he’d still grab on to you with it and try to stop you. He’s been on both sides of a beatdown plenty of times, but that’s why he’s not afraid of seeing his own blood – and if you’re not careful, he’ll take you out.

NATE: I’m going with the “Wolf,” Khamzat Chimaev. What stands out immediately is his extraordinary strength, toughness, and surprising speed relative to his size. His versatility also shines through as he has successfully shifted between weight classes, which I think would allow him to match pace with speedier opponents or hold his own against tight ends and offensive linemen.

However, discipline can be a concern, as maintaining composure and following assignments is crucial for a linebacker. But Chimaev’s exceptional recovery speed and unwavering intensity could compensate for this shortcoming. When on the field, expect a relentless effort to disrupt the opponent’s offense.

6. Safety/Defensive Back

NFL Player: Typically requires good tackling ability, good ability to read the field and determine where you should be to help, and ability to cover WRs deep.

UFC Fighter: Good blend of speed and strength, decent takedowns but largely relies on dynamic and counter striking to win, good chin, not afraid to get in a fire fight

BRANDON: Cory Sandhagen is a guy who can adjust to almost any problem put in front of him. That’s why I have him at safety/defensive back. You want to strike with him? He’ll take you down over five rounds and hold you. You want to wrestle him? He’ll pick you apart and then land the flashy flying knee. He’s adaptable. Not only that, but he can also fight through injuries, like he did against Rob Font.

Sandhagen isn’t the loudest guy on the field, but he lets his performance do the talking. He’s constantly adding new wrinkles to his game and sharpening the tools he has had for a while making him an ever-growing problem for the opposition. Good luck trying to keep up with “The Sandman.”

JON: This one is my super star pick, and it’s none other than Shavkat Rakhmonov. Oftentimes, the best DBs don’t always have great stats because quarterbacks just won’t throw towards them in fear of being picked off. Or even receivers won’t try to catch stuff over the middle in fear of being wiped out by a huge hit. Fear is a word I would associate with Rakhmonov. No one wants to match up with this guy. He’ll hit you hard from all angles; he can tackle soundly; he makes plays; and he isn’t afraid to take a risk to cause a turnover because he knows he can recover.

He’s not as popular as some other guys, but trust me, your favorite fighter is very aware of who he is. He really has no holes in his game, and it feels like just a matter of time before he’s a champion. Although his most recent matchup was closer, he still had his way. He’ll blitz, he’ll run stuff, and he’ll make several highlight plays. He’ll even go on an island with the best receivers in the league. At this point, he is almost begging for a challenge.

NATE: For my safety position, I’m choosing Marlon “Chito” Vera. He exudes the toughness required for this role. Marlon is incredibly dynamic, showcasing remarkable speed and athleticism. What stands out the most is his durability; he fearlessly takes and delivers hits.

While he might be slightly undersized for this position, his physicality compensates for it. Takedowns may not be his strong suit, but his high IQ and cerebral approach make him a dependable choice. Moreover, he has a knack for late finishes, often turning the tide when trailing in points. Keep an eye out for game-changing turnovers when you need them most.

Hope you all enjoyed this exercise! For more content you can check out our weekly audio podcast the “Knee On Belly MMA Podcast”. Also, make sure you check out our live show “The Kick Back” on the MMA Underground YouTube channel on Friday nights before every UFC pay-per-view. The next one will be this Friday, September 8 at 9:30 p.m. ET.