Super Bowl LX: If NFL Stars Were UFC Fighters

By Cody Merrow | Fight Bananas

WHAT IS UP Fight Bananas family!

Okay guys, BUCKLE UP, because we’re doing something a little different today. Super Bowl LX is THIS WEEKEND and goddamn if I’m not fired up to watch Seattle Seahawks (-4.5, -230) take on the New England Patriots (+4.5, +190) in what should be an absolute BANGER of a game!

But here’s the thing though…as I was watching film and breaking down this matchup, I couldn’t help but think: “Man, if these NFL stars stepped into the octagon, who would they be?”

So let’s have some fun with this! I’m breaking down the key players in Super Bowl LX and giving you their UFC fighter comparisons. Trust me, you’re gonna want to read this one because some of these are SPOT ON! 🔥🔥🔥

Question for you to think about…what NFL player would have the best UFC career?

🥊 DRAKE MAYE = SEAN O’MALLEY

Listen, I don’t say this lightly, but Drake Maye is the Sean O’Malley of the NFL and it’s not even close!

Think about it – both young, supremely talented guys who came in with MASSIVE hype. Maye was the third overall pick with all the physical tools you could want (6’4″, cannon arm, mobility), just like “Suga” came into the UFC with flashy striking and that “it” factor that made Dana White’s eyes light up like dollar signs.

Here’s what really sells this comparison for me: both guys have had to deal with the pressure of expectations while still figuring things out at the highest level. O’Malley took some lumps early (that Chito Vera loss) before becoming champion. Maye’s first season in New England? Rough patches for sure, but you can SEE the potential oozing out of this kid!

And just like O’Malley has that confidence that borders on cockiness (in the best way), Maye carries himself like he KNOWS he’s that dude. The accuracy, the creativity, the ability to make something out of nothing – these guys are cut from the same cloth, baby!

The Patriots need Maye to have his moment this Sunday!

Drake Maye did this with a shoulder shattered into a trillion little pieces. Smithereens even! Wow. pic.twitter.com/08cMAHbAHT

— Mike Sullivan (@msully5433) January 27, 2026

🥊 SAM DARNOLD = DUSTIN POIRIER

Oh man, THIS might be my favorite on the list!

Sam Darnold being compared to Dustin Poirier is PERFECT. Why? Because both guys got counted out multiple times and somehow found themselves right back in championship contention!

Darnold was the “seeing ghosts” guy with the Jets, bounced around, and everybody wrote him off. Poirier got submitted early in his career, people questioned if he’d be champion material, then BAM,  multiple title fights and the “People’s Champion!”

Both are grinders who’ve seen everything and have that comeback story that makes you root for them. Plus both guys are TOUGH AS NAILS and willing to stand in the pocket and trade!

🥊 STEFON DIGGS = JOSE ALDO

WHOA. Okay, controversial take incoming, but hear me out!

Stefon Diggs is Jose Aldo and I’m willing to die on this hill!

Both legends who have been elite FOREVER. Aldo was the featherweight king for years, and Diggs has been one of the most consistent receivers in football for a DECADE!

Here’s what connects them: TECHNIQUE. Aldo’s leg kicks and tactical brilliance made him nearly untouchable. Diggs’ route running and understanding of coverages? CLINIC MATERIAL!

Plus both guys have that chip on the shoulder. Aldo felt disrespected by the promotion. Diggs bounced between teams but ALWAYS produces. Both are pros who let their work do the talking!

If Diggs has an Aldo-esque performance on Sunday, the Seahawks are hoisting that trophy!

Stefon Diggs was fired up before kickoff 😂😳

(📺 CBS) pic.twitter.com/UYaLSnZ4qm

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 25, 2026

🥊 JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA = CALVIN KATTAR

Jaxon Smith-Njigba being compared to Calvin Kattar might seem random, but stick with me!

JSN is a volume guy, not always flashiest, but gets OPEN and makes play after play. Kattar is the DEFINITION of a volume striker with beautiful boxing!

Both have that workmanlike approach. Kattar throws 200+ strikes and doesn’t take a round off. JSN runs routes with precision and consistency. Neither guy wows you with one highlight, but goddamn if they won’t piece you up with fundamental excellence!

Seattle needs JSN’s volume to overwhelm New England’s secondary!

THE REF PUT HIS LIFE ON TO LINE TO PROTECT JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA FROM THE FIGHT.

Have never seen anything like this before.

😭😭😭
pic.twitter.com/eWUAviZTyE

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) October 21, 2025

🥊 KENNETH WALKER III = JUSTIN GAETHJE

Oh baby, THIS is the one that gets me fired up!

Kenneth Walker III is Justin Gaethje and it’s so obvious!

VIOLENCE. EXPLOSION. RELENTLESS PRESSURE.

Walker runs like a man possessed,  one cut and BOOM, afterburners into the defense. Gaethje walks forward throwing BOMBS looking for the knockout! Both have that kill-or-be-killed mentality!

Walker led the NFL in broken tackles his rookie year because he REFUSES to go down easy. Gaethje has never been in a boring fight! The parallels are INSANE!

Walker can take it 60 yards on any touch. Gaethje can end your night with one hook. Both make you hold your breath!

If Walker gets loose on Sunday, the Patriots defense is getting GADOOSHED! 🔥🔥🔥

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🥊 RHAMONDRE STEVENSON = DERRICK LEWIS

OKAY GUYS, this one is TOO perfect!

Rhamondre Stevenson is absolutely, without question, Derrick Lewis and I will not be taking questions at this time!

Big, powerful, deceptively athletic, and capable of putting you to SLEEP when you least expect it! Stevenson is a load to bring down – the man weighs 230 pounds and runs like a bowling ball with Jets attached! Lewis? “The Black Beast” walks into the octagon at heavyweight and just starts swinging for the fences!

Both guys have that “my power is my technique” vibe. Stevenson doesn’t dance around – he hits the hole and PUNISHES defenders. Lewis doesn’t throw spinning stuff,  he throws RIGHT HANDS and UPPERCUTS and puts people on the canvas!

And here’s what I love about both of these dudes: the LOW-KEY FACTOR. Neither guy is going to give you a soundbite for the ages, but when it’s time to perform, they show up and do DAMAGE! Stevenson gashing defenses in the 4th quarter is the NFL equivalent of Lewis landing a walk-off knockout!

New England needs “Mondre” to channel his inner Black Beast and deliver some JUST STAND UP energy when things get tough!

🥊 MIKE VRABEL = RAY LONGO

And finally, we’ve got Mike Vrabel being the Ray Longo of NFL coaches!

For those who don’t know, Ray Longo is the legendary coach who’s been in the corner for fighters like Chris Weidman, Aljamain Sterling, and Matt Serra. The man KNOWS how to game plan, adjust mid-fight, and get the absolute best out of his athletes!

Vrabel? The same exact energy! This dude has taken the Patriots job and immediately had them competitive. He’s a former player who understands the trenches, relates to his guys, and isn’t afraid to make bold calls when it matters most!

Both guys have that “I’ve been in the cage/on the field” credibility that makes their fighters/players RUN THROUGH WALLS for them! And let’s be real – both are master tacticians who can scheme up game plans that make you go “HOW DID HE SEE THAT?!”

If Vrabel out-coaches Seattle’s staff on Sunday, we might be watching the birth of a dynasty, and you would do right to remember where you heard it first!

THE PICK 🎯

Alright guys, here’s the thing though – I’ve been going back and forth on this game ALL WEEK!

Seattle is favored for a reason (-4.5, -230). They’ve got the home field, they’ve got Darnold playing lights out, and that defense can GET AFTER IT! But goddamn if Mike Vrabel’s Patriots aren’t the scrappiest underdogs (+4.5, +190) we’ve seen in a Super Bowl in YEARS!

If I’m betting this fight,  I mean game,  I’m taking Patriots +4.5 because I believe in the Vrabel factor and I think Drake Maye is going to have his “breakout performance” moment on the biggest stage!

But straight up? Patriots 24, Seahawks 21 in an INSTANT CLASSIC!

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LET’S GO SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! 🏈🔥

Drop your picks in the comments and let me know which NFL-to-UFC comparison was your favorite! And don’t forget – whether you’re watching for the football or just the commercials, we’re all winners when we get to witness greatness!

– Cody Merrow
Follow me on X: @cody_merrow

Cody Merrow is the Live Producer of “The Anik & Florian Podcast” and “Remember The Show” in the MMA space, adding with “The Gresh & Anik Show” talking New England sports. Formerly of “The UG” aka MMA Underground as a media member and social director and lead writer for the “Pound 4 Pound Podcast” newsletter. Cody is an avid golfer (15 handicap) and father to a King Charles Cavalier.