During the NFL offseason, Cincinnati Bengals rookie offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild took advantage of the break to engage in a wrestling bout with former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, creating an unusual but captivating confrontation. The Sean Strickland wrestling showdown took place recently, showcasing Fairchild’s formidable wrestling skills and surprising the MMA star with his explosive agility.
How the Match Unfolded
The brief battle began with Fairchild attempting an arm bar, which quickly shifted into a single leg takedown attempt, though Strickland escaped it successfully. The intensity escalated when Fairchild then executed a rapid ankle pick takedown, catching Strickland off guard. Observers could hear a bystander exclaiming, “Oh sh*t!”, clearly taken aback by Fairchild’s speed and strength despite his 6-foot-5, 318-pound frame.
Strickland managed to roll out of the ankle pick but immediately found himself caught in a gator roll, which exposed his back and allowed Fairchild to score points in the shortened contest. The match concluded with both athletes sharing a high five and hug, displaying mutual respect for each other’s abilities.
Impressive Background of Dylan Fairchild
Dylan Fairchild’s wrestling skills are far from a surprise for those familiar with his athletic past. As a high school wrestler in Georgia, Fairchild was a standout heavyweight state champion with an undefeated 47-0 record in his junior year followed by a perfect 23-0 as a senior. His wrestling prowess helped him excel later as a multi-year starter on the University of Georgia’s tough SEC offensive line.
Following a distinguished collegiate career, Fairchild entered the 2025 NFL Draft and was selected in the third round by the Cincinnati Bengals. His transition to professional football is now complemented by this demonstration of his wrestling versatility when matched against an elite UFC athlete like Sean Strickland.
The Significance of This Cross-Sport Challenge
This wrestling bout between Dylan Fairchild and Sean Strickland highlights the unique skill sets athletes from different sports can bring to the mat, suggesting potential crossover potential. Fairchild’s wrestling background from high school and college not only commands respect but also challenges the stereotype about linemen lacking agility and technique in combat sports.
For Sean Strickland, encountering Fairchild’s rapid and technical moves serves as a reminder of how athleticism manifests differently in various disciplines. This brief showdown may inspire more athletes to explore training outside their primary sports during offseason periods.
“A 300+ pound man shouldn’t be able to hit an ankle pick like that.. When you’re done with the NFL… UFC??” — Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS)
“This man can wrestle,” — Sean Strickland