Dylan Fairchild was picked 81st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, securing a four-year deal worth $6.4 million, including $1.3 million guaranteed. The former Georgia Bulldogs offensive guard aims to strengthen a Bengals offensive line that struggled in 2024, allowing 48 sacks—the 11th-highest in the league.
Rookie Competes for Left Guard Spot Amid Team’s Offensive Line Challenges
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor indicated that Fairchild will compete for the starting left guard position, as Cincinnati looks to improve its protection of the quarterback. After completing mandatory minicamp, the team has entered a break before training camp, during which Fairchild sought additional physical preparation with an unexpected training partner.
Training Session Highlights Fairchild’s Wrestling Expertise Against UFC Champion
During his off-time, Dylan Fairchild trained with Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion, showcasing his wrestling ability. Fairchild executed a gator roll and an ankle pick on Strickland, moves that surprised the UFC veteran and caught attention online. Strickland shared the exchange on Instagram, humorously commenting about Fairchild’s athleticism despite his size:
A 300+ pound man shouldn’t be able to hit an ankle pick like that.. When you’re done with the NFL… UFC??????
—Sean Strickland, Former UFC Middleweight Champion
The clip, shared by Championship Rounds on X, also gained widespread attention with over 5.5 million views and more than 110,000 likes on Strickland’s Instagram post, illustrating the viral reach of this unlikely crossover between football and mixed martial arts.
Fairchild’s Wrestling Background Underpins His Athletic Prowess
Though Fairchild is focusing on football in college and now professionally, his wrestling roots run deep. Before his time at the University of Georgia, he was a two-time high school state wrestling champion in Georgia. Jeff Sentell, who covers Bulldogs football recruiting, highlighted Fairchild’s dominance in wrestling during high school, posting footage from his state title match in 2021:
Congrats to All-American Georgia football signee @DylanFairchild6 for his assault on the 7A state heavyweight wrestling bracket this weekend. Mr. Fairchild is a dominant 2-time state champ. That kiss at the end was like something @RicFlairNatrBoy would do.
—Jeff Sentell, Football Recruiting Analyst
Fairchild finished his junior and senior wrestling seasons undefeated, with a combined 68-0 record. As a junior, he was 46-0 with 46 pins, while his senior year included a 22-0 record with all wins by pin, securing back-to-back state championships. Despite his wrestling success, Fairchild chose to focus exclusively on football in college, becoming a four-star recruit and a key contributor to Georgia’s program.
From Wrestling Champion to Nationally Recognized Football Player
Fairchild’s decision to prioritize football proved fruitful, culminating in two national championships and a second-team All-SEC selection in 2024. His wrestling skills complement his role as an offensive guard, providing agility and balance that translated well during his wrestling session with Strickland. Cincinnati Bengals fans will look for Fairchild to apply these strengths on the field as the team attempts to fix the offensive line’s weaknesses in the upcoming season.
Implications of Fairchild’s Unique Training Partnership
The interaction between Dylan Fairchild and Sean Strickland highlights an unusual but growing trend of athletes crossing training boundaries to enhance their physical skills. Fairchild’s wrestling proficiency impressing a professional fighter not only boosts his athletic profile but may also inspire other football players to explore varied training methods. As the Bengals prepare for the 2025 season, Fairchild’s versatility and physical conditioning could be pivotal in protecting their quarterback and stabilizing the offensive line.