The Cincinnati Bengals made a notable addition to their roster in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting Dylan Fairchild, a 318-pound offensive guard, in the third round. The team’s search for a protector for quarterback Joe Burrow paid off with this promising rookie, known not only for his skills on the football field but also for his impressive wrestling background. Analysts recognize Fairchild’s potential to strengthen the Bengals’ offensive line, and his unique talents have recently caught the attention of mixed martial arts star Sean Strickland, who extended a surprising <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC invitation after their recent match.
Fairchild, standing 6-foot-5, gained recognition for his effectiveness in pass blocking during his collegiate career at Georgia, where he started 24 games over two seasons and earned Second-Team All-American honors. His arrival adds depth alongside veterans Scott Peters and Michael McCarthy, invigorating competition for key roles on the offensive line.
Expert Praise Highlights Fairchild’s Football and Wrestling Talent
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. expressed confidence in Fairchild’s abilities, stating,
“As a pass blocker, I thought Fairchild showed good technique. He has some force behind him and he anchors pretty well. So this kid’s got talent. He needs some coaching. … I thought the ability was there,”
underlining the young lineman’s raw skill and room for development.
Fairchild’s football prowess is complemented by a distinguished wrestling history. Before turning professional in football, he was a high school wrestling champion known for his dominant record, including two heavyweight state titles and an undefeated senior year with a 22-0 record at West Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia. Concluding his wrestling career with a 67-0 overall tally, Fairchild’s grappling credentials showcase a unique physical and mental toughness that resonates on both the football field and the wrestling mat.
Sean Strickland’s Remarkable Encounter With Dylan Fairchild
After recently competing against Dricus Du Plessis, UFC fighter Sean Strickland engaged in a wrestling session with Fairchild that quickly gained attention on social media for the surprising display of athleticism from the Bengals rookie. The matchup saw the 318-pound lineman give Strickland more trouble than expected, leading to viral praise from MMA fans and observers alike.
The official Championship Rounds social media account highlighted the unity of skills between the NFL athlete and the MMA star by suggesting a potential UFC career for Fairchild once his time in football concludes. The post noted,
“Sean Strickland wrestles with NFL offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild A 300+ pound man shouldn’t be able to hit an ankle pick like that.. When you’re done with the NFL… UFC??”
This public recognition brought a mix of humor and genuine admiration, echoed by the Bengals’ own X page, which responded playfully, “We drafted this guy,” accompanied by a smirking face emoji.
Strickland, candid about his challenge in containing Fairchild’s wrestling skills, commented on Instagram, “The man can wrestle,” emphasizing the rare level of ability Fairchild brings from his wrestling roots into his professional athletic career.
Impact on Bengals’ 2025 Season and Team Dynamics
With the 2025 season approaching, Dylan Fairchild is positioning himself as a vital asset on the Bengals’ offensive line, working alongside seasoned teammates like left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and center Ted Karras. His blending of wrestling skills into football techniques may grant Cincinnati an edge in physicality and technique when protecting Joe Burrow and advancing the line of scrimmage.
Fairchild’s presence further bolsters the team as he reunites with former Georgia teammate Amarius Mims, who has been vocal about Fairchild’s extraordinary strength and impact. Mims remarked,
“Strongest dude I ever met in my life. Pound for pound. He has that factor about him. Not just in a game, but in regular life. I feel bad if he gets his hand on a regular pedestrian just walking down the street. If it’s not a football player, he’ll probably (do damage),”
highlighting the imposing physicality Fairchild possesses beyond the playing field.
This powerful combination of skill and strength presents a fresh dynamic for the Bengals as they prepare strategies to maximize Fairchild’s role this season, anticipating significant contributions to both pass protection and overall team performance.
Future Possibilities: Beyond the Football Field
The crossover interest from the UFC in Fairchild’s talents opens an intriguing chapter in his athletic career, signaling potential for mixed martial arts opportunities after his football tenure. His unmatched wrestling foundation and adaptability indicate he could transition smoothly into combat sports if he chooses to pursue that path.
For now, the focus remains on Fairchild’s development and impact within the Bengals’ ranks, where fans and analysts alike are hopeful that his rare blend of size, skill, and wrestling technique will translate into a competitive advantage. The fusion of football and MMA capabilities embodied by Fairchild offers a glimpse into a new kind of athlete shaping the future of professional sports.