On a raucous Saturday night in Salt Lake City, the line between NFL grit and octagon violence blurred once again. Former New York Jets linebacker Anthony Wint needed just 23 seconds to dismantle previously undefeated Lucas Armand in the heavyweight prelims of UFC 332 on October 3, 2026, keeping his perfect professional record intact and sending a jolt through the combat sports world. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Wint’s swift TKO victory wasn’t just another win—it was a statement that football toughness translates seamlessly into the cage.
From Practice Squad to Punching Power
Wint’s journey is the stuff of gridiron legend. An undrafted free agent in 2018, he signed with the Jets and spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad before finally seeing action in the team’s second-to-last regular-season game. He made his mark with one tackle and a forced fumble in New York’s 44-38 overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers—a flash of the disruptive athleticism that now fuels his MMA career. After being waived the following year, Wint signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL, but the pandemic canceled the 2020 season and he opted out of his contract. Rather than fade away, he resurfaced in 2023 as a mixed martial artist, ripping off six straight wins before earning a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2026. There, he knocked out Matt Adams in 34 seconds, then fought again just 11 days later, submitting Terrance Chatman in the first round. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, that relentless activity set the stage for his UFC 332 masterpiece.
The 23-Second Storm
Wint entered the bout as a 5-foot-11, 236-pound fireplug against the 6-foot-2½, 263-pound Armand—a size discrepancy that seemed to favor the towering Frenchman. But the former Jet wasted no time erasing that advantage. As soon as the fight began, Wint unleashed a barrage of punches, dropping Armand with a vicious left. One more right hand landed before the referee stepped in, halting the contest at the 23-second mark. Armand, who had been 6-0, fell to 6-1. The victory improved Wint to 9-0 overall and 2-0 in the UFC. “It feels great,” Wint told Joe Rogan during the post-fight interview on the Paramount+ livestream. “But I do not care about this cage. I’m going to tell you that. I’m trying my hardest to love doing this.” That brutally honest admission only adds to his mystique—a fighter who dominates despite not fully embracing the sport.
Calling Out the Future
During his interview with Rogan, Wint made it clear he wants a quick turnaround, targeting a fight in 40 days. He also called out Sean Sharaf, the man who shocked the combat sports world on September 19 by knocking out Olympic gold medalist and WWE signee Gable Steveson in just 12 seconds. Whether Sharaf accepts is uncertain—he hinted at retirement after his monumental victory—but Wint’s willingness to chase the biggest names shows a champion’s mindset. As highlighted on Vulius, this is a former NFL linebacker who refuses to back down from any challenge, whether on the gridiron or in the octagon.
The NFL-to-UFC Pipeline
Wint is far from the first football player to test his mettle in MMA. The most notable is Greg Hardy, 38, a former defensive end who played for the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys. Hardy compiled a 9-6 MMA record with seven knockouts, going 4-5 in the UFC. He last fought in July 2026, knocking out Joseph Holmes in the third round at Peaking Fighting 53. Austen Lane, 38, another defensive end who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears from 2010 to 2014, is 13-8 with 11 knockouts and a 1-5 UFC record. He last fought in March 2026, losing his third straight. Zac Pauga, 38, a former Houston Texans fullback in the 2011 preseason, is 7-4 overall and 1-3 in the UFC, with recent bouts in Dirty Boxing Championship and Karate Championship. All have competed as heavyweights, and all have discovered that NFL-caliber athleticism gives them a puncher’s chance—but Wint is proving to be the most successful convert yet.
What’s Next for Wint?
With his blend of speed, power, and football-honed aggression, Anthony Wint is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing stories in MMA. At 31, he has plenty of time to climb the heavyweight ranks. The question is whether his heart truly lies in the cage—or if the NFL might come calling again. For now, fans can only marvel at a former practice-squad linebacker who is now knocking out undefeated heavyweights in less time than it takes to run a 40-yard dash. Stay tuned to Vulius for all the latest on Wint’s incredible journey and the growing NFL-to-UFC pipeline.
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