Sherdog’s Top 10: Stick-and-Ball Crossovers

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8. Matt Mitrione

From an early age, Mitrione found it difficult to decide between football and combat sports. In high school, he fought in Toughman contests, finishing second in one tournament while also shining on the gridiron.

Mitrione went on to attend Purdue University and started 35 consecutive games for the Boilermakers at defensive tackle. His stint in college was not enough to result in his being drafted, but he was eventually offered a contract with the New York Giants. Following a series of foot injuries, he was cut by the Giants in 2004 and then enjoyed brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings; Mitrione was released by the Vikings six weeks into the 2005 season. Mitrione made the move to MMA after then Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth invited him to fight in his Capitol City Cage Wars promotion. The fighter in Mitrione obliged, and he trained with UFC veterans Chris Lytle and Jake O’Brien in order to prepare.

Nicknamed “Meathead,” Mitrione entered the Ultimate Fighting Championship following his appearance on Season 10 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Since opening his career at 5-0, Mitrione has gone 2-3, with losses to Cheick Kongo, Roy Nelson and Brendan Schaub. The 36-year-old faces a stern test in September, when he meets the monstrous Derrick Lewis.

Number 7 » Shawn Jordan