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

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7. Shawn Jordan

Jordan won a Bowl Championship Series national title under coach Nick Saban at Lousiana State University in 2007; he played in 40 career games as a fullback for the Tigers, scoring one touchdown as a junior. With fullbacks being utilized less and less in the NFL, Jordan was passed over in the draft and never locked down a roster spot.

After making the transition to MMA, “The Savage” made his pro debut in Bellator MMA and went on to rack up an 11-2 record before setting up shop in Strikeforce. Following a submission win against Lavar Johnson in September 2011, Jordan got the call to fight for the UFC.

Since then, Jordan has pieced together a 4-3 mark while competing against some of the better-known names in the heavyweight division. In wake of back-to-back losses to Gabriel Gonzaga and Matt Mitrione, Jordan righted his ship against Jack May at UFC Fight Night “Bader vs. St. Preux” on Aug. 16, stopping the 6-foot-8 CSW export on third-round punches.

Number 6 » Josh Burkman