Former NFL Player Anthony Wint Just Did Something Crazy in the UFC — 11 Days After His Last Fight

Anthony Wint didn't exactly take the traditional route into the UFC.

The former New York Jets linebacker earned his UFC contract just 11 days before stepping into the Octagon for his official debut.

And after what happened Saturday night in Sacramento, UFC fans may want to remember his name.

Wint submitted Terrance Chatman by first-round arm-triangle choke, putting together another finish in what has suddenly become one of the fastest-moving UFC careers in the heavyweight division.

From the NFL to the UFC in a Matter of Days

Wint's story is unusual even by MMA standards.

The 30-year-old heavyweight played linebacker at Florida International University before signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

He eventually appeared in two NFL games, recording a tackle and forcing two fumbles before being waived. A planned move to the Canadian Football League was then disrupted when the 2020 season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That's when Wint's career took a completely different direction.

He turned to MMA.

After making his professional debut in 2023, Wint steadily built an undefeated record and eventually earned his opportunity on Dana White's Contender Series.

Then Came the 34-Second UFC Contract Win

On August 11, Wint faced Matt Adams on Dana White's Contender Series.

He didn't need much time.

Wint stopped Adams in just 34 seconds, earning himself a UFC contract and extending his professional record to 7-0. UFC officials immediately highlighted his physical strength and finishing ability.

But Wint wasn't interested in taking a long break after earning his contract.

After the victory, he made it clear that he wanted to fight again immediately.

The UFC listened.

Eleven Days Later, Wint Was Back

Just 11 days after stopping Adams, Wint walked into the Octagon for his UFC debut against Terrance Chatman at UFC Sacramento.

That kind of turnaround is rare.

Most fighters who earn a UFC contract on Contender Series have to wait for their official debut. Wint instead went straight from earning his contract to fighting on one of the UFC's upcoming cards.

The UFC itself highlighted the unusual turnaround before the fight, noting that Wint had essentially demanded an immediate opportunity after his Contender Series victory.

And he didn't disappoint.

Wint Finishes Chatman in Round One

Chatman initially managed to defend Wint's takedown attempts and even threatened with a kimura during an early scramble.

But Wint's physical strength eventually took over.

He secured control, transitioned into an arm-triangle choke and forced Chatman to go unconscious before the opening round was over.

It was another finish for Wint—and another reminder that the former football player has serious power and athleticism.

His UFC debut ended before the first round was finished.

He's Now 8-0 as a Professional

With the victory over Chatman, Wint improved his professional MMA record to 8-0.

Even more impressive is how frequently he's been finishing opponents.

Before joining the UFC, Wint had already built a reputation for quick finishes, including three consecutive first-round stoppages. The UFC had described him as an undefeated heavyweight with significant physical tools and the potential to make noise in the division.

Now he has two wins in just 11 days.

Both ended inside the first round.

But Can He Do It Against UFC's Best?

That's the question.

Wint's start has been spectacular, but the heavyweight division is a completely different challenge once the competition level rises.

His athletic background gives him an obvious advantage in explosiveness and physical strength. His football career also means he's no stranger to contact, pressure and high-level competition.

But MMA requires much more than athleticism.

Wint is still relatively new to the sport, and eventually he'll have to prove that his striking, wrestling, conditioning and submission defense can hold up against experienced UFC heavyweights.

That's where his real test begins.

From Getting Cut by the Jets to Winning in the UFC

Perhaps the most interesting part of Wint's story isn't even what happened in Sacramento.

It's how quickly his career changed.

He once described being cut by the New York Jets as an extremely emotional moment. Instead of giving up on professional sports, he eventually found another path through MMA.

After years of building himself as a fighter, he went from earning a UFC contract on August 11 to winning his UFC debut on August 22.

That's a remarkable transformation.

And now, after two finishes in 11 days, Anthony Wint has given UFC fans a reason to start paying attention.

The former NFL linebacker is undefeated, physically imposing and finishing everyone in front of him.

The next question is simple:

How far can Anthony Wint go in the UFC?