STWF Sports | LAS VEGAS | May 5, 2026 — Former New York Jets linebacker Anthony Wint is preparing for the biggest opportunity of his mixed martial arts career after officially earning a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series this summer.

Wint, who briefly played in the NFL with the Jets organization in 2018, is scheduled to face Matt Adams on Aug. 11 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas as he attempts to secure a UFC contract and continue one of the more unique transitions from professional football to MMA in recent years.

The undefeated heavyweight enters the matchup carrying a perfect 6-0 professional MMA record and growing momentum after quickly establishing himself as a rising name on the regional fight scene.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Wint told ESPN. “I feel like I’m arriving at a point in my career where preparation and timing are finally meeting.”

Wint added that while his football background helped shape his athletic foundation, his growth as a fighter has become much deeper than simply relying on physical ability.

Anthony Wint’s Journey from NFL to MMA

“I’m still just scratching the surface,” Wint said. “I’ve spent years developing not only as a fighter, but as a man mentally, spiritually and professionally.”

For many athletes, transitioning from football to combat sports can be difficult because of the dramatic differences in conditioning, timing and technical discipline required inside the cage.

However, Wint’s rise through MMA has been impressive.

Since making his amateur debut in 2021, the former linebacker has quickly built a reputation for power and aggression. Five of his six professional victories have ended by finish, including four knockouts, highlighting the explosiveness that once helped him compete at the Division I football level.

Earlier this year, Wint captured a heavyweight championship in Fury FC, further elevating his profile ahead of his Contender Series opportunity.

Now, the 30-year-old finds himself one win away from potentially reaching the UFC.

The matchup against Adams could carry major significance given the current state of the UFC heavyweight division.

Unlike several other UFC divisions loaded with established contenders and elite depth, heavyweight remains one of the organization’s most open weight classes. The opportunity for fast-rising fighters to quickly climb the rankings remains very real for athletes capable of delivering highlight-reel finishes.

That reality is part of what makes Wint’s athletic profile so intriguing.

At 6-0 with proven knockout power and a professional football background, he already possesses the type of physical tools and marketability that often attract UFC attention.

Wint believes the Contender Series platform provides him the perfect stage to announce himself to the MMA world.

“Some people would say it’s better to go straight to the UFC, but I love the opportunity to perform in front of UFC CEO Dana White and earn it,” Wint said. “My plan is to walk in there and become an overnight star.”

Before beginning his MMA journey, Wint built his football career at Florida International University, where he developed into one of the program’s defensive leaders.

Despite going undrafted, Wint eventually signed with the Jets organization as a free agent and briefly appeared in the NFL before turning his focus toward combat sports.

His transition reflects a growing trend of former football players pursuing opportunities in MMA, where athleticism, toughness and explosiveness can sometimes translate well with proper technical development.

Still, success in MMA requires far more than physical gifts alone.

Wint has consistently emphasized the mental and spiritual discipline he believes has fueled his rapid development inside the cage.

That mindset will likely be tested on Aug. 11 when he steps into the spotlight of Dana White’s Contender Series, a platform known for producing pressure-packed performances and launching the careers of future UFC stars.

The UFC Apex environment offers little room for easing into the moment.

Every performance is heavily scrutinized by UFC executives, matchmakers and fans searching for the next breakout star. Fighters are often expected not only to win, but to do so in exciting fashion.

For Wint, that expectation appears to be exactly what he wants.

Now undefeated, confident and carrying momentum from the regional scene, the former NFL linebacker will attempt to turn his second professional sports dream into reality under the bright lights in Las Vegas this August.