Video from 2023 has resurfaced showing UFC fighter Sean Strickland landing a punch that left NFL player Maxx Crosby with a bloodied nose during a sparring session. The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end and former UFC champion exchanged strikes in what appeared to be a friendly training setting.
This footage has recently gone viral on social media, allowing viewers to revisit the crossover moment between the UFC and NFL athletes.
Details of the Sparring Encounter Between Strickland and Crosby
The clip originally shared last year drew renewed interest after Maxx Crosby posted it to his Instagram Stories. The video has since amassed millions of views on X, as multiple accounts circulated the footage showing Strickland’s impactful punch.
Despite the punch that broke his nose, Crosby continued to engage in the controlled sparring session inside the gym.
Maxx Crosby’s Current NFL Situation and Team Uncertainty
Maxx Crosby finished the 2025 season with impressive stats including 73 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, though he missed the final two games due to injury. Reports indicate the Raiders are attempting to trade their five-time Pro Bowler, demanding two first-round picks plus a player in exchange.
The Raiders ended 2025 with the worst NFL record but hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, widely expected to be used on prospect Fernando Mendoza. As the sparring video resurfaces, Crosby’s future with the team remains uncertain amid trade talks and his recent performance.
Offseason Tensions and Public Interest Surround Strickland and Crosby
The sparring clip has reignited attention not only on Crosby’s status but also on Sean Strickland’s recent public moments, including his comments at the UFC Houston press conference, where he thanked Dana White for retaining him despite controversy. Other fighters like Nassourdine Imavov and Urijah Faber have also weighed in on potential matchups involving Strickland, reflecting ongoing interest in his UFC career.
The intersection of professional football and MMA in this sparring session highlights unusual training crossroads, while the wider reactions and potential trades keep fans and analysts anxious about what lies ahead for both athletes.
New footage of NFL star Maxx Crosby sparring Sean Strickland in 2023 just dropped 👀
Strickland started throwing heat 😭 pic.twitter.com/1W94nr0dOP
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 1, 2026
