The Ultimate Fighting Championship Octagon typically opens the cage doors to just about everyone, and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba may have taken that invitation as a chance to settle some scores. During UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle, Smith-Njigba made headlines for his candid remarks about potentially stepping into the cage against his NFC West division rivals.
The event, held at Climate Pledge Arena, featured more than 10 bouts and attracted several high-profile athletes from outside MMA, including the rising NFL star.
Before the fights began, Smith-Njigba joined former fighter and analyst Paul Felder for a backstage interview that quickly gained traction online.
When asked who he would want to face in the Octagon to settle a score, the Seahawks standout didn’t hesitate to aim at familiar opponents.
“Definitely not Devon Witherspoon, he’s a wild guy,” Smith-Njigba jokingly said of his teammate.
“You know, there’s a couple guys out there. Anyone from the LA Rams or San Francisco 49ers I’d happily get in the [ring] with.”
Rivalries that go beyond the field
While Smith-Njigba avoided calling out his own teammate Witherspoon, his comments highlighted just how intense divisional rivalries can become in the NFL.
Matchups against the Los Angeles Rams – recently the NFC Championship Game – and San Francisco 49ers have long been heated, and his remarks only added fuel to that fire.
One rivalry in particular stands out-his ongoing battles with Deommodore Lenoir of the 49ers.
The two have had multiple on-field confrontations, often exchanging words and pushing the limits of competition during games.
Their tension even spilled over during a divisional playoff clash, offering a glimpse of how quickly emotions can escalate in high-stakes situations.
Unsurprisingly, fans were quick to imagine how that rivalry might translate inside the Octagon. However, Smith-Njigba‘s focus during the event remained on soaking in the experience rather than preparing for a real fight.
The wide receiver was active throughout the event, taking part in promotional appearances, meeting fighters like Israel Adesanya and Michael Chiesa, signing jerseys, and engaging with fans.
The viral interview didn’t go unnoticed by his rivals. Lenoir responded with a subtle jab via a now-deleted Instagram story, questioning how Smith-Njigba planned to fight for “free, no money.”
The comment alluded to ongoing criticism about fighter compensation in the UFC, a topic that has been widely debated across sports.
Interestingly, Smith-Njigba isn’t the only NFL player to flirt with the idea of combat sports. Tyreek Hill, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, has previously expressed interest in a charity bout against Jake Paul.
Will Smith-Njigba pivot to UFC?
Despite the playful challenge, Smith-Njigba‘s immediate future remains firmly rooted with the Seahawks.
The team is coming off a dominant season, capped by a victory in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers.
Finishing with a 14-3 record, the Seahawks secured the top spot in the conference while navigating a tough schedule that included the Rams and 49ers.
Smith-Njigba played a key role in that success, emerging as one of the league’s most productive wide receivers.
His impact was further recognized this week when he signed a new five-year, $168.6 million contract extension, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the franchise.
With a championship under his belt and a massive deal in place, it’s safe to say Smith-Njigba will be sticking to the gridiron for now.
But if rivalries ever need settling beyond the football field, he’s open to taking the fight to a whole new arena.
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