Former UFC Heavyweight Champion now works with an NFL team in a surprising creative role.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Now Working With an NFL Team originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
From MMA gold to NFL sidelines, a champion shifts focus behind the lens.
Life outside the octagon can take fighters in many directions. Some become trainers, while others feel the itch to return to combat after time away. But every so often, a former champion steps into a completely unexpected arena. That’s the case for one retired heavyweight titleholder who’s now working in a surprising new role with an NFL team.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic, 42, of Croatian descent, was last seen in the octagon at UFC 309 in November 2024, where he suffered a third-round knockout loss to Jon Jones.
Following his retirement, Miocic embraced a new chapter off the canvas. As reported by TalkSport and highlighted in footage shared by Combat Sports Today, he took on the role of 'Dawg Pound Captain' with the Cleveland Browns in December, rallying fans in the team’s most electric section. That role has since expanded—Miocic is now working behind the scenes as a content creator and team photographer, capturing the energy of training camp from a new perspective.
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Stipe Miocic is now a photographer for the Cleveland Browns 😂
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) July 29, 2025
(🎥: @Browns / @stipemiocic) pic.twitter.com/tLDDxdnr78
Stipe Miocic, a two-time heavyweight titleholder, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant heavyweights in UFC history thanks to his consistency, resilience, and ability to reclaim the belt after setbacks. His first reign began in 2016 with a devastating first-round knockout of Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198.
He defended the belt three times—tying the UFC record—before losing to Daniel Cormier at UFC 226 in 2018. A year later, Miocic reclaimed the title in their rematch and defended it once more in the trilogy bout.
Whether it's in the cage or on the sideline, Miocic has found a way to leave his mark—this time, one photo at a time.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
