Georgia OL Dylan Fairchild earns rare praise from UFC Champion Sean Strickland

Mandatory mini camp may be over, but former Georgia football offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild isn’t done impressing the football world.

Fairchild is a former wrestling superstar before he decided to solely focus on football, but recently he he was seen wrestling former UFC Champion Sean Strickland, and its’s safe to say he impressed Strickland with his deft moves.

Fairchild is expected to be in the running for the left guard position, competing with Cody Ford, Alex Cappa, and Cordell Volson. Given the dismal last few seasons of pass protection for the Bengals, even an average showing in the 2025 season by Fairchild is welcome. Sports Illustrated said, " If Fairchild were to produce an ‘average’ rookie season like what we have seen from similar picks of late, Joe Burrow and Bengals fans alike would have to be thrilled with those results."

More than fast moves are needed to protect Joe Burrow

Bengals fans may be excited by their third round draft pick getting some MMA hype, but Fairchild will need to shore up the left side of the offensive line to lower that sack count of 48 on their $275 million quarterback. Fairchild has plenty of force to shove defensive ends around and can anchor well to stand his ground against the likes of Ravens pass rusher Odafe Oweh.

At the NFL Combine, Fairchild registered a 27.5-inch vertical leap and over nine feet in the broad jump. His explosive power and ability to sustain contact will serve him well on double teams. At UGA he started 24 games, so his stamina is well-suited for the rigors of the NFL.

It's unlikely he'll get to pull ankle picks or alligator rolls on any given Sunday in the NFL, but Fairchild is lining himself up in the pre-season to be a key player in the pass protection plan for the Bengals.

And if the NFL doesn't work out, there's always the UFC.