Dana White's 5 New England Patriots Who Could've Been UFC Contenders (2026)

Unleash the Ultimate Debate: Could New England Patriots Have Been UFC Champions?

The Super Bowl is upon us, and while the Seattle Seahawks are favored to take home the trophy, we can't help but wonder: what if the New England Patriots had ventured into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA)? UFC President Dana White, a die-hard Patriots fan, has long speculated about the potential of his beloved team's players in the octagon. In a 2016 interview, he revealed his top 5 picks of Patriots who could have been UFC contenders.

1. Tom Brady: "Tom would come into the fight as a huge underdog. People would count him out, but just like he always does, he'd find a way to win. He's a WINNER. He defines what it means to be clutch."

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2. Rob Gronkowski: "He's A BEAST! He just runs people over, and I love that about him. I have no doubt he could be a successful fighter."

3. Julian Edelman: "Edelman is a stud athlete. He's so versatile on the field. He's a great wide receiver, he's played quarterback, he can return kicks. That type of versatility shows that he can do anything. Anywhere the fight goes, he wins on the feet or on the ground."

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4. Rob Ninkovich: "He's big, strong, and has deceptive quickness. When you think toughness, you think about guys like Rob Ninkovich."

5. Chandler Jones: "He's such an incredible athlete. His brother, Jon Jones, became UFC light heavyweight champion and probably could have played football, and I'm sure Chandler could have been a fighter. He's got it all: explosive power, speed, technique. Chandler could absolutely be a fighter."

But here's where it gets controversial... None of these players are still with the Patriots a decade later. So, who on the current roster could have had UFC success? Let's discuss! And this is the part most people miss... The NFL might offer higher paydays, but MMA could have been a whole new level of glory for these athletes. What do you think? Who would you pick from the current team to make an impact in the UFC? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's ignite the debate!