Did Zac Pauga play in the NFL? Everything about the UFC star's career so far

Zac Pauga defeated Jordan Wright in the light heavyweight co-main event at UFC Vegas 69.

The UFC newcomer was a NFL player before switching to mixed martial arts. 'The Ripper' was a running back for the Houston Texans, donning the number 48. Prior to that, Pauga was a tight end for Colorado State, where he attended college for four years.

The colorado native recorded average numbers of:

• 11 catches for 102 yards in a season
• 19 catches for 114 yards in a season
• 25 catches for 219 yards and three touchdowns in a season
• 33 catches for 308 yards and one touchdown

Zac Pauga never really found success in the NFL, only making it as far as the Houston Texans' practice squad. Pauga eventually swtiched to MMA, making his amateur debut in 2019 and turning professional a year later.

'The Ripper' was a hot 5-0 prospect when he made his UFC debut last year against Kamaru Usman's heavyweight brother Mohammed Usman. Pauga was knocked out cold by Usman hardly over half a minute into the bout, in his first career loss.

Zac Pauga returned to the octagon last night against Jordan Wright, this time moving down a weight class to compete at 205 lbs.

Despite being the shorter fighter, 'The Ripper' managed to close the distance on Wright, cutting him open with an elbow early in the fight. Pauga went on to dominate 'The Beverly Hills Ninja' for three rounds to score an emphatic unanimous decision win.