Who Is Anthony Wint? Meet ‘Bow Down,’ the Former NFL Linebacker Turned Undefeated UFC Heavyweight

After his NFL opportunity ended and the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted another chance in the Canadian Football League, Wint began exploring MMA.

His background in wrestling gave him a starting point. Meanwhile, years of elite-level football gave him strength, explosiveness, discipline and experience performing under pressure.

Eventually, the former linebacker became a heavyweight knockout threat.

Now, Wint represents Kill Cliff FC, carries a perfect professional record and earned his UFC opportunity with another devastating first-round finish on Dana White’s Contender Series.

Anthony Wint Fighter Information

Who Is Anthony Wint?

Anthony Wint is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC heavyweight division.

Before MMA, however, Wint was already an elite athlete.

He played college football at Florida International University, reached the NFL with the New York Jets and later signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League.

Additionally, wrestling had already been part of his athletic background.

Those experiences eventually came together when he transitioned into mixed martial arts.

Where Is Anthony Wint From?

Wint was born in Homestead, Florida and grew up in South Florida.

He has also spoken about growing up in Florida City, where his family did not have much money.

Football became one of his earliest structured athletic outlets.

Although Wint has said he did not always love the sport itself, he enjoyed competition and the feeling of making his coaches and teammates proud.

That competitive drive later became even more important in MMA.

What Was Anthony Wint’s Childhood Like?

Wint has spoken openly about growing up without his father present.

His mother, meanwhile, worked multiple jobs to provide for the family.

Although Wint has described their relationship as complicated, he has also emphasized the sacrifices she made.

Food stayed on the table.

He had opportunities to play sports.

More importantly, Wint learned early that effort could earn recognition.

One childhood football play became particularly memorable.

After struggling as a young player, Wint made a big hit during kickoff practice and received praise from his teammates and coaches.

From that point, he began connecting hard work with the feeling of accomplishing something for others.

Did Anthony Wint Always Love Football?

No.

In fact, Wint has repeatedly said football was not necessarily his greatest passion.

As a child, he often preferred staying home, playing video games, watching cartoons and eating cereal.

Nevertheless, he continued showing up.

Over time, his competitive nature became stronger than his dislike for training.

Moreover, Wint developed a desire to make teammates and coaches proud.

That attitude carried him much farther than he originally expected.

Did Anthony Wint Wrestle in High School?

Yes.

Wint wrestled at Homestead High School in Florida.

He became a high-level wrestler and reached the state championship level.

During one interview, Wint recalled losing a state championship wrestling match and described it as one of the major pressure experiences that prepared him for later athletic stages.

That wrestling experience later gave him an important foundation for MMA.

Was Anthony Wint a State Wrestling Champion?

Wint reached the state championship level, but the provided interview material indicates that he lost the state championship match.

Therefore, describing him as a state champion would be inaccurate.

His wrestling background was still significant.

Moreover, the experience taught him how to compete individually, where responsibility could not be shared with 10 other football players on the field.

Where Did Anthony Wint Go to College?

Wint attended Florida International University, commonly known as FIU.

He played linebacker for the FIU Panthers.

Initially, Wint arrived relatively low on the depth chart.

However, he worked his way into the starting lineup by the beginning of his freshman season.

From there, his college football career quickly took off.

How Good Was Anthony Wint at FIU?

Very good.

Wint became one of the most productive defensive players in FIU history.

He finished his college career with 336 tackles, which ranked second in program history according to the supplied interview material.

Additionally, he earned Conference USA honors throughout his career.

His success was not based purely on athleticism.

Wint has repeatedly credited consistency, respect for coaches and simply showing up to work.

Did Anthony Wint Start as a Freshman at FIU?

Yes.

Wint arrived around fourth on the depth chart.

Still, he quickly worked his way upward.

By the time the season began, he had earned a starting role.

Later, Wint described that rise as an example of his willingness to listen, work and compete rather than something built on natural expectations of stardom.

How Many Tackles Did Anthony Wint Have at FIU?

Wint finished his FIU career with 336 tackles.

That total placed him among the most productive defensive players in school history.

More importantly, it showed the durability and consistency he maintained across several seasons.

Those qualities became valuable when he later entered MMA, where daily training discipline matters as much as raw athletic ability.

Did Anthony Wint Play in the NFL?

Yes.

Wint reached the NFL with the New York Jets.

However, his route was far from guaranteed.

He went undrafted.

Then the Jets invited him to rookie minicamp.

At the time, Wint had very little certainty that any team would call.

In fact, he has recalled sitting outside a McDonald’s with his mother because they did not have Wi-Fi at home while waiting for an opportunity.

How Did Anthony Wint Get Signed by the New York Jets?

Wint initially received only a rookie minicamp tryout.

Most players in that position never earn a contract.

However, another linebacker failed the team’s medical evaluation.

Suddenly, the Jets had an opening.

Coaches told the remaining tryout players that one of them would earn the roster spot.

Wint performed well enough during the minicamp to win it.

Consequently, the Jets signed him to their 90-man roster.

Did Anthony Wint Play in an NFL Game?

Yes.

Wint eventually reached the Jets’ active roster.

His NFL opportunity represented proof that he could compete at the highest level of professional football.

Later, when discussing the experience, Wint said reaching that level helped show him that he belonged around elite athletes even if his physical measurements did not fit the traditional NFL linebacker profile.

That belief later transferred into MMA.

Why Did Anthony Wint Leave the NFL?

Wint was eventually released by the Jets.

He has been unusually realistic when discussing why.

Rather than blaming the organization, Wint has acknowledged that he was undersized for the position and did not possess exceptional NFL testing numbers.

Still, MMA offered something different.

In football, a coach or general manager could decide whether he belonged.

Inside a cage, Wint believes performance gives him far more control over that answer.

Did Anthony Wint Play in the CFL?

Wint signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the opportunity.

The CFL’s 2020 season was cancelled.

Eventually, Wint opted out of the contract.

Therefore, another possible football path disappeared just as he was trying to rebuild his professional career.

How Did Anthony Wint Get Into MMA?

MMA came after football.

Wint had wrestled in high school, so combat sports were not completely unfamiliar.

However, he initially resisted the idea of becoming a fighter.

His football agent at the time, Malki Kawa, encouraged him multiple times to try MMA.

Wint repeatedly said no.

Eventually, though, his wrestling background and competitive nature helped convince him that fighting could become another serious career.

Did Anthony Wint Want to Become an MMA Fighter?

Not originally.

Wint has repeatedly admitted that he did not grow up dreaming about professional fighting.

Even after beginning MMA, he sometimes struggled with whether the sport was truly what he wanted.

However, his perspective changed as he connected fighting with his Christian faith and a larger sense of purpose.

Competition had always been part of his life.

MMA eventually became the next place to channel it.

What Is Anthony Wint’s Fighting Style?

Wint combines folkstyle wrestling, athletic movement and heavy punching power.

His MMA game includes:

• Wrestling
• Boxing
• Takedowns
• Heavy right hands
• Ground control
• Rear-naked choke attacks
• Kicks
• Explosive pressure
• Defensive movement

Although wrestling provided his original combat sports base, knockout power has increasingly defined his professional career.

Is Anthony Wint a Wrestler?

Yes.

Wint wrestled in high school and reached the state championship level.

Therefore, grappling gave him a foundation when he entered MMA.

Still, his recent performances have relied heavily on striking.

Wint has developed the ability to use wrestling as a threat while creating opportunities for punches.

That combination makes him more difficult to read.

Does Anthony Wint Have Knockout Power?

Absolutely.

Five of Wint’s first seven professional victories came by KO or TKO.

Moreover, several of those finishes happened almost immediately.

Against Miles Banks, he scored a first-round knockout.

Then Jamahl Tatum fell in under a minute.

Later, Wint needed only 34 seconds to stop Matt Adams on Dana White’s Contender Series.

As a result, his heavyweight power has quickly become one of his defining weapons.

What Is Anthony Wint’s Fastest Professional Knockout?

Wint has recorded several extremely quick stoppages.

His Contender Series victory over Matt Adams ended in 34 seconds.

Before that, he stopped Jamahl Tatum in 37 seconds.

Additionally, his win over Miles Banks also ended inside the opening minute.

Therefore, opponents cannot afford a slow start against him.

Has Anthony Wint Won by Submission?

Yes.

Wint submitted Jawaski Bethly with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their 2024 fight.

That victory showed another part of his game.

Although Wint has increasingly become known for punches, his wrestling background gives him a pathway to submissions once he gains dominant position.

Does Anthony Wint Have a Decision Win?

Yes.

Wint defeated Omar El-Sahlah by split decision in 2025.

That fight became important because it showed he could compete beyond the opening round.

Most of Wint’s biggest highlights have ended quickly.

However, the El-Sahlah fight required him to manage a complete three-round contest.

Consequently, it gave him valuable experience that fast knockouts could not provide.

Why Does Anthony Wint Not Want to Be a ‘One-Trick Pony’?

Because Wint understands that UFC-level opponents will eventually survive his best early attacks.

After his 34-second Contender Series victory, he said he knew he could finish Matt Adams quickly.

However, he also wanted to remain patient because he did not want to become a one-dimensional fighter.

That mindset reflects the next stage of his development.

Power can create opportunities.

Still, Wint wants skill and patience to sustain his career.

Where Does Anthony Wint Train?

Wint trains at Kill Cliff FC in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

The gym became a major turning point in his development.

Before Kill Cliff, Wint trained at MMA Masters.

Eventually, he moved because he wanted different coaching and access to larger, high-level training partners.

That decision gave him regular work with experienced UFC and PFL-level athletes.

Why Did Anthony Wint Leave MMA Masters?

Wint has spoken positively about his time there.

However, he eventually reached a point where he wanted different coaching communication and more suitable training partners.

As a heavyweight, finding large athletes who can provide serious rounds is difficult.

Kill Cliff offered more of those bodies.

Therefore, the move was less about attacking his former gym and more about finding what he needed for the next stage.

How Far Does Anthony Wint Drive to Kill Cliff?

Very far.

Wint has said he lives in Homestead, roughly 75 miles from Kill Cliff.

His routine can involve waking up around 4:30 a.m., leaving shortly afterward and arriving for early-morning training.

Despite the distance, Wint believes the quality of coaching makes the drive worthwhile.

That commitment says a great deal about how seriously he approaches his development.

Who Is Anthony Wint’s Coach?

Wint has identified Henri Hooft as his head coach at Kill Cliff.

Meanwhile, Deer Navarro has become one of his most important personal and boxing coaches.

Navarro works with Wint early in the morning and has helped sharpen the striking that now produces his biggest highlights.

Additionally, Wint has credited Robbie Lawler and other Kill Cliff teammates with contributing to his preparation.

Who Is Deer Navarro?

Deer Navarro is one of the key coaches behind Wint’s striking development.

Wint has praised Navarro’s boxing knowledge, work ethic and energy.

Their sessions often begin extremely early because Wint drives from Homestead to Deerfield Beach for training.

That relationship has become especially important as Wint continues turning his raw athletic power into cleaner heavyweight boxing.

Does Anthony Wint Train With Robbie Lawler?

Yes.

Wint has publicly thanked former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler for helping during fight preparation.

Lawler is part of the experienced combat sports environment surrounding him at Kill Cliff.

That type of mentorship gives Wint access to athletes who understand what UFC competition actually feels like.

Who Does Anthony Wint Train With at Kill Cliff?

Wint has mentioned several high-level fighters around the gym.

They include:

• Gregory Rodrigues
• Reinier de Ridder
• Impa Kasanganay
• Robbie Lawler
• Brandon Allen during earlier periods

The biggest benefit is not simply name recognition.

Instead, Wint values being surrounded by athletes who understand the difficulties of professional MMA and are willing to share what they have learned.

Is Impa Kasanganay Important to Anthony Wint’s Career?

Yes.

Wint has described Impa Kasanganay as one of his favorite teammates and an important source of inspiration.

Interestingly, Wint also linked part of his decision to pursue fighting with seeing Kasanganay continue moving forward after suffering a famous knockout loss.

Wint saw someone experience one of the harshest public moments possible in combat sports and still maintain his faith.

That example helped Wint believe he could face the risks of fighting too.

Is Anthony Wint Undersized for Heavyweight?

Compared with many UFC heavyweights, yes.

Wint stands around 5-foot-11 and weighs in the 230-pound range.

However, he also carries a 78-inch reach and exceptional athleticism.

Wint has acknowledged that his natural frame could fit light heavyweight.

Still, he enjoys competing against larger men.

In his mind, an opponent’s size does not automatically make that opponent better.

Could Anthony Wint Fight at Light Heavyweight?

Possibly.

Wint has openly discussed the idea.

After one victory, he said he would go wherever the best opportunities and money were available.

Additionally, he has admitted that he could physically fit at 205 pounds.

For now, though, heavyweight has allowed him to compete without a difficult weight cut.

Why Does Anthony Wint Like Fighting Bigger Heavyweights?

It connects directly to his football experience.

Wint spent years competing against athletes who were physically larger.

Even in the NFL, his measurements did not look ideal for a linebacker.

Still, he reached the league.

Now, heavyweight MMA presents a similar challenge.

Wint knows many opponents will be taller and heavier.

However, he believes they still have to prove they can beat his speed, wrestling and athleticism inside the cage.

How Athletic Is Anthony Wint?

Extremely athletic.

Wint reached the NFL despite not having ideal linebacker size.

He also wrestled at a high level.

Now, that athletic base has translated into heavyweight MMA.

Wint believes his movement and physical explosiveness separate him from many larger opponents.

He has even identified Ciryl Gane as an example of the type of athletic heavyweight he respects.

Does Anthony Wint Compare Himself to Ciryl Gane?

Not directly as an equal.

Wint has praised Ciryl Gane’s athleticism, movement and physical abilities.

However, he has also made clear that he is not yet at the stage where calling out established elite heavyweights makes sense.

Instead, Gane represents the level of athlete Wint studies while continuing to improve.

What Does Anthony Wint Think His Biggest Strength Is?

Mindset.

Before his Fury FC heavyweight title fight, Wint said his biggest strength was not simply wrestling or punching power.

Instead, he pointed toward focus and mentality.

He believes that his faith helps him continue through the difficult parts of MMA.

Additionally, success has gradually strengthened his confidence.

How Does Football Help Anthony Wint in MMA?

Several ways.

First, football taught him how to prepare professionally.

Wint spent years around elite athletes who studied film, trained physically and followed detailed game plans.

Secondly, football developed explosive movement.

Finally, playing on major stages made pressure feel familiar.

Wint has said that each level of competition became easier to handle because the previous stage had already taught him how to deal with nerves.

Does Anthony Wint Watch Film on Opponents?

Yes.

His football background makes film study feel natural.

Rather than entering fights without preparation, Wint approaches opponents as another tactical problem.

However, he also understands that MMA cannot be completely scripted.

Therefore, film gives him ideas while training builds the reactions needed when the fight changes unexpectedly.

What Is Anthony Wint’s Fight-Day Routine?

Sleep.

Wint has said that he becomes much quieter as fight day approaches.

Normally, he considers himself social and does not always sleep for long periods.

However, fight week is different.

As training winds down, Wint watches movies, eats and sleeps.

He even recalled sleeping almost the entire ride to his amateur debut before waking shortly before warmups.

Is MMA Harder Than Football for Anthony Wint?

Mentally, yes.

Wint has explained that fighting can create a different psychological experience.

During early MMA bouts, he sometimes felt almost detached from himself once competition began.

Eventually, experience helped.

By later professional fights, Wint felt more grounded and present inside the cage.

That mental growth became another important part of his development.

Did Anthony Wint Win a Fury FC Championship?

Yes.

Wint defeated Jamahl Tatum in March 2026 to win the vacant Fury FC heavyweight championship.

The fight lasted only 37 seconds.

Wint finished Tatum with punches in the opening round.

That championship became the final major regional step before Dana White’s Contender Series.

Why Was the Fury FC Title Important to Anthony Wint?

It represented another increase in pressure and responsibility.

Before the fight, Wint described it as his first professional main event and first professional title fight.

He viewed those experiences as necessary steps before reaching the UFC.

Instead of trying to skip directly to the biggest stage, Wint believed each level could help his mind and skills catch up with his athleticism.

Did Anthony Wint Want Dana White’s Contender Series?

Yes.

Wint understood that Contender Series could serve as the final bridge between regional MMA and the UFC.

Although a direct UFC call would have been attractive, he also saw value in gaining the Contender Series experience first.

The environment brought stronger competition, more attention and greater stakes.

Therefore, the opportunity gave him another chance to prove that his development was ready for the next stage.

What Happened on Dana White’s Contender Series?

Wint faced Matt Adams on August 11, 2026.

The fight barely started before it ended.

Wint stopped Adams with punches in just 34 seconds of the first round.

The victory moved his professional record to 7-0 and earned him a UFC contract.

Afterward, Wint said he had prepared for a full three-round war but instead finished the job almost immediately.

How Did Anthony Wint React to Getting a UFC Contract?

With excitement and gratitude.

Wint admitted he probably would not sleep that night.

Still, he tried to avoid becoming too emotionally high because another fight would eventually come.

More importantly, Wint thanked his Kill Cliff coaches and teammates while repeatedly crediting God for reaching the UFC.

Did Anthony Wint Want to Fight Again Immediately After Contender Series?

Yes.

Almost immediately after earning his contract, Wint began asking when he could fight again.

That reaction fits his recent career.

After struggling for years to find enough activity, Wint now wants to capitalize on momentum.

Rather than treating the UFC contract as the finish line, he sees it as the start of another stage.

What Role Does Faith Play in Anthony Wint’s Life?

Christian faith is central to Wint’s identity.

He speaks about God frequently in interviews.

His Instagram also references Philippians 3:10-14.

More importantly, Wint describes faith as the foundation that helps him handle uncertainty, losses and difficult periods.

He has said that God gives him strength during difficult training days and helps him maintain perspective when competition becomes overwhelming.

Does Anthony Wint Attend Church?

Yes.

Wint has discussed having a church community near home that supports him spiritually.

That connection is important enough that he has hesitated to move too far north despite the long daily drive to Kill Cliff.

For Wint, elite MMA coaching matters.

However, his church community matters too.

Has Anthony Wint Struggled With His Mental Health?

Yes.

Wint has publicly spoken about experiencing extremely difficult mental health periods, including a time when he received inpatient psychiatric care.

He discussed that history himself after earning his UFC contract while explaining why simply being healthy, competing and sitting in front of the media felt meaningful.

Rather than presenting those experiences as something that defines him, Wint has connected them to his faith, recovery and gratitude for where his life eventually went.

How Does Anthony Wint View Difficult Experiences?

As something that can be used for growth.

Wint does not pretend difficult experiences automatically make someone stronger.

Instead, he believes the response matters.

He has said that everyone goes through struggles, but people still have choices about how they use those experiences.

For Wint, that includes taking responsibility for his own mistakes and returning to his faith rather than blaming others.

Why Does Anthony Wint Stand Out?

Anthony Wint stands out because he has already competed at an elite professional level in one sport before becoming a serious MMA prospect.

His story began in South Florida.

Football came first.

Wrestling followed alongside it.

Eventually, Wint became one of the most productive linebackers in FIU history.

Then the NFL called.

An undrafted player who once waited outside McDonald’s for a possible football call earned a New York Jets contract.

However, that dream ended.

The CFL offered another route, but the pandemic disrupted it.

At that point, MMA began becoming more realistic.

Wint resisted fighting at first.

Then he committed.

A wrestling base gave him somewhere to begin.

Meanwhile, years of football gave him professional habits and explosive athleticism.

Kill Cliff added the missing technical pieces.

Deer Navarro sharpened the boxing.

Henri Hooft helped oversee the larger MMA development.

High-level training partners pushed him every day.

Then the knockouts started piling up.

Miles Banks lasted seconds.

Jamahl Tatum lasted 37 seconds.

Finally, Matt Adams made it only 34 seconds on Contender Series.

Through all of it, Wint’s faith remained central.

Football once showed him that he could reach the highest athletic level.

Now, MMA gives him another opportunity to prove what he can do when the final decision happens inside the cage.

Anthony Wint Career Update

Wint competes in the heavyweight division with an undefeated professional MMA record of 7-0.

His victories include five knockouts, one submission and one decision, while four of his first seven professional wins ended in the first round.

After winning the vacant Fury FC heavyweight championship in March 2026, Wint faced Matt Adams on Dana White’s Contender Series on August 11, 2026.

He needed only 34 seconds to earn the TKO.

The performance kept his unbeaten record intact and earned Wint a UFC contract.

Anthony Wint FAQs

Who is Anthony Wint?

Anthony “Bow Down” Wint is an undefeated American UFC heavyweight, former NFL linebacker, former FIU football player and former Fury FC heavyweight champion.

What is Anthony Wint’s nickname?

His nickname is “Bow Down.”

When was Anthony Wint born?

Wint was born on September 14, 1995.

Is there conflicting information about Anthony Wint’s birthday?

Yes. Sherdog information supplied for this profile lists January 14, 1995, while Tapology, UFC-style information and the supplied biographical material list September 14, 1995. The September date is used here because multiple supplied sources agree on it.

Where was Anthony Wint born?

He was born in Homestead, Florida, United States.

Where did Anthony Wint grow up?

Wint has spoken about growing up in the Homestead and Florida City area of South Florida.

How tall is Anthony Wint?

He is listed at 5-foot-11, or approximately 180 cm.

What is Anthony Wint’s reach?

His listed reach is 78 inches, or approximately 198 cm.

What weight class does Anthony Wint fight in?

Wint currently competes at heavyweight.

Could Anthony Wint fight at light heavyweight?

Yes. Wint has acknowledged that his frame could allow him to compete at 205 pounds, although he currently fights at heavyweight.

What stance does Anthony Wint use?

Wint fights from an orthodox stance.

Where does Anthony Wint train?

He represents Kill Cliff FC in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Who is Anthony Wint’s head coach?

His head coach is Henri Hooft.

Who is Anthony Wint’s boxing coach?

Wint has identified Deer Navarro as one of his primary personal and boxing coaches.

Did Anthony Wint wrestle?

Yes. Wint wrestled in high school and competed at the Florida state championship level.

Did Anthony Wint play college football?

Yes. He played linebacker for Florida International University.

How many tackles did Anthony Wint have at FIU?

The supplied interview material credits Wint with 336 career tackles, placing him second in FIU history at the time.

Did Anthony Wint play in the NFL?

Yes. Wint played for the New York Jets.

Was Anthony Wint drafted?

No. He went undrafted before earning a rookie minicamp opportunity with the Jets.

How did Anthony Wint make the Jets roster?

He performed well during rookie minicamp after receiving a tryout and earned a contract.

Did Anthony Wint play in the CFL?

He signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted that opportunity.

Why did Anthony Wint start MMA?

After his football career slowed, his wrestling background and encouragement from his former agent helped lead him toward MMA.

What is Anthony Wint’s fighting style?

Wint combines wrestling, explosive athleticism and increasingly dangerous boxing.

How many knockout wins does Anthony Wint have?

He has five professional knockout or TKO victories.

Does Anthony Wint have a submission win?

Yes. Wint has one professional submission victory by rear-naked choke.

Was Anthony Wint a Fury FC champion?

Yes. He won the vacant Fury FC heavyweight championship in 2026.

Did Anthony Wint compete on Dana White’s Contender Series?

Yes. Wint faced Matt Adams on August 11, 2026.

How fast did Anthony Wint win on Contender Series?

He stopped Adams by TKO in 34 seconds of the first round.

Did Anthony Wint earn a UFC contract?

Yes. His Contender Series victory earned him a place on the UFC roster.

Is Anthony Wint religious?

Yes. Christian faith is a major part of Wint’s public identity and his approach to fighting.

What is Anthony Wint’s MMA record?

His professional MMA record is 7-0.

What is Anthony Wint’s Instagram?

Anthony Wint’s Instagram is @wintanthony52