So count us among those surprise when former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson put it out on social media that he and Harrison are scheduled to square off in a five-round MMA bout in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had legends all over their defense throughout history. It takes a great team to have intense, high-level rivalries, and Pittsburgh has had plenty of hated foes that circle them on their schedules.

(CNN) — Former NFL stars Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson and James Harrison will fight in an exhibition mixed martial arts (MMA) bout in New Orleans next year, the pair announced on social media Wednesday. Johnson first announced the news of the fight - set to take place ahead of Super Bowl LIX — writing on X, formerly known as Twitter: "I'm so excited."

Former Cincinnati Bengals star Chad ‘Ochocino’ Johnson says that he will fight Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison in an MMA bout before the Super Bowl. Johnson announced the news on X. The fight is scheduled to be five rounds, according to Harrison.

Chad “Ochochinco” Johnson and James Harrison have undoubtedly crossed paths a number of times on the field. With Harrions being a Steelers legend and Johnson being the face of the Bengals for so long, there’s a natural tension between them. Surely, they’ve clashed more often than not.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers have seen all sorts of memorable moments on the field over the years. The two AFC North teams are rivals and whenever they play each other, bad blood tends to come out.

James Harrison was a star defensive player for the Pittsburgh Steelers during Chad Johnson's last few seasons with the Bengals.

Former NFL stars Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson and James Harrison are scheduled to fight in an MMA exhibition bout in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl in February.

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson said this week on social media that he agreed to have an MMA exhibition fight against former