Dana White believes Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby could have become a UFC champion had he trained in mixed martial arts from a young age.

The UFC CEO discussed the potential for NFL players to transition successfully into MMA after former New York Jets linebacker Anthony Wint earned a UFC contract on Week 1 of Dana White’s Contender Series. Wint stopped Matthew Adams with ground-and-pound in 34 seconds, with White looking to book his UFC debut in Sacramento on Aug. 22.

“When you look at a lot of these guys that play in the NFL, if they… Imagine if Maxx Crosby trained in MMA since he was a kid, he would be a world champion right now,” White said at the DWCS post-fight press conference. “And I believe that to my core. And I know a lot of sh*t about Maxx Crosby that you guys don’t know.”

Crosby, who plays defensive end for the Raiders, was singled out by White as an example of an NFL athlete he believes could have reached the top level of the UFC with a background in MMA training.

Wint is the latest former football player to pursue a career in MMA, and is seeking a quick turnaround after securing his UFC deal. The former Jets linebacker has remained in Las Vegas while waiting for his first UFC fight to be booked, with the Sacramento event on Aug. 22 under consideration.