Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters aren’t known as the best actors. They are usually grouped with fighters. The UFC has gained popularity over the last decade and the fighters have started to be recognized in other media. You can see them pursuing other interests such as music, acting or producing movies.
UFC fighters who have stepped into the acting world have achieved success. The transition of fighters such as Ronda Rousey into Hollywood was smooth. MMA fighters such as Gina Carrano are more successful in the acting world than their fighting career. Carrano’s transition from mixed martial artist to film actress was a successful one.
Let’s take a look at 10 UFC fighters that have appeared in films.
Miesha Tate
Miesha Tate, a retired UFC fighter, is a former UFC Woman’s Bantamweight champion. She is also known to compete in Strikeforce. She has enjoyed a successful career. She has beaten strong competitors like Holly Holm.
Tate has decided to retire after her defeat by Raquel Pennington in 2016. Miesha was the star of Rob Hawk’s movie “Fight Valley”. The fighter played ‘Jabs. This wasn’t a unique change, as the movie was based on a purely underground fighting tournament.
Chuck Liddell
Chuck Liddell, a retired UFC fighter, is considered a grandmaster of MMA. The former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, along with Tito Ortiz is believed to have introduced MMA to a mainstream audience. Liddell has been cited as an inspiration by UFC fighters such as Conor McGregor.
Liddell retired from mixed martial art after losing three consecutive knockout fights. Chuck Liddell appeared in movies like ‘The Riot,’ and Cagefighter. He has been in over ten films. The Iceman found a career in television and movies that was opportunistic, even though none of them were mainstream.
Quinton J. Jackson
Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson is a retired MMA Fighter and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champ. Jackson began his career as a wrestler. ‘Rampage,’ a former wrestler who switched to MMA found great success. Quinton’s knockout powers were feared by the light-heavyweight division.
Jackson was offered movie roles after his retirement. In 2010, he made his acting debut as ‘B.A Baracus’ in ‘The A-Team’. Since then, Rampage has appeared in many movies, including ‘Vigilante diaries’ and “Never Surrender.”
Holly Holm
Holly Holm, a former professional boxer, is one of the top contenders for women’s fights. Holm has won several welterweight titles during her career. Her popularity skyrocketed after she knocked out Ronda Roussy at UFC 192. It was a shocking upset, as Rousey had been expected to dominate Holm.
Holm made her last and first movie appearances in ‘Fight Valley’. Holm starred alongside Miesha TATE in the film. As the movie is about combat sports, it felt like a familiar experience. Holm has no problem with this.
Georges St-Pierre
Georges St.Pierre was a retired UFC wrestler who competed in the welterweight weight division. The fighter was well-known for dominating his division. ‘GSP,’ has won notable victories over Michael Bisping and Nick Diaz. He also beat the current reactionary conservative fighter Jake Shields. His wrestling was considered one of the best sports.
Since retiring in 2019, “GSP” has had a significant presence in Hollywood. The fighter appeared as Batroc The Leaper in the popular Captain America: The Winter Soldier film. St-Pierre also appeared in movies like ‘Kickboxer: Revenge’ and Steven Seagal’s ‘Cartels’.
Francis Ngannou
The Cameroonian and French UFC fighter Francis Ngannou has been rated as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in history. The Predator is known for the brutality of his punches. Ngannou has a 17-win record and only three losses. His inspirational story of his rise from poverty has become a staple for the fighter.
The fighter is also known for his movies. ‘The Predator,’ starred as the protagonist in the popular movie franchise Fast & Furious. He was also offered a part in the 9th installment of the series F9. The fighter then made an unexpected switch and starred as the lead in Steve-O’s comedy titled ‘Jackass Forever’ in 2022.
Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva, a Brazilian mixed martial artist, is one of the UFC’s most popular fighters. The Middleweight fighter’s career has been impressive. The Spider has won impressive victories over Chael Sun and Vitor Befort. Silva has a 34 win and 11 loss record.
Anderson Silva’s passion for films and television is well-known. The Spider, who played Alexander Sinclair in the movie, was the fighter’s most famous appearance. Silva, like Francis Ngannou in ‘Till Luck Do Us Part 2,’ was a Brazilian comedy star.
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Roussey, the former UFC bantamweight champ, is most popular among women in combat sports. The fighter has a 12 win and 2 loss record. Rowdy Ronda is the sole pioneer of women in mixed martial arts. Her main fighting style is judo throwings and submission victories. She is also well-known for her WWE appearances.
Rousey has also made numerous television and film appearances. The fighter has appeared in ‘Expandables 3 and the Fast and Furious franchise. Ronda was in the most successful edition of the franchise – ‘Furious 7’. She has evolved from her career as a fighter to become an important personality.
Randy Couture
Randy Couture, the former UFC light-heavyweight champion, is considered a veteran of the sport. Captain America has defeated legends in the sport, such as Chuck Liddell or Tito Ortiz. The fighter has a 19-win and 11-loss record.
Randy’s acting career has flourished since his retirement. The fighter has starred all of the Expendables films. Couture also appeared in ‘Hijacked,’ Rob Schneider’s Big Stan and Rob Schneider.
Michael Bisping
Michael Bisping, a former UFC Middleweight Champion and English fighter, has a large following in the MMA world. In the octagon, his striking and pacing abilities are regarded as noteworthy. The Count has won impressive victories over fighters such as Anderson Silva and Luke Rockhold. In 2018, he retired from the UFC with a 30 win and 9 loss record.
The Count has appeared in films with actors like Vin Diesel and Samuel L Jackson. Bisping is best known for his 2017 film XXX Return of XanderCage. He has also starred in films like ‘Never Back Down Revolt’ and Triple Threat alongside Tony Jaa.
