Hollywood knows how to create magic. Experienced filmmakers use all sorts of camera tricks and effects to make the moment as real as possible so that people can connect to it. Hence, whenever there is an intense fight scene, it won’t be a surprise if you find yourself fully immersed in the action, seeing your favorite actors kicking ass on screen and defeating the bad guys.
Seeing Hollywood A-listers in carefully choreographed fight sequences may sometimes make you wonder if they can hold their own in an MMA fight. You may ignore that thought. But hey, remember when a former WWE superstar, CM Punk, who had no athletic or combat sports background, stepped into the octagon? This means that anything is possible!
10 Hollywood Actors Who Can Become MMA Fighters
MMA fights are intense, brutal, and highly entertaining. If you haven’t seen the sport, it’s recommended that you do so. The fights are aired on ESPN. So, call your Spectrum internet customer service or any other that you may be subscribed to, and ask them for the channel. Seeing the sport will make you realize that there are indeed some Hollywood actors who can make the transition as MMA fighters. Let’s have a look at a few of them:
1. Charlie Hunnam
You may know Charlie Hunnam from the popular series Sons of Anarchy. He played the role of Jackson Teller on the show. Apart from that, he has also appeared in a number of major Hollywood films including ‘Pacific Rim.’ He has a muscular physique and knows martial arts. He learned it to defend himself. He had a tough upbringing. Hunnam always got into fights. As he grew older, he continued to sharpen his martial arts skills and even took up Brazilian Jiujitsu. But that’s not all. He is getting into boxing as well. In addition, he has talked about his desire to train Muay Thai in Thailand. He also wants to learn Wing Chun Kung Fu. Hunnam is a big fan of MMA and likes Conor McGregor. Would you be excited to see him compete in the octagon?
2. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
Before Dwayne Johnson became the ultimate Hollywood A-lister, he was a professional wrestler. He went by the ring name of The Rock. During his time with the WWE, he wrestled some of the greatest names of the industry like The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, Triple H, and managed to build a solid reputation. Today, he is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood who has starred in several blockbusters like ‘Red Notice’ and ‘Jumanji.’ He is not a martial artist. However, he certainly has the chops to compete in MMA. Johnson, at one time in his life, even considered joining MMA but didn’t.
3. Jason Statham
Jason Statham is easily one of the most popular action stars of the 21st century. He is also one of the biggest fans of MMA. In fact, he stated that it is the only sport that holds his attention. Statham is a natural athlete who has competed at the 1990 Commonwealth Games as a diver. As he was deciding to become an actor, Statham started to focus on becoming a martial artist.
He learned judo, kickboxing, and Kung fu. He also trained himself in Brazilian Jiujitsu and was awarded a purple belt. Statham is definitely going to be a tough opponent to beat if he ever enters the octagon.
4. Guy Ritchie
Guy Ritchie is a popular Hollywood director who is behind films like ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’ and ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ He is not just a skillful director but also a huge fan of martial arts. He began training in Shotokan Karate as a kid. He even tried to teach this discipline to his former wife Madonna. Ritchie also got a black belt in judo. Moreover, he also knows Brazilian Jiujitsu.
Considering he has studied all these fighting disciplines, it’s not a surprise to know that he loves MMA. He got inspired by the fights of Conor McGregor and even offered him a role in a film. It would certainly be interesting to see him compete in MMA.
5. Idris Elba
It was Idris Elba’s performance in the hit TV show, The Wire which got him famous. He played the role of Russell Bell. Since then, he has gotten plenty of offers to star in both TV series and Hollywood movies. Although he has surrendered himself to the showbiz life, his heart still has a desire to become a fighter. In fact, in 2016, he put his Hollywood career on hold just to make his professional kickboxing debut.
He trained for 12 months for this fight in different gyms across the world. A film crew also followed him and released a three-part movie documentary. Elba fought Lionel Graves and won the fight via TKO.
6. Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt got game after starring in a comedic show called Parks & Recreation. Since then, he has starred in big movies like the Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises. Pratt is an excellent grappler. In fact, he once said that he had devoted his life to grappling. He was coached by Randy Couture.
Although he is often busy filming, he still finds time to train. Pratt has been photographed working out with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. He also hangs out with his friend who happens to be an MMA fighter Adel Altamimi who claims that Pratt is strong.
7. Demi Lovato
Surprised? Don’t be! Demi Lovato is a bonafide hitmaker and a professional actress who has starred in the film, ‘Camp Rock.’ She is also a badass who wants to be an MMA fighter. The MMA coach Jay Glazer has praised Lovato for her ability to throw elbows better than most of the UFC guys. She has trained in all aspects of MMA and has even earned a blue belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. In addition, she has attended many UFC events.
8. Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher is another name that you may be surprised to see on this list. But make no mistake about it, he can take down anyone he wants without any problems. Even the legendary instructor of Brazilian Jiujitsu Rigan Machado, once said that Kutcher can defeat Conor McGregor on the mat. He has a background in wrestling. Kutcher will not be shy to show anyone his fighting skills if someone dares to cross limits with him.
9. Mario Lopez
Mario Lopez rose to stardom after he starred in the hit TV show Saved By the Bell as A.C. Slater. He has since gone on to make a name in the entertainment industry as a film actor and TV host. Lopez also has what it takes to become a successful fighter. The former WEC champion and UFC star Urijah Faber is a firm believer in his fighting skills and believes that he can conquer the MMA world.
10. Wesley Snipes
Known for his roles in films like ‘The Expendables,’ ‘Demolition Man,’ and ‘Blade,’ Wesley Snipes is the ultimate Hollywood action star. But apart from being an actor, he is a martial artist who often displays his skills in the movies. Snipes has been learning martial arts since he was five. He has earned a 2nd-degree black belt in Hapkido and a 5th-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He also trains in Capoeira and Brazilian Jiujitsu.
Conclusion
And there you have it! These are ten of the best Hollywood actors who can easily transition into MMA fighters. They all know martial arts, and if need be, they will not hesitate to throw a punch. So, what do you think about this list? Is there someone you would like to add?