Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
UFC fighters are known for having to perform in the most high-stress situations, under the bright lights, and in front of thousands of people.
This list is five of the most prolific names in the UFC who have ditched the octagon for the big screen and have appeared in blockbuster movies as a side hustle.
This list is not a ranking, but more of a highlight of those fighters who have captured the hearts of fans so much that they have managed to earn themselves roles in movies.
Randy “The Natural” Couture was building himself an incredible UFC legacy long before anyone in the sport was dreaming about securing movie deals. A five-time UFC champion across two weight divisions, Couture was never the flashy type during his UFC tenure. His strengths were his ability to stay calm under pressure and outthink his opponents, whilst breaking them down.
In 2010, Couture was given an incredible opportunity to feature on the big screen in Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables. Couture played the role of Toll Road, a quiet but deadly demolitions expert. His performance in the movie was well-received by moviegoers, and audiences enjoyed seeing a real-life warrior amongst action movie icons.
Couture went on to appear in three Expendables films, as well as other low-budget action flicks. Although he never aimed to act in Hollywood, Couture became a recognisable action hero.
In MMA, there aren’t many names that carry more weight than Canadian fighter George St-Pierre. George was a former welterweight and middleweight champion who was known for his calculated wrestling and high-level striking. While many fighters don’t leave the sport on top, George was one of the rare cases of a fighter who retired when they were still a champion.
In 2014, George featured in the Marvel movie, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He appeared as Batroc the Leaper, and this role was not just a short cameo. George had a full-blown fight scene with Chris Evans, and for his first time acting, George held his own. He did such a good job that years later, he reprised his role in Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
GSP’s mix of martial arts skill and screen presence made him a natural fit for stunt-heavy roles, and his ability to play a villain with intensity and control opened new doors in Hollywood. For many fans, it was proof that Georges wasn’t just a world-class athlete - he was a rising actor as well.
Few fighters exploded onto the UFC scene like Ronda Rousey. The former Olympic judo star went on a run of first-round finishes that made her a household name and the face of women’s MMA. For a moment, she wasn’t just the most dominant fighter - she was the most talked-about athlete on the planet.
With that fame came offers from Hollywood. Ronda took on a supporting role in Furious 7, where she squared off against Michelle Rodriguez in an epic brawl inside a penthouse. She then appeared in The Expendables 3 and later played herself in the Entourage movie.
While some questioned her acting range, no one could deny her screen presence. Rousey leaned into her image as a tough, no-nonsense enforcer, and it worked. Later, she even joined WWE, showing her ability to blend performance and combat in scripted form.
Whether in the cage, the ring, or on camera, Ronda was always ready to throw down.
Michael “The Count” Bisping wasn’t supposed to be UFC champion. After years of ups and downs, injuries, and tough losses, Bisping finally got his shot - and knocked out Luke Rockhold on short notice to win the middleweight title in 2016. It was the culmination of a career built on resilience, grit, and pure British stubbornness.
After retiring, Bisping wasted no time jumping into the acting world. He appeared in films like xXx: Return of Xander Cage and Den of Thieves, and even took a dramatic turn in TV shows like HBO Max’s Warrior. His most impressive asset? His ability to actually act - not just fight on screen.
Bisping’s sharp wit, confidence, and willingness to try new roles made him a regular in the action scene, and he’s still working in film while serving as a color commentator for UFC broadcasts. Not bad for a guy who once fought with one good eye.
When Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was in the UFC, he was pure chaos: heavy hands, wild energy, and a chain around his neck. His personality was bigger than life - and so was his presence in the cage. That charisma got Hollywood’s attention.
In 2010, Rampage landed a major role: B.A. Baracus in the remake of The A-Team, a part originally made famous by Mr. T. The movie wasn’t a blockbuster, but Rampage held his own alongside Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper. He brought his natural swagger and some solid comedic timing.
Afterward, Rampage appeared in a few smaller films and continued fighting across different promotions, but The A-Team remains his biggest Hollywood moment - a perfect blend of physicality and attitude.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
