Martial Artists In Movies: The Real Deal - Volume 12 (All MMA Edition)
This is a list of legitimate martial artists appearing in movies, accompanied by the styles they practice(d), the recognition they've received for them, and individual trivia.
This particular list EXCLUSIVELY includes individuals whose primary activities in the realm of martial arts include MMA competition. Individuals who have competed in MMA but are more authoritative in other sectors can be found in other lists.
Qualifications:
--------------------------------------------------
I have begun crediting stunt performers for doubling others in fight scenes. I justify doing this for cases wherein the stunt performer is performing significant parts of the action themselves and is displayed on the screen as prominently or more than the actor or actress.
--------------------------------------------------
NOTE: a lot of the trivia listed here did originally come from IMDb pages, but I've only included information I was able to verify from other sources as well.
--------------------------------------------------
**Though I have done my utmost to ensure that all information below is factual and up-to-date, I may have made mistakes and therefore make no claims about this list's infallibility**
--------------------------------------------------
Next list here
Previous list here
This particular list EXCLUSIVELY includes individuals whose primary activities in the realm of martial arts include MMA competition. Individuals who have competed in MMA but are more authoritative in other sectors can be found in other lists.
Qualifications:
- the performer must be an actual practitioner of a martial art; simply portraying martial artists in film, no matter how well or how often, is not enough
- the martial art(s) in question must be able to be identified and verified by a source other than hearsay
- individual accomplishments (e.g. tournaments won, belts held) must likewise be verifiable
- Mixed Martial Arts, Tai Chi, and weapons-based styles can only be credited if the person in question practices another style as well (I reserve the right to make exceptions)
- Kickboxing is considered a martial art
- Tae Bo, boxing, wrestling, and gymnastics are not considered martial arts
- styles incorporating firearms usage (e.g. Systema) are not considered
--------------------------------------------------
I have begun crediting stunt performers for doubling others in fight scenes. I justify doing this for cases wherein the stunt performer is performing significant parts of the action themselves and is displayed on the screen as prominently or more than the actor or actress.
--------------------------------------------------
NOTE: a lot of the trivia listed here did originally come from IMDb pages, but I've only included information I was able to verify from other sources as well.
--------------------------------------------------
**Though I have done my utmost to ensure that all information below is factual and up-to-date, I may have made mistakes and therefore make no claims about this list's infallibility**
--------------------------------------------------
Next list here
Previous list here
List activity
4.9K views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
100 people
- Actress
- Producer
From pioneering women's MMA to blazing a trail in movies, GINA CARANO is one of Hollywood's most unique rising stars. Carano began her training with Muay Thai to competitive MMA, where she competed in Strikeforce and EliteXC. Her popularity led to her being called the "Face of Women's MMA" and she was the fastest-rising search on Google and third-most-searched person on Yahoo and ranked 5th on a list of the "Top 10 Influential Women" of 2008. In August 2009, Carano fought Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg, the first time two women headlined a major MMA event and at the time was the highest rated fight in Showtime history. Carano compiled a competitive record of 12-1-1 in Muay Thai and a 7-1 in women's MMA.[4]
Outside the ring, Carano served as a mentor to aspiring fighters in the 2007 Oxygen reality series Fight Girls and performed as 'Crush' in the revamped television series American Gladiators before her breakout performance in Steven Soderbergh's film HAYWIRE, holding her own against the likes of Michael Douglas, Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Bill Paxton and Antonio Banderas. Gina's authenticity to making the Action look real earned her performance a Critics Choice Award Nomination for Best Actress in an action film. Hot on the heels came a role in the worldwide hit FAST AND FURIOUS 6 for Universal Pictures opposite Dwayne Johnson furthering her appeal as an Action Star. Next up, she co-starred alongside Robert DeNiro, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Dave Bautista in Lionsgate's film HEIST followed by the role of 'Angel Dust' in the smash hit MARVEL/FOX film DEADPOOL opposite Ryan Reynolds based on the popular comic book. The film grossed over $870 Million dollars at the Box Office. After starring in the independent films DAUGHTER OF THE WOLF opposite Richard Dreyfuss and the dark comedy MADNESS IN THE METHOD with Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, Gina had secured a lead role in Jon Favreau's highly reviewed Star Wars TV show THE MANDALORIAN for Disney +. Gina played 'Cara Dune', a former Rebel Shock Trooper in the series. However, after sharing a controversial post on social media, Gina was fired by Lucas Film and her character was written out of the show.
Carano was born in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of Dana Joy (née Cason) and professional football player Glenn Carano who played for the Dallas Cowboys and was the backup quarterback to Roger Staubach. She has two sisters, one older and one younger.
*Gina became the first recipient of ActionFest's Chuck Norris (Best Female Action Star) Award, given to the female action star of the year.
*Gina received the Artemis Action Warrior Award for her contributions to the female action genre and women's MMA. The award was presented to her by Action legend Zoe BellKickboxing, Muay Thai (record: 12-1-1), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 7-1)
Trivia: is the recipient of the first-ever Chick Norris award from ActionFest film festival
Best seen in HAYWIRE- Rich Franklin was born on 5 October 1974 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. He is an actor, known for Cyborg Soldier (2008), The Genesis Code (2010) and ONE Championship on TNT (2021).Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (UFC & IFC Champion; record: 29-7), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt)
Trivia: is a former coach for the THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER television program
Best seen in CYBORG SOLDIER - Actor
- Producer
- Stunts
Cung Le made his first appearance on the professional M.M.A. stage in 2006, and shortly after won the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship in 2008, setting high standards through his powerful kicks, skillful strikes, and well-timed take-downs. This U.S.-Viet Namese champion, actor, producer and action director is a household name in many parts of East Asia and is equally adored in Hollywood. He has starred in many major movies such as 'Puncture Wounds', 'Dragon Eyes', 'The Man With the Iron Fists', 'Pandorum' and Oscar-nominated 'The Grandmaster'. Born in Saigon, Viet Nam and arrived in the U.S. at three years old, this world-class fighter has graced the covers of many major martial arts publications such as Inside Kung Fu, Black Belt, Martial Arts Illustrated; and has made headlines and appearances in numerous main-stream outlets all over the world. Cung Le's latest high-profile project was coaching and mentoring fighters on the reality T.V. show: 'The Ultimate Fighter: China' and preparing them for the March 1st match in Macao where the winner earned a six-figure U.F.C. contract. This is the dream title that will catapult any fighter's status into stardom. Typically, the role of mentor and coach is reserved for the president of U.F.C. - Dana White. For the first time, he has appointed someone else - Cung Le - to take his position this season. This speaks volumes about Cung Le's martial arts skill and his ability to attract a world audience. Behind the scenes, Cung Le is an extremely down-to-earth, warm and fun-loving person with a positive view on life. He enjoys spending quality time and on vacation with his wife, taking his sons out to celebrate their academic and mixed martial arts successes at Five Guys Burgers, playing with his two dogs, embracing injuries with a light-hearted attitude, and training daily to stay in shape. He has been promoting his own amateur mixed martial arts event, Born to Fight, since 2001. He also attends martial arts events, works on various publicity projects, contributes positively to society through his "Train for a Cause with Cung Le" events, and stays true to himself by always expressing his candid points of view.Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Sanshou (3-time ISKA Champion; 3-time WUF Bronze medalist; Shidokan USA Champion; IKF Champion; record: 17-0), Sambo (AASU Espoir National Champion); Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (blue belt), Judo (Russian Nationals Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (Strikeforce Champion; record: 9-3)
Trivia: would perform 4000 kicks per day for while training
Best seen in DRAGON EYES- Actor
- Producer
- Stunts
Bas Rutten is a world-renowned mixed martial artist who has also made a name for himself outside the ring as an actor, host, and television personality.
As an actor Rutten can be seen co-starring in the Kevin James feature film Here Comes the Boom (2012) for Columbia Pictures. Rutten previously appeared in Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) and lent his talents to the voice cast of Zookeeper (2011).
Rutten is the co-host of the weekly MMA news program Inside MMA on HDNet, and he can be seen this fall hosting the self-defense show Punk Payback for Fuel TV. Rutten has provided color commentary for several fight organizations including the former Pride Fighting Championships.
Rutten is a former three-time King of Pancrase World Champion and UFC Heavyweight Champion. Born and raised in Holland, his devotion to martial arts began after sneaking into a movie screening of Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon. First known as a devastating stand up striker with 11 career wins by knockout, Rutten also dominated with 14 wins by submission and went undefeated in his final 22 fights.Mixed Martial Arts (UFC & King of Pancrase Champion; record: 28-4-1), Kyokushin Karate (5th Dan), Tae Kwon Do (2nd Dan), Muay Thai (record: 14-2)
Trivia: made headlines in Sweden following his arrest at a bar for brawling with several bouncers
Best seen in THE ELIMINATOR- Andrei Arlovski was born on 4 February 1979 in Minsk, Byelorussian SSR, USSR [now Belarus]. He is an actor, known for Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009), Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012) and The Equalizer 2 (2018).Sambo (World Cup & WSC Silver medalist; European & World Youth Champion), Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (M-1 European & UFC Champion; record: 26-15 [1])
Trivia: has also earned the title International Master of Sports
Best seen in UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: REGENERATION - Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
Randy Couture is a collegiate wrestler and fighter turned actor from Everett, Washington. He served as a four time US Olympic wrestling team alternate as a soldier in the U.S. Army, and is also a 6 time world heavyweight and light heavyweight UFC champion and Hall of Famer. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree in foreign language literature and is also fluent in German. Randy's current girlfriend is actress Mindy Robinson. He is best known for starring in all three of The Expendables, Ambushed, and The Scorpion King 2.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (6-time UFC Champion; UFC & Black Belt Hall of Fame entry; record: 19-11)
Trivia: holds UFC records for most championship wins, most championship fights, being the oldest fighter to win / defend a UFC title, and being the oldest fighter to win a fight in UFC history
Best seen in THE EXPENDABLES- Actor
- Stunts
Kickboxing (record: 1-4), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 2-4)
Trivia: was also a pro boxer (record: 8-3)
Best seen in BLOOD AND BONE- Robert Malcolm "Bob" Sapp born September 22, 1973] is an American professional wrestler, actor, comedian and former American football player best known for his career as a kick boxer and mixed martial artist. He is under contract with Rizin Fighting Federation. Sapp has a combined fight record of 22-35-1, mostly fighting in Japan. He is well known in Japan, where he has appeared in numerous commercials, television programs, and various other media, and has released a music CD, It's Sapp Time. He also appeared in an episode of the HBO program Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. He is working sporadically for various MMA promotions in the U.S., Japan, and Europe.Kickboxing (K-1 GP Champion; record: 12-18), Mixed Martial Arts (Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame entry; record: 11-20-1)
Trivia: is also a former NFL player and pro wrestler
Best seen in BLOOD AND BONE - Anthony Johnson was born on 6 March 1984 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was an actor, known for Warrior (2011), Combat Club (2022) and UFC 200 Greatest Fighters of All Time (2016). He died on 13 November 2022 in the USA.Kickboxing, Sanshou, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 22-6)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler, having won the NJCAA Championships in 2004
Best seen in WARRIOR - Mike Pyle is known for Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009), Men in Black³ (2012) and Safe (2012).Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt), Mixed Martial Arts (WEC Champion; record: 27-13-1)
Trivia: began studying MMA after watching Royce Gracie's early UFC fights
Best seen in UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: REGENERATION - Brock Lesnar was born on July 12, 1977 in Webster, South Dakota, USA as Brock Edward Lesnar. He is an actor, known for WrestleMania XIX (2003), Summerslam (2002) and WWE Unforgiven (2002). He has been married to Rena Mero since May 6, 2006. They have two children named, Turk & Duke. Lesnar also has a son and daughter from a previous relationship named, Brock Jr. and Mya Lynn.HONORARY ENTRY
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; record: 5-3)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler and former NCAA Division I champion - Actor
- Producer
Renzo Gracie is known for Once Upon a Time in Brazil, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) and Born a Champion (2021).Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2-time ADCC Gold medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 13-7-1 [1])
Trivia: has been the personal martial arts teacher of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, since 1993
Best seen in MAXIMUM CAGE FIGHTING- Actor
- Transportation Department
Charles David Liddell is an American former mixed martial artist who was the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Liddell had 23 fights in the UFC. He is widely credited with helping bring MMA into the mainstream of American sports and entertainment. On July 10, 2009, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Liddell was born in Santa Barbara, California, of partial Irish descent. He was raised by his single mother and maternal grandfather, who taught Liddell and his siblings boxing techniques from a very young age. Liddell began studying Koeikan karate at the age of 12; the tattoo on his scalp reads "Koei-Kan".Kenpō, Koei-Kan Karate, Kickboxing (IKF, WKA, WKC & USMTA Champion; record: 20-2), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; UFC Hall of Fame; record: 21-8)
Trivia: along with Frank Shamrock, holds the record for the most UFC title defenses in the light heavyweight division
Best seen in CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE- Heath Herring was born on 28 March 1978 in Waco, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Division III: Football's Finest (2011), Banshee (2013) and LIE (2017).Sambo, Muay Thai, Value Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (WVC Champion; Bas Rutten Invitational Tournament Champion; record: 28-16 [1])
Trivia: also practices wrestling
Best seen in NEVER SURRENDER - Penn was born to Jay Dee Penn, an Irish American and Loraine Shin, a third generation Korean-American. At the age of seventeen, Penn began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after being introduced to it by his neighbor, Tom Callos. Callos had put up fliers in local gyms looking for people to train with, and B.J.'s father Jay Dee Penn had called Callos and said his boys were interested. Callos then taught B.J. and his brother what he knew. Shortly thereafter, B.J. moved to San Jose, California to begin training at AKA with Dave Camarillo and Bob Cooke, who he lived with and became close friends with. It was here during his time in San Jose that he decided to pursue a career in martial arts (albeit not mixed martial arts at the time).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt; Mundials Gold, Silver & Bronze medalist; CBJJ Gold medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (2-time UFC Champion; record: 16-12-2)
Trivia: earned his Jiu-Jitsu black belt after only three years of study
Best seen in NEVER SURRENDER - Actor
- Producer
Anderson is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former UFC Middleweight Champion. Silva was the UFC's longest reigning champion and also holds the longest winning and title defense streak in UFC history, with 16 consecutive wins and 10 title defenses, and is the consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world according to ESPN, Sherdog, Yahoo! Sports and other publications. Silva holds notable victories over former champions Carlos Newton, Hayato Sakurai, Chris Leben, Rich Franklin(x2), Dan Henderson, Forrest Griffin and Vitor Belfort. UFC president Dana White has called Silva "the greatest mixed martial artist ever. Anderson Silva was born April 14, 1975, a middle child of four. The son of a poverty stricken family, Silva spent the majority of his childhood with his aunt and uncle, an officer with the Curitiba police force. Silva has three sons and two daughters with his wife, Dayane. Silva appeared in Never Surrender in 2009 and a documentary about his life in the UFC called Like Water, released in 2011.
Silva first began training Jiu Jitsu with neighborhood kids who could afford lessons. By the age of 12, his family was able to set aside enough money to start him in Tae Kwon Do lessons, from which he moved on to Capoeira, before finally settling on Muay Thai at the age of 16.
Before he began his career as a professional fighter, Silva worked at McDonalds, and also as a file clerk. He also considers Spider-Man a personal hero, and has a stated love of comic books and comic book heroes. Film and television is one of his greatest passions and he can see himself heavily immersed in the industry in the future.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Wing Chun, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Capoeira, Aikido, Mixed Martial Arts (Shooto, Cage Rage & UFC Champion; record: 34-8 [1])
Trivia: holds many UFC records, including ones for most consecutive/successful title defenses, highest significant strike accuracy, and longest title reign
Best seen in NEVER SURRENDER- Rashad Anton Evans is an American mixed martial artist. Evans started his professional career in 2003, he was the Heavyweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter 2 and is also a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, and a 2019 inductee of the UFC Hall of Fame. In 29 fights in MMA he won twenty, lost eight and one draw.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Gaidojutsu (black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; record: 19-7-1)
Trivia: is a former National Junior College Wrestling Champion and inductee to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Best seen in LOCKED DOWN - Georges St-Pierre was born on 19 May 1981 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is an actor and producer, known for Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Cartels (2016) and Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016).Kyokushin Karate (3rd Dan), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (2-time UFC Champion; record: 26-2)
Trivia: is a 3-time Rogers Sportsnet Canadian Athlete of the Year
Best seen in NEVER SURRENDER - Huerta has had a long and difficult early childhood right up to his teen years, overcoming many challenges and has been described as having the "life that Hollywood producers make movies about". Born to Lydia and Rogelio Huerta in Los Angeles, California, he spent the first 6 years of his life in Texas. His father became heavily involved in drugs and alcohol and began an affair with another woman that led to a separation with Lydia.
Huerta's mother became physically abusive, and when Huerta came to school with bruises covering his body, Child Protective Services intervened, placing him in a foster home for a short time. In 1990, Lydia lost the custody battle for Huerta and fled the United States with Huerta, age 7, to her parent's home in El Salvador. Shortly upon arriving, Lydia abandoned Huerta leaving him in the care of his grandparents at the time of the El Salvadoran Civil War. She returned a year later to only leave him on his father's doorstep in Texas. That was the last time he saw his mother. Huerta openly talks about the mental and physical abuse he endured from his father and stepmother in that year. The next year he was relocated to Mexico and left with his father's parents living in poverty. They would often send him out into the streets selling picture frames to tourists to make money. For a brief time, his father and stepmother came back into his life where they moved to the Rio Grande Valley and enrolled him half way through the year into 3rd grade. At 12 his father left home, and soon after Roger was kicked out by his stepmother. He lived on the streets for many years and survived by joining a youth gang. He often slept in alleys and on rooftops, but was encouraged by his friends to remain in school where he could eat a provided breakfast and lunch.
He occasionally stayed with friends and just before his freshman year, his life began to turn around for the better. Maria King, his friend's mother, obtained legal custody of him and the three moved to Austin, Texas where he attended Crockett High School. For one of the first times in his life he found himself in a stable environment and became quite popular in school and joined many of the school's sports teams including football and wrestling. It was there he met Jo Ramirez, his English teacher, where she learned about his troubled childhood in a conversation discussing his future ambitions. Furthermore, Bryan Ashford, the school's wrestling coach, took a special interest in Huerta and continued to support him in division wrestling. Ramirez, already a mother of seven, adopted Huerta in 2002 at the age of 19.
Ashford coached Huerta and with the help of Ramirez, aided him in applying for a collegiate wrestling scholarship. Huerta attends Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota with one year remaining in a Business Management bachelors degree and resided in St. Paul, Minnesota.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 24-9-1 [1])
Trivia: also trained in boxing under Freddie Roach
Best seen in TEKKEN - Actor
- Producer
Quinton Ramone "Rampage" Jackson is an American mixed martial artist, actor and former professional wrestler, who most recently fought in the Bellator MMA. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and unified the Pride Middleweight Championship belt. Due to his eccentric personality and aggressive fighting style, Jackson became a star in Japan during his tenure with Pride FC and following his move to the UFC, he helped pioneer MMA's growth into a worldwide sport.Kickboxing (record: 2-0), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; Bellator 10 Champion; record: 37-13)
Trivia: is the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's 2007 Most Outstanding Fighter
Best seen in CONFESSIONS OF A PIT FIGHTER- Actor
- Stunts
Keith began his training in 1974 at the age of 14. He started with wrestling and boxing. In 1976 he started with Tae Kwon Do and has a 2nd degree black belt. In 1988 he'd continue his martial arts in Tang Soo Do, and again, received a 2nd degree black belt. Keith also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission fighting.
Keith participated in the UFC contests. He defeated the likes of Joe Son. There he got his nickname; The Giant Killer. Later in Roselle, Illinois, Keith would open his own martial arts school; Hackney's Combat Academy where he is an instructor.Tae Kwon Do (2nd Dan), Tang Soo Do, Kenpo (3rd Dan), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (Martial Arts Hall of Fame entry; record: 2-2)
Trivia: earned his nickname "the Giant Killer" by defeating the 6'8", 650 lb. Emmanuel Yarborough in his first UFC match
Best seen in SUPERFIGHTS- Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira was born in Salvador, Brazil. Better known as Minotauro, is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist known for his technical mastery of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He competed in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion. He won most of his fights via submissions.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Mixed Martial Arts (PRIDE & WEF Champion; Black Belt Hall of Fame entry; record: 34-10-1 [1])
Trivia: boasts wins over six former UFC champions - Randy Couture, Ricco Rodriguez, Tim Sylvia, Josh Barnett, Mark Coleman and Dan Henderson
Best seen in THE EXPENDABLES - "Oleg makes an impression." On his DVD commentary for "Righteous Kill" (2008), director Jon Avnet remarks that he needed a powerful actor to play Russian mob enforcer Yevgeny Mugalat, a character who survives six gunshots at close range. International star Oleg Taktarov, born in Sarov, Russia, proved uniquely capable of fulfilling Avnet's demanding expectations. When Oleg first appears on camera as Mugalat, the director states emphatically in the audio commentary that the actor "makes an impression." Long before "Righteous Kill," Oleg already left global audiences with memorable impressions as "The Russian Bear," a UFC champion who took unconventional paths up to the top of the world's most difficult professions: acting and fighting.
Today, Oleg ranks among Russia's three most popular movie stars and its highest paid actors. His frank autobiography, "Up To The Top," is a best seller in Russia where Oleg's series "The Guardian" was also a number one television show. In America, Oleg works with the A List of actors and directors in hit blockbusters. He will play one of the leads with Adrien Brody and Topher Grace in "Predators" (2010), produced and written by action film innovator Robert Rodriguez. Oleg's distinguished list of achievements began while he was only a child in Sarov, a home to some of Russia's most eminent scholars and scientists. By age twelve, he was a recognized martial arts expert throughout the country.
Before he came to America in 1994 to pursue his dream of acting in the movies, Oleg Taktarov was an established global hero with records as the World Sambo Champion, the Russian National Judo Champion, and a four-time European and Asian Jujitsu Champion. Just six months after his arrival in the United States, Oleg defeated David "Tank" Abbott in July 1995 and became the reigning UFC Champion. At his classic 1996 "Superbrawl" with Ken Shamrock in Buffalo, New York, Oleg's fans in the U.S. audience waved signs that declared, "Russian Bear becomes American Hero!"
With the momentum of his UFC success and an enthusiastic American fan base to support him, Oleg learned English and studied acting at the prestigious L.A. Playhouse. After minor roles in a handful of Hollywood movies including "Air Force One" (1997), Oleg beat a thousand actors competing in auditions for his first significant film part as one of the antagonists in John Herzfeld's "15 Minutes" (2001) starring Robert DeNiro.
Again, Oleg made an unforgettable impression in "15 Minutes" as an unrelenting baddie, who aspires to be a movie director and steals a camcorder to photograph the criminal mayhem he inflicts upon Manhattan. During the shoot, Robert DeNiro shared acting advice with Oleg who returned the favor with pointers for more realistic fight scenes. The two were reunited for Avnet's "Righteous Kill" (2008), also starring Al Pacino.
After "15 Minutes," Oleg played charismatic heroes in "Red Serpent" (2002) and in the remake of "Rollerball" (2002). Reflecting events in his own life as a fighter, Oleg's character in "Rollerball" incites wild cheering by the fans in a Kazakhstan arena when he resists the dictates of a greedy sports league owner played by Jean Reno. Oleg continued to build his impressive resume' in American movies and television series with performances in "Bad Boys II" (2003), "National Treasure" (2004), "Alias" ("The Two," 2003), and "Navy NCIS" ("Judgment Day," 2008). He returned to movies depicting the brutal street culture of New York City with his riveting performances in "Rockaway" (2007) and "We Own the Night" (2007) with Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix. James Gray, the director of "Night," compared Oleg to a "young Charles Bronson," another dynamic Hollywood actor of Russian heritage.
Oleg's dramatic leading work in American films has proven that he can deliver both big moments and subtle ones. In "Rockaway" (2007), he quietly recounts a brutal memory of his character's service in Afghanistan with harrowing pain. In "Montana" (2008), Oleg's sympathetic hero Nikolai escapes from his adversaries into the streets of Los Angeles where he is befriended and hidden by a single mother and her son. Before the final showdown, Nikolai symbolically mends the fences between the everyday people of the U.S. and Russia. Oleg's empathetic performance of a Russian seeking a new life in America enables the film to succeed on many levels as a personal drama, crime adventure and a plea for understanding. At the premiere of "Montana," Oleg said, "I already knew all about this hero."
During one of his triumphant nights as UFC Champion, Oleg exited the ring after a victory and stated to a reporter, "I can do anything." It was not an idle boast. The fans of Oleg Taktarov know that "Up To The Top" is only the first chapter in volumes of future achievements by the native son of Sarov. When "Rolling Stone" celebrated its fourth year of publication in Russia, the magazine sponsored an exhibit of its celebrity photographs in Moscow. Oleg's dramatic photograph was a highlight of the exhibit, proving that the "Russian Bear" has fought his way to the top and achieved rock star status.Judo, Sambo, Mixed Martial Arts (UFC 6 Champion; record: 17-5-2)
Trivia: fought movie star and fellow martial artist Dolph Lundgren in a celebrity boxing match, winning by split decision
Best seen in COUNTER MEASURES - Actor
- Producer
Dan "The Beast" Severn is a legend in amateur and professional wrestling and Martial Arts. Born in Coldwater, Michigan, on June 9, 1959, he excelled in wrestling in both high school and college. A winner of over 500 amateur victories and numerous titles, he was an alternate on the USA Olympic Wrestling team. Severn turned to professional Wrestling and captured the National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Title; a title which he held for 10 years. In the early 1990s, he entered the world of Mixed Martial Arts. He excelled, winning numerous world championships. Severn defeated such greats as Ken Shamrock, Conan Silvera, David Abbott, Oleg Taktarov, Anthony Macias, and Bart Vale. His mixed martial arts record is 77-11-7. He is a noted barnstormer and has been defeating opponents on a monthly basis for the past three years.Judo, Sambo, Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Superfight Champion; Elite-1 & CFA Champion; Gladiator Challenge Champion; UFC Hall of Fame entry; record: 101-19-7)
Trivia: is a 13-time AAU Wrestling Champion
Best seen in SWAMP ZOMBIES- Actor
- Stunts
Currently attending graduate school in Chicago for Muscle Activation Therapy, this Munster, Indiana native is proficient in various forms of martial arts. Growing up idolizing Bruce Lee, Stephan has excelled at jujitsu, taekwondo, wrestling, and was a local 2-time Golden Gloves champion in the super-heavyweight division. He is also a personal trainer with a degree in Sports Medicine from Purdue University. Stephan is a member of the Carlson Gracie Team.Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Pan-Am Gold medalist; UFC Hall of Fame entry), Mixed Martial Arts (Ironheart Crown Champion; record: 15-9)
Trivia: is also an amateur boxer and a 2-time divisional Golden Gloves Champion
Best seen in SUPREME CHAMPION- Sean Sherk was born on 5 August 1973 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. He is an actor, known for Supreme Champion (2010), Made for Each Other (2009) and The Breakout (2008).Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; record: 36-4-1)
Trivia: is a former member of the St. Cloud State Wrestling Team
Best seen in SUPREME CHAMPION - Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou was born on 18 April 1984 in Hom'la, Cameroon. He is an actor, known for Supreme Champion (2010), Inside MMA (2007) and UFC 79: Nemesis (2007).Judo (2nd Dan; 3-time Cameroon Junior National Champion; 2-time Golden State Champion; Silver State Champion; US Open Champion; 2-time San Jose Buddhist Champion), Kickboxing, Muay Thai (record: 1-2), Mixed Martial Arts (KSW Champion; record: 16-14)
Trivia: is regarded as an extremely taxing training partner, having blown out the knees of Kit Cope and Frank Shamrock in preparation for their upcoming fights
Best seen in SUPREME CHAMPION - Forrest Griffin is an American retired mixed martial artist and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2013 and serves as the Vice President of Athlete Development at the UFC Performance Institute. Griffin, a former Georgia police officer, first rose to prominence after winning the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. In the tournament finals, he defeated Stephan Bonnar, which is widely credited as sparking the success of the UFC.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; UFC Hall of Fame entry; record: 19-7)
Trivia: is a former police officer
Best seen in LOCKED DOWN - Marquardt was born in Lander, Wyoming and was raised in Denver, Colorado. His late father was a Lutheran pastor and also worked in construction. Marquardt's father was also a former Marine who fought in the Vietnam War, Marquardt's mother was a nurse and a manager at an attorney's office, and Marquardt is one of five siblings. Because of his father's work he and his family moved around frequently to places including Chicago, Illinois, and Indiana. His parents divorced when he was eight years old, and the young Marquardt moved to Colorado. When he was 15 years old, he began studying the disciplines of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and kenpo. He was very active in sports, including basketball and soccer, at Wheat Ridge High School and also began taking freestyle wrestling and BJJ lessons when he was 18 years old under the instruction of Ricardo Murgel.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Jujitsu (1st Dan), Karate, Kickboxing, Kenpo, Mixed Martial Arts (7-time King of Pancrase Champion; IMA, Bas Rutten Invitational & Strikeforce Champion; record: 34-15-2)
Trivia: at the time of his victory, he was the youngest King of Pancrase Champion
Best seen in UNRIVALED - Actor
- Stunts
- Writer
Keith Jardine was born on 31 October 1975 in Butte, Montana, USA. He is an actor and writer, known for Godless (2017), Inherent Vice (2014) and Killer Kafé.Kickboxing, Gaidojutsu (black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 17-11-2)
Trivia: is a former bounty hunter
Best seen in TACTICAL FORCE- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Erik Paulson grew up in Minnesota and began his training in Judo in 1974. He started training competition Tae Kwon Do in 1976. To get his hands better he joined Golden Gloves Boxing in 1978 and competed all throughout his junior and senior high years while still competing in many karate tournaments and full-contact kickboxing matches.Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Sambo, Tae Kwon Do, Jeet Kune Do, Kickboxing, Escrima, Shooto, Mixed Martial Arts (Shooto Champion; record: 11-4-2)
Trivia: was undefeated during his reign as Shooto Champion
Best seen in BLOODSPORT 3- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Born in Nicosia (Cyprus), where his dad Konrad was a sniper for the English Army, Michael Bisping lived pretty much the first half of his life doing dead end jobs between Clitheroe and Manchester. He's always been fascinated by MMA in general from the beginning, where mixed martial art wasn't even considered a sport. Married young, and father of 3, he was always considered an outsider and an underdog, even when he got to the UFC, where he was the first Englishman to win a world title. His commentating, sport analysis, enterprising, and acting credentials are the keys to his after fighting life.Kickboxing (5-time British National Champion), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt; WJJC Silver medalist), Karate, Mixed Martial Arts (FX3, Cage Rage & Cage Warriors Champion; record: 27-7)
Trivia: is the 2008 and 2012 World MMA International Fighter of the Year
Best seen in BEATDOWN- Hard-hitting and soft-spoken, Bobby Lashley has become one of the few rookies to have an impact in a major wrestling company like WWE (Formly WWF), making his mark for his suplexes, especially for his bell-to-belly suplexes.
Lashley Lashley attend Missouri Valley College, which he won three national championships between 1996-98. Between 1997-1998, Lashley was the NAIA Wrestling Champion. Back then, he weight 177 lbs. Lashley then took up some serious training, building up 100 lbs of muscle, now weighing between 273-279.
In November 2003, Lashley was developed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and spent time in WWE's farm federation, Ohio Valley Wrestling. During his time at OVW, he was known as Blaster Lashley, and was part of the stable, "Bolin Services", along with Mike Bondo ('Michael Brenley') and 'Keny Doane', who both also now working for WWE as the stable, the Spirit Squad.
Lashley then made his television debut on 'Friday Night Smackdown' under the name Bobby Lashley (or simply Lashley) against Simon Dean. Lashley won, impressing everyone, even doing four push ups with Simon Dean on his back, and quickly became one of the most watched and popular rookies. He also faced Dean in Lashley's pay-per-view match at No Mercy 2005. In this match, the loser has to eat twenty cheeseburgers. Lashley then stuffed the burgers down into Dean.
Lashley later feuded with others such as John Bradshaw Layfield Nunzio (James Maritato) and Vito (Vito LoGrasso), John "Bradshaw" Layfield (John Layfield, the man who was the first to defeat Lashley at No Way Out), Finlay (Dave Finlay).
Lashley was also part of Team Smackdown! who went head-to-head against Team RAW. Other members include then-champion, Dave Bautista, Rey Mysterio ('Oscar Gutierrez(iii)'), John Bradshaw Layfield and Randy Orton (replaced Eddie Guerrero when Guerrero passed away). The team went against Raw members, 'Shawn Michaels(v)', then World Champions Kane (Glenn Jacobs) and Big Show ('Paul Wight'), Carlito ('Carlos Clon, Jr.') and 'Chris Masters(ii)'. Even though Lashley was the first to be pinned, Team Smackdown won.
Later, Lashley entered for a mix promotion for Wrestlemania 22 in the Money-in-the Bank Ladder Match, with three Raw Superstars and three Smackdown! Superstars. Lashley lost the match, with then-Raw superstar Rob Van Damn, winning the match.
Later, Lashley competed in the 2006 King of Ring tournament, which hasn't been since 2002. Lashley defeated Mark Henry in the first round by count-out. He finally got to be the top two finalists for King of the Ring. The other was 'Booker T.' Despite being dominating the match, Lashley lost.
During the feud between Lashley and Booker, Lashley won his first championship: The United States Championship. Lashley won it from JBL. After the match, Lashley then went back to feuding with Booker, who lost to Lashley in a Steel Cage Match.Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (Shark Fights & XFN Champion; record: 14-2)
Trivia: aspired to become an Olympic freestyle wrestler, but was derailed by a knee injury
Best seen in BEATDOWN - Mike Swick was born on 19 June 1979 in Houston, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Beatdown (2010), Kiss of the Con Queen and UFC on Fox (2011).Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 15-6)
Trivia: represents the AKA Thailand MMA organization
Best seen in BEATDOWN - Kimo Leopoldo was born on 4 January 1964 in Munich, Germany. He is an actor, known for Avengers Grimm (2015), The Dog Problem (2006) and R.I.O.T.: The Movie (1996).Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Kickboxing (record: 0-3), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 10-7-1)
Trivia: carried a cross to the ring during the UFC 3 pay-per-view
Best seen in THE PROCESS - Actor
- Writer
Lyoto Carvalho Machida known professionally as The Dragon, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and karate, signed with Bellator MMA, competing in the Light heavyweight division. He formerly competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, as well as a UFC Middleweight Championship title challenger. As of May 11, 2021 he is #6 in the Bellator Light Heavyweight Rankings.Shotokan Karate (2-time Brazil National Champion; Pan-American Champion), Sumo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; record: 22-7)
Trivia: is the first UFC Champion to win the title with a perfect record (15-0)
Best seen in NEVER BACK DOWN- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Thomas Howard was born on 26 December 1969 in Huntington Beach, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Nacho Libre (2006), True Vengeance (1997) and Muay Thai Giant (2008).Kickboxing (record: 0-1), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-7)
Trivia: is an instructor for Japan's Universal Fighting Organization
Best seen in MUAY THAI GIANT- Trevor Prangley was born on 24 August 1971 in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an actor, known for Dragon Eyes (2012), Strikeforce Challengers (2009) and Bellator Fighting Championships (2009).Muay Thai, Kickboxing (WPKO Champion), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (King of the Cage, Shark Fights, Bodog & MFC Champion; record: 34-11-2)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler, having won the South African National Championship
Best seen in DRAGON EYES - Kenneth Wayne Shamrock is an American bare-knuckle boxing promoter and retired professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, and kick-boxer. He is best known for his time in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and other combat sports. A member of the UFC Hall of Fame, Shamrock is widely regarded as icon and pioneer of the sport. He has headlined over 15 main events and co-main events in the UFC and Pride FC and set numerous MMA pay-per-view records. In the early part of his UFC career, Shamrock was named "The World's Most Dangerous Man" by ABC News in a special called "The World's Most Dangerous Things". The moniker has stuck as his nickname.Kickboxing (record: 0-1), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC, King of Pancrase & WMMAA Champion; UFC Hall of Fame entry; record: 28-16-2)
Trivia: was the first-ever UFC Champion to defend a title
Best seen in CHAMPIONS - Joe Son was born on 22 November 1970 in Gwangju, Korea. He is an actor, known for Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997), Bad Blood (1994) and Shootfighter: Fight to the Death (1993).Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Joe Son Do (founder), Kickboxing (record: 0-1), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-4)
Trivia: was a trainer of Kimo Leopoldo and Keith Hackney
Best seen in SHOOTFIGHTER 2 - Actor
- Art Department
Willie Williams is known for American Heart (1992), Missing in Action (1984) and American Ninja (1985).Kyokushin Karate, Shin Kakutou-Jitsu, Judo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 9-4)
Trivia: participated in the first All-World Karate Tournament in 1975 in Tokyo
Best seen in RETURN OF THE KICKIGHTER- Marco Ruas was born on 23 January 1961 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is an actor, known for The Eliminator (2004), Kickboxer 3: The Art of War (1992) and Where Are They Now? (2016).Capoeira, Luta Livre (7th degree black belt), Tae Kwon Do (1st Dan), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (1st degree black belt), Judo (Brazilian National Champion), Muay Thai (4-time Brazilian National Champion), Vale Tudo (WVC Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 9-4-2)
Trivia: is the winner of the 2003 UFC Viewers' Choice Award
Best seen in THE ELIMINATOR - Actor
- Manager
Tae Kwon Do, Shotokan Karate, Kenpo, Judo, Jujitsu, Sambo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 6-13)
Trivia: set an early UFC record for "fastest submission" by submitting Kevin Rosier in 14 seconds via an armbar
Best seen in FULL CONTACT- Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) Todd Duffee knocked out in stone what he was set on doing as a full-time career. He was born in Evansville, Indiana on December 6, 1985, spending his formative years in Raleigh, Illinois. At age 16, Todd had moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined a boxing gym and thus started training. His learning experience about the MMA was enhanced with viewings of old Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fights he rented. Not long after this, Todd began training at a MMA gym. Upon entering the MMA circuit, Todd found success against several fighters and earned a notable triumph over UFC and PRIDE FC veteran fighter Assuiero Silva with a knockout victory during their second round together. He graduated to fighting in the UFC, scheduled to make his debut showing at UFC #99, held on June of 2009 until the UFC withdrew him to insert another fighter. This revision of scheduled fights happened once more until Todd was at last matched against Tim Hague at UFC #102 held on August 2009 in Portland, Oregon. This match was an impressive victory for the boxing-based fighter as he scored a record-setting fast knockout against Hague. At UFC #114, he was matched against Mike Russow, a fellow newcomer in a bout that ended in an upset defeat for Todd by way of a knockout during their third round. As time continued while in the UFC, a series of injuries often time led to Todd Duffee being replaced with other fighters, thus he did not fight much. Eventually in 2010, on September 7, Todd was released from the UFC. Afterwards, he began fighting in other, smaller fighting leagues. Outside of the fighting spectrum, Todd Duffee trains at the Colorado-based facility Grudge Training Center. He also has his own fan page and made his first acting debut in Never Back Down 2 (2011) (V)Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 9-3)
Trivia: is a one-time winner of UFC's Knockout of the Night
Best seen in NEVER BACK DOWN 2 - Actor
- Stunts
Yves Edwards was born on 30 September 1976 in Nassau, Bahamas. He is an actor, known for Alita: Battle Angel (2019), Olympus Has Fallen (2013) and Warrior (2011).Karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 42-22-1)
Trivia: also a professional boxer (record: 2-0)
Best seen in CIRCLE OF PAIN- Actor
- Stunts
- Director
Fabiano Iha was born on 28 July 1970 in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. He is an actor and director, known for Assassin X (2016), Never Surrender (2009) and My Sweet Honeymoon (2011).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Vale Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 9-5)
Trivia: trained in MMA under Marco Ruas
Best seen in NEVER SURRENDER- Cheick Kongo was born on 17 May 1975 in Sevran, France. He is an actor, known for Attila (2013), Hollow Point (2019) and Locked Down (2010).Karate, Muay Thai, Savate, Kickboxing (4-time KoC Champion; Rings World , European & Intercontinental Muay Thai Champion; record: 21-2), Mixed Martial Arts (KotR Champion; record: 23-10-2), Pentjak Silat, Kendo
Trivia: is also a columnist for Top Fight magazine
Best seen in LOCKED DOWN - Melendez, a Mexican-American, is from Santa Ana, California, and wrestled during high school. Melendez always enjoyed combat sports and competition, but did not start training in MMA until after college when he was introduced to the sport by his good friend and MMA fighter Jake Shields. Melendez attended San Francisco State University and was studying in liberal arts, he anticipated becoming a teacher but did not finish his college education and get a degree, on account of training for MMA and working outside of college. He has stated that someday he plans on finishing his college education.Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt), Mixed Martial Arts (3-time Strikeforce & WEC Champion; record: 22-5)
Trivia: is the MMAFighting 2006 Lightweight of the Year
Best seen in DRAGON EYES - Frank Mir was born on 24 May 1979 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He is an actor, known for Force of Execution (2013), Gutshot Straight (2014) and Brass Knuckles.Kenpo (1st Dan), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt; NAGA & Pan American Champion; black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; record: 18-10)
Trivia: is the only fighter to have defeated Cheick Kongo and Brock Lesnar via submission
Best seen in CIRCLE OF PAIN - Actor
- Producer
- Stunts
Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 2-4-1)
Trivia: former member of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League
Best seen in LOCKED DOWN- Actor
- Producer
Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic was born on 10 September 1974 in Vinkovci, Croatia, Yugoslavia [now Croatia]. He is an actor and producer, known for Ultimate Force (2005), UFC on Fox (2011) and Exchange office (2005).Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kickboxing (K-1 World GP Champion; record: 23-8), Mixed Martial Arts (IGF & PRIDE FC Champion; Black Belt Hall of Fame entry; record: 31-11-2)
Trivia: is also an amateur boxer (record: 40-5)
Best seen in ULTIMATE FORCE- Josh Thomson was born on 21 September 1978 in San Jose, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Fist of the Dragon (2014), Death Mist and Victory by Submission (2017).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Muay Thai, Kickboxing (2-time WPKO Champion; NAKO Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (2-time Strikeforce Champion; NASFC Champion; record: 22-8)
Trivia: served six months in prison for aggravated assault
Best seen in FIST OF THE DRAGON - Actor
- Producer
- Director
Roman Mitichyan was born in Vanadzor, Armenia and started training at the age 8 in free style wrestling. He then went on to train in the art of Sambo-Judo with Baxshik Saroyan. Roman was a natural at the sport and soon became a Champion in Armenia. In 1997 he and his family moved to the United States and he started training at the Hayastan Judo Club under world renown grapplers Gene Lebell and Gokor Chivichyan.
In 2006 Roman won 1st place in the USJI National Championship. Roman is a world Bronze medalist in Sambo, and an active MMA fighter with a 15-3 record.
Roman's approach to fighting (and life) is grounded in his hard work ethic and relentless attacks. It is this tenacity that has propelled him to the top of his sport.Sambo, Judo (USJI Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 8-3)
Trivia: trained in the martial arts under Baxshik Saroyan, Gene LeBell, and Gokor Chivichyan
Best seen in THE SAINT- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
John Lewis, an actor of extraordinary talent, stands at the pinnacle of his craft. With an entertainment career spanning decades, he has firmly established himself as a leading figure in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on both the big and small screens.
A consummate actor, John has seamlessly transitioned between various roles, showcasing his remarkable versatility and dedication to his craft. Whether portraying complex characters in intense dramas, delivering pitch-perfect performances in unique thrillers, or immersing himself in the skin of memorable characters in action films, John's ability to breathe life into every role is respected by peers and filmmakers alike.
In addition to his leading roles, John is celebrated for his strong supporting performances, where he consistently elevates the production with his magnetic presence and exceptional professionalism. His commitment to authenticity and his knack for capturing the essence of each character have earned him accolades and admiration from peers and audiences.
But John's artistic journey doesn't end in front of the camera. He has also made significant contributions as a producer, collaborating with some of Hollywood's most prestigious studios and esteemed directors to bring compelling stories to the screen. His passion for storytelling and his dedication to producing thought-provoking and socially relevant films have established him as a visionary force in the industry.
Beyond his acting and film production achievements, John Lewis possesses a multifaceted background that adds depth and dimension to his artistic persona. He is not only a talented musician and singer-songwriter, drawing inspiration from musical legends like Queen and Prince, but also a former mixed martial arts champion and a veteran of world-class fighting organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Extreme Fighting.
This unique blend of experiences, from the stage to the ring, from music to martial arts, has shaped John into a truly exceptional creative force. He brings the depth of a life fully lived, with its struggles, triumphs, and a profound understanding of the human condition, to every role he takes on.
In every aspect of his artistic journey, whether through the chords of a guitar, the lines of a script, or his domination in the cage, John Lewis invites you to feel, understand, and connect. Dive into his body of work, and you'll discover more than an actor; you'll find a friend, a storyteller, a producer, a musician, and a human being unafraid to speak his truth through the captivating tapestry of his talents.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (5th degree black belt), Sho Kon Do (2nd Dan), Judo (1st Dan), Jujitsu (1st Dan), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 3-4-3)
Trivia: operates a martial arts academy with Andre Pederneiras
Best seen in MORTAL KOMBAT: LEGACY- Actor
- Producer
- Stunts
Royce Gracie, of the legendary Gracie family, is one of the most prolific and influential MMA fighters in history. He became an 'underdog' hero while changing the landscape of combat sports and revolutionizing martial arts forever. After winning the first UFC Tournament(s) (UFC1, UFC2, UFC4), he proved that with the knowledge of his father's fighting style (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) a "David" could beat a "Goliath". Royce is the only fighter in history to defeat four opponents in the same night; unlike today, these tournaments had no weight divisions, no time limits and no real rules. In Brazil they were called "Vale Todo" in America it became 'no-holds-barred' and was quickly ruled illegal throughout most of the U.S. In 2003, Royce was the first fighter inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. His record of 'victories via submissions' remain untouched. Today he's considered an icon, a pioneer, and "The Godfather" of a sport that will be celebrating it's 20th anniversary, November 12th 2013.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (6th degree black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC, Black Belt & Fight Matrix Hall of Fame entry; record: 14-2-3)
Trivia: set records in two different promotions for the longest recorded fight - in the PFC for 36:00 (against Ken Shamrock) and in UFC for 90:00 (against Kazushi Sakuraba)
Best seen in THE SCORPION KING: THE LOST THRONE- Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
Frank Shamrock is an American former professional mixed martial artist. Shamrock was the first to hold the UFC Middleweight Championship and retired a four-time defending undefeated champion. Shamrock was the No. 1 ranked pound for pound UFC fighter in the world during his reign as the UFC Middleweight Champion. Shamrock has won numerous titles in other martial arts organizations, including the interim King of Pancrase title, the WEC Light Heavyweight Championship and the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship. Shamrock is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, as well as one of the first complete mixed martial artists, adapting his game from a grounded style of fighting to a more complete, well-rounded, and versatile style that included always improving striking to go along with his skilled ground game.Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (UFC, Strikeforce & WKC Champion; King of Pancrase; record: 23-10-2)
Trivia: is the first Mexican-American fighter to win an official MMA championship
Best seen in ART OF SUBMISSION- Gray Maynard was born on 9 May 1979 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. He is an actor, known for Money Fight (2012), UFC on Fox (2011) and Clash of Dynasties: St. Edward vs Walsh Jesuit.Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (blue belt), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 11-5-1)
Trivia: is a 3-time NCAA collegiate wrestling champion
Best seen in ART OF SUBMISSION - Tyson Griffin was born on 20 April 1984 in Santa Rosa, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Money Fight (2012), UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort (2009) and RFA 4: Griffin vs. Escudero (2012).Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (Gladiator Challenge Champion; record: 16-8)
Trivia: is a former construction worker
Best seen in ART OF SUBMISSION - Actor
- Additional Crew
Pete Spratt was born on 9 January 1971 in Dennison, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Repentance: Thugz ll (2004), Serum (2006) and Where Are They Now? (2016).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (blue belt), Kenpo, Sanshou, Muay Thai, Kickboxing (2-time ISKA Champion; record: 15-3), Mixed Martial Arts (GSE Champion; record: 25-23)
Trivia: is also a boxer and former Golden Gloves state champion
Best seen in REPENTANCE: THUGZ II- Thomas Diagne is known for Fist of the Dragon (2014), Strikeforce Challengers (2009) and Bellator MMA Live (2013).Sanshou, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 5-5-1)
Trivia: trained in the martial arts under Cung Le
Best seen in FIST OF THE DRAGON - Stunts
- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Hapkido, Hap Mu Do, Kum Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, Judo, Kook Sool Won, Hwa Rang Do, Tae Kwon Do, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-3)
Trivia: is the founder and instructor of the Royal Martial Arts academy
Best seen in THE GIRL FROM THE NAKED EYE- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Jace Jeanes was born on 28 January 1977 in Houston, Texas, USA. He is an actor, known for Furious 7 (2015), Spy (2015) and Alita: Battle Angel (2019).Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (recod: 0-2)
Trivia: also practices boxing and wrestling
Best seen in BEATDOWN- Vinnie Samero is known for Takedown (2009) and FightZone Presents (2007).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-2)
Trivia: is also a martial arts instructor at the American Combat Club
Best seen in TAKEDOWN - Nic Osei is known for Ud af mørket (2012).Tae Kwon Do (Oxford & London Open Champion), Escrima, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 9-6)
Trivia: won his first MMA fight by KO
Best seen in THROUGH DARKNESS - Marcus Silveira was born on 9 December 1964 in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is an actor, known for Mortal Contact (1995), UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 (2023) and Countdown to UFC (2011).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 6-4)
Trivia: is the founder of the American Top Team
Best seen in MORTAL CONTACT - Bart Vale is known for Mortal Contact (1995), World Combat Championship (1996) and Pancrase Hybrid History (2021).Chinese Kenpo (10th Dan), Kickboxing (record: 0-2), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-2)
Trivia: is the founder of the International Shootfighting Association
Best seen in MORTAL CONTACT - Actor
- Producer
- Additional Crew
David Michael Bautista, Jr. was born on January 18, 1969 in Washington, D.C., to Donna Raye (Mullins) and David Michael Bautista, a hairdresser. He has Filipino and Greek ancestry.
When WCW officials told him he'd never make it in sports entertainment, Bautista pushed himself to achieve his dream of being a Superstar. In May 2002, he made his debut on SmackDown using the ring name Batista, but it wasn't until a move to Raw and two victories over Kane that "The Animal" began to make noise in the WWE Universe. The wins impressed Ric Flair and Triple H, who were looking to align themselves with the industry's brightest new stars. After a lengthy search, they identified Randy Orton and Batista. Collectively the four Superstars became known as Evolution.
Batista earned his first championship alongside "The Nature Boy" when the duo captured the WWE Tag Team Championships in December 2003. As Evolution dominated WWE, Batista started to emerge from the shadows of Triple H and Ric Flair. By the time Batista won the 2005 Royal Rumble Match, World Heavyweight Champion Triple H viewed him as a serious threat to his title.
After a triceps injury at the hands of Mark Henry forced Batista to relinquish the title in January 2006, he vowed to return. Batista successfully regained the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series in 2006. Four months into his second reign, Batista faced the Undertaker at WrestleMania 23. "The Animal" took Undertaker to the limit, but was unable to stop the streak of "The Deadman" at WrestleMania. Though disappointed, Batista stayed hungry and always managed to keep himself in the championship hunt for the rest of his career.
At Bragging Rights in 2009, Batista shocked the world when he blamed Rey Mysterio for a loss to Undertaker, then attacked his former tag team partner. "The Animal" then became locked in a tense rivalry with another former friend, John Cena, over the WWE Championship. The grueling match at Over the Limit led to a wheelchair-bound Batista declaring "I quit!" the following night on Raw before fading from the WWE Universe in May 2010. Following his departure from WWE, Bautista appeared opposite Vin Diesel in the Universal film Riddick (2013) and RZA's feature directorial debut The Man with the Iron Fists (2012), in which he played the villainous Brass Body and starred opposite Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu. His other film credits include The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption (2012), where he played Argomael; the action film House of the Rising Sun (2011); and Wrong Side of Town (2010) opposite rapper Ja Rule.
Two years later, he joined MMA and won his first professional MMA fight. In January 2014, he made his long awaited return to the WWE, before quitting a second time in June of that same year. He did this in order to promote Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), which was released on August 1, 2014, and starred Chris Pratt, Benicio Del Toro, Zoe Saldana, and Djimon Hounsou, alongside Bautista.
He will shoot Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016), directed by John Stockwell, and co-starring martial artist Alain Moussi and UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre. The remake of the 1989 Jean-Claude Van Damme film, Kickboxer (1989) is about two brothers David and Kurt Sloan; When David wins the Karate World Championship, a promoter lures him to Hong Kong, despite his brother's protestations that the man is a crook. When Kurt travels to Thailand to meet his brother, he discovers he has died and seeks his revenge.
After starring in films such as, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Hotel Artemis (2018), Escape Plan 2: Hades (2018), and Final Score (2018), he made a special guest appearance on WWE Smackdown! (1999) for it's 1000 episode reuniting with his former Evolution members Triple H, Randy Orton, and Ric Flair on October 16, 2018. The following year on February 25, 2019, he made his return to WWE Raw (1993) when he attacked Ric Flair on his 70th birthday at the end of the episode sending a message to Triple H that would ultimately lead to a No Holds Barred match for WrestleMania 35 (2019). Batista added the stipulation that if he wins the match, Triple H will have to retire from in-ring competition. As a result, Triple H was finally able to beat Batista for the first time and won the match, which ultimately led to Batista announcing his official retirement from wrestling in the WWE. Following his retirement, he will continue with his career as an actor in Hollywood.
His next films scheduled for release will be; Stuber (2019), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Escape Plan: The Extractors (2019), and My Spy (2020). He is one of many professional wrestlers to make the smooth transition from wrestling into the entertainment world.Escrima, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-0)
Trivia: trained in the martial arts under Marrese Crump and Cesar Gracie
Best seen in THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Tim Lajcik is known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), The Matrix Resurrections (2021) and Okja (2017).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 7-6-1)
Trivia: is a former AAU National Freestyle and 2-time All-American Wrestling Champion
Best seen in BULLETS BLADES & BLOOD- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Director
Josh Barnett was born on 10 November 1977 in Seattle, Washington, USA. He is an actor and director, known for Chuck Hank and the San Diego Twins, Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016) and Absolution (2015).Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt; IBJJF & IGJJF Gold medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC & Pancrase Champion; record: 34-8)
Trivia: was inspired to study grappling after watching the UFC 2 pay-per-view
Best seen in ABSOLUTION- Actor
- Stunts
Krzysztof Soszynski is mixed martial arts fighter, actor, stuntman, DJ and creator of the KSOS Conditioning System. He was born in Stalowa Wola Poland and moved to Canada with his family when he was 10. Soszynski, former TKO Heavyweight Champion, is a UFC veteran and MMA coach at the UFC Gym in Torrance California. His strong work ethic has allowed him to pursue many passions including acting and music. He has worked in feature films with Kevin James in 'Here Comes the Boom' and as Mickey Rourke's stunt double in 'Immortals. Krzysztof will also appear in the upcoming film 'Tapped' and 'Severed Connection'.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (TKO & ICC Champion; record: 26-12-1)
Trivia: is also a former professional wrestler
Best seen in TAPPED OUT- Shonie Carter was born on 3 May 1972 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is an actor, known for The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain (2019), Money Fight (2012) and CIA International.Jujitsu, Shorin-Ryu Karate (5-time Shidokan Champion; USA Martial Arts, Action Martial Arts, Masters & Martial Arts Hall of Fame entry), Judo (2-time Tennessee State Champion), Sanshou, Kickboxing (Illinois & North Carolina State Champion; NAGA Champion; record: 57-5), Mixed Martial Arts (2-time EC Champion; IFC, IHC, KOTC, WEC, WFC, IMAC & Throwdown Champion; record: 51-31-7)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler, having participated in the Olympic Trials
Best seen in ART OF SUBMISSION - Actor
- Producer
Cited by film producer Jeff Most as "The next Vin Diesel", Tito delivers the audience as well as the sheer acting talent. The most electrifying Ultimate Fighting competitor alive today, as intimidating as Tito is in the ring, outside he is an unparalleled fan favorite. A dynamic speaker, Tito's popularity with the fans made for a natural move into other media. He frequently appears on talk shows and in magazine articles and stars in the popular video game, "UFC: Tapout" on Xbox. Having made a cameo appearance in Jet Li's Cradle 2 the Grave (2003), Tito recently delivered a breakout performance with his first starring role, opposite Edward Furlong, David Boreanaz, and Dennis Hopper, in The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005), scheduled for release in early 2005.
But life for "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" wasn't always this good, and even as he soars to the top, Tito has never forgotten his roots. The child of two drug-addicted parents, in high school Tito chose wrestling over drugs and gangs, and excelled. He went on to compete at the college level and earned two consecutive titles as California State Wrestling Champion before making the shift to Ultimate Fighting...where he became the world champion less than two years after entering the sport.
Today, as he balances his time between fighting, acting, running his clothing line, "Punishment Athletics", and developing his new game for Xbox, Tito also regularly prioritizes working with inner city children; motivating kids to stay in school, to stay away from drugs and gangs, and to pursue their dreams, no matter what their current situation; and, through his foundation, Tito supports children's charity initiatives and raises money to establish better after-school athletic programs in neighborhoods like the one he came from.Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ADCC Bronze medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; record: 18-12-1)
Trivia: holds the UFC record for most fights within the organization (27)
Best seen in CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE- Bill Waters is known for Dragon Eyes (2012).Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 3-1)
Trivia: is an instructor at DRIVE Mixed Martial Arts of Cincinnati, OH
Best seen in DRAGON EYES - Actor
- Stunts
Rich Clementi was born on 31 March 1976 in Slidell, Louisiana, USA. He is an actor, known for Dolphin Kick (2019), Dragon Eyes (2012) and The Philly Kid (2012).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (WEC Champion; record: 45-23-1)
Trivia: is an American military veteran
Best seen in DRAGON EYES- Kazushi Sakuraba was born on 14 July 1968 in Japan. He is an actor, known for Nagurimono (2005), Wrestle-1 Events (2013) and Baton (2009).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt [honorary]), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 26-17-1)
Trivia: is the first fighter to beat Royce Gracie in MMA competition
Best seen in NAGURIMONO: LOVE & KILL - Sean O'Haire was born on 25 February 1971 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA. He was an actor, known for WCW Monday Nitro (1995), WCW Thunder (1998) and WWE Raw (1993). He was married to Joy Elizabeth. He died on 9 September 2014 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing (record: 0-4), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 4-2)
Trivia: was named the Rookie of the Year 2000 by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards - Actor
- Stunts
Jess Liaudin was born in Evry France. Coming from a very underprivileged background and being homeless by the age of 14, Jess found refuge in martial arts and went on to master a multitude of different styles and fought around the world at the highest levels including in the UFC.
As a natural performer Jess took a number of acting classes and very quickly began his film career, appearing initially in small roles where he performed his own stunts to gain the necessary experience. It did not take long for Jess to play his first lead villain in the French thriller Night Fare, and shortly after he worked with highly regarded filmmaker Will Wender in Submergence. That led to Jess acting opposite James McAvoy and later on Helen Mirren (Anna), Alicia Vikander (Irma Vep) and Vincent Cassel (Liaison) name but a few. Having proved himself as an actor and having great athletic ability Jess was spotted to play in the action film world when he faced Donnie Yen (Big Brother), Thomas Jane (One Ranger) and Scott Adkins (One Shot) as a lead antagonist.Karate, Muay Thai, Kickboxing (record: 19-3), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo (UK National Open Silver medalist); Mixed Martial Arts (ECC & Sport Budo Champion; record: 20-11)
Trivia: is a former chef
Best seen in SKIN TRAFFIK- Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 21-11-1)
Trivia: carved and practiced with wooden swords and nunchaku as a child
Best seen in DAMAGE - Alberto Del Rio was born on 25 May 1977 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He is an actor, known for WWE Smackdown! (1999), WWE NXT (2010) and WWE Raw (1993).HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 9-5)
Trivia: was ranked #6 among the top singles pro wrestlers by the PWI 2011 - Actor
- Director
- Producer
Anthony Carelli was born on 14 March 1974 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He is an actor and director, known for WWE: OMG! - The Top 50 Incidents in WWE History (2011), WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2011 (2010) and WWE Saturday Morning Slam (2012). He has been married to Anna Babji since November 2015. They have one child.HONORARY ENTRY
Judo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1)
Trivia: has studied the martial arts for over 20 years- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
"Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and considered a groundbreaker in many aspects of the art of grappling.
Gene started training in judo at a young age, and at the age of 20 in 1954, he won National AAU Heavyweight Judo Championship and the USA Overall Judo Championship title. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. After an illustrious judo career, he tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. However, in his excitement, Gene swung the title belt around his head, which accidentally hit one of the wrestling commissioners on the head, causing a nasty gash. The belt was immediately seized from the shocked Gene, which in later years would cause him to comment, "Well, at least I was the champ for 12 seconds and I retired as champion."
Gene went on to fight numerous opponents over the years including practitioners from other fighting arts that scoffed at his prowess, however they learned the hard way that Gene's superb grappling skills were the real deal. He has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists including Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace, and Benny Urquidez.
He acted and contributed stunt work to Hollywood productions for over fifty years. He can be seen in TV shows including Mission: Impossible (1966), I Spy (1965), The Wild Wild West (1965), Baretta (1975), Married... with Children (1987), and Baywatch (1989). His feature film appearances include Raging Bull (1980), Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985), Bad Guys (1986), Ed Wood (1994), and Men in Black II (2002).
LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. He judged UFC 74 (Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga) plus he had a highly popular website visited by martial arts and film fans all over the globe.
Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI agent daughter Monica LeBell Pandis. He also had 8 grandchildren.Kodokan Judo (9th Dan; 2-time AAU Champion; USA Overall Champion), Jujitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-0)
Trivia: fought in the first sanctioned MMA-style match in 1963, against boxer Milo Savage, whom he rendered unconscious
Best seen in BLOODFIST IV- Actor
- Stunts
Nico grew up in a home where addictions, the occult, violence, betrayals, physical and mental abuse were normal. He began drinking at an early age to numb the pain and fill the hole in his heart, spirit and soul. He went on to become one of the pioneers of cage fighting, and fought in Russia and Brazil. He then went into acting and acted in over 30 action movies. As his fame and finances grew his addiction to alcohol, became an addiction to pornography, sex, adrenaline, power, and drugs lasting roughly 15 years. Because of a bad lifestyle he had dropped down to 130 pounds, stuttered as he tried to speak while his hands shook uncontrollably.
After this, Nico found relief in religion and became a better person, but also a spokesperson for others that society had deemed unreachable. He has spoken in men's homes, prisons, detentions centers, churches of all denominations across the country, revivals, schools, TV and radio. He and his ministry partner Holly were both chosen because of their incredible testimonies over coming the odds through faith.Okinawa-Te Karate (4th Dan), Judo, Muay Thai, Vale Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (UAF Champion)
Trivia: is a former member of the US Olympic Boxing Team
Best seen in BLOODSPORT II- Actor
- Producer
- Stunts
Vovinam, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1)
Trivia: also works as a conditioning coach for MMA competitors
Best seen in THE KILLING MACHINE- Stunts
- Actor
- Writer
Born in 1985 in Beaufort, South Carolina, Marrero's upbringing was defined by discipline and structure. Son of Dr. Myra Ancheta (United States Marine Corps Retired), former Marine Corps and Naval Officer, and Hans Marrero Sr. (United States Marine Corps Retired). Young Marrero was introduced to the world of disciplined martial arts at the early age of four. As his father was the Chief Instructor of hand-to-hand combat at Paris Island, Hans Jr. was quick to soak in the skills and combative intricacies of the family practice. Carrying on the legacy, Marrero went on to discover and train various forms of martial arts around the world including Kobushi-Sessen Jutsu, Shorinji-Kempo, Kyo Kushin, Kai-Kan, Aikido, Judo, Matsukazi-Ryu and Brazilian (Jiu-Jitsu). Eventually landing in Arizona, Han s became intrigued with a new sport just beginning to make it's way from the underground scene, Mixed Martial Arts. While attending college, Marrero decided to test his skills in the cage and, at 18 years old, his professional fighting career began.
Headlining venues in various US states and other countries for 7 years Hans fought his way to a professional 13-3 kickboxing, 9-4 boxing, 26-8 MMA record. As an extremely well-rounded competitor, he gained plenty of attention in the fight world with his signature form of submission to quickly end most opponents; the Armbar.
Using his experience and knowledge for even greater good, from 2003 to 2006 Hans also became senior instructor for the Police Combative Training Academy where he taught close quarter battle to law enforcement and military personnel. In addition, he also dedicated time to coaching a competitive mixed martial arts team.
Realizing much success in the combat sports industry, Hans decided to apply his past experiences and physical abilities to follow his dream in film. Packing his bags and moving to New York, Marrero found a way to put his natural charm and charisma behind cameras. With his extensive Martial Arts experience and background, Marrero's acting career began with Lionsgate's sports drama, Warrior where he played MMA fighter Diego Santana, opponent to Tommy Conlon, played by Tom Hardy.
From then, Marrero went on to land various films and TV shows such as A Walk Among the Tombstones, Person of Interest, Creed, Daredevil, The Blacklist, to name a few. Marrero's career has brought him out of the United States to countries such as China, Indonesia, Thailand and India.
As an established performer, Marrero plans to pave his way into action directing and ultimately playing one of the ultimate villains on screen.Kobushi Sessen-Jutsu, Shorinji Kenpo, Kyokushin & Kai-Kan Karate, Aikido, Matsukazi-Ryu Jujitsu, Judo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 12-7)
Trivia: is a former senior instructor of the Police Combative Training Academy
Best seen in NEVER BACK DOWN 2- Gary Goodridge was born on 17 January 1966 in Trinidad and Tobago. He is an actor, known for Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), Gladiator Cop (1995) and The Hurt Business (2016).Kuk Sool Won (4th Dan [honorary]), Muay Thai, Kickboxing (K-1 GP Champion; record: 12-24-2), Vale Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (IVC Champion; record: 23-22-1)
Trivia: is also a former amateur boxer, having won the Canadian National Championship
Best seen in GLADIATOR COP - Actor
- Additional Crew
Eric Butterbean Esch was born on 3 August 1968 in Jasper, Alabama, USA. He is an actor, known for Jackass: The Movie (2002), PWS: Brawl for Paul (2009) and PWS: Vendetta (2010). He has been married to Libby Gaskin since 1985. They have three children.HONORARY ENTRY
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt), Kickboxing (record: 3-4), Mixed Martial Arts (Elite-1 Champion; record: 15-10-1)
Trivia: is also a pro boxer (record: 77-10-4) and former IBA & WAA champion- Producer
- Actor
- Writer
Daniel Puder, born on October 9, 1981, first made a name for himself in high school. Puder finished first place in his weight division in the Central Coast Section amateur wrestling. He accomplished this while wrestling with a broken hand. The wrestling mat wasn't the only location where Puder began demonstrating success despite the odds. As a high school student, he began his entrepreneurial career by starting several successful businesses.
In the midst of schooling and running his business, Puder's passion for full-contact sports caused him to branch out even more. At age 17, he began serious training as a Mixed-Martial Arts fighter and a professional wrestler.
Puder has never been one to settle for average in anything he does. He sought out the tutelage of MMA amateur wrestling legends Frank Shamrock, Brian Johnston, Danny Chaid, and trains at the American Kick Boxing Academy.
Whether it's in a business meeting or in the ring, Puder has the same attitude: Succeed. He has MMA competition records of 6-0 (pro) and 20-0 (amateur).
Puder gained enormous momentum when he nearly made 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle tap out on national television.
In October 2004, Puder was selected from thousands of applicants to compete in World Wrestling Entertainment's first-ever $1,000,000 Tough Enough Challenge. By out-dueling an already-famous MTV Real World celebrity, Puder won that too. This gave Puder the rights to participate in the WWE's Ohio Valley Wrestling developmental territory. The 6-foot-3, 235-pount Puder brought his training to the next level. He also perfected an unbreakable submission maneuver called the Key Lock, adding to his already powerful arsenal of skills and MMA knowledge. In 2005, he competed in the Royal Rumble, "Just for fun." After a successful 8-month run in OVW, Puder opted not to re-sign with WWE, instead choosing to fully dedicate himself to MMA.
And in Dec 2007 Puder signed a Pro wrestling deal with Ring Of Honor Wrestling (ROH). He will be wrestling with them 2-4 shows per month in 2008
Now back in northern California, Puder balances his extreme training schedule with one of his other passions: giving youth the opportunity to excel beyond joining gangs and simply collecting more friends MySpace.
He has started his own personal non-profit foundation: Puder Strength Training (PST). PST helps high school athletes pursue their dreams by donating equipment, training, and funds to underprivileged teenagers.
Puder also works with Toys for Tots, Stanford and San Francisco Hospital, After School All Stars and is the official spokesman for Cops Care Cancer Foundation. No matter how busy his schedule is, he never runs out of time for others who need the attention the most.
At age 26, Puder already looks to the future. He has Political ambitions and will be serving on several committees during the 2008 presidential campaign. Should all go according to plan, you will see Puder making a difference at the government level as only he can.HONORARY ENTRY
Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 8-0)
Trivia: out-wrestled Kurt Angle in a shoot match on WWE programming- When he was aged 3, Antonio Carlos Silva observed a karate demonstration at a playground, which stirred his interest in the martial arts, and later lead to him being one of the most agile heavyweights in Mixed Martial Arts. Silva trained in karate for 13 years before transitioning to Jiu Jitsu in his native Brazil. In 2005, Silva trained with the famed Wolfslair MMA Academy which lead to his first professional mixed martial arts bout when he fought in UK Mixed Martial Arts Championship. Silva used his greater size to control his opponent, Tengiz Tedoradze, while clinching early in the stand up. Silva took Tedoradze to the ground and landed several unanswered strikes to his dazed opponent which ended the fight by technical knockout just over a minute in the bout.Silva fought Marcus Tchinda in another UK promotion, Cage Warriors Fighting Championship. Silva defeated Tchinda by submitting him with punches. Silva had his first championship opportunity when he fought at Cage Rage 12 for the Cage Rage Heavyweight title against Rafael Carino. Carino held Silva against the cage until the referee pulled them apart. Silva hit Carino with a right hook which echoed, and Carino forced him against the fence again. Silva fought his way to reverse Carino and hold him against the cage. When Carino ran from his opponent's grasp against the cage, Silva hit him with punches which sent him to the ground. Silva went to the ground and landed punches on the unresponsive Carino which lead to a fight stoppage just short of 3 minutes. Silva won a second title when he fought Ruben Villareal at "Strike Force 4" for the vacant Cage Warriors Fighting Championship's Super-heavyweight title. Villareal attacked first with legs kicks and Silva reacted with leg kicks and punches. Silva used his size advantage in grasping Villareal's body against the cage then taking him to the ground. Silva attacked Villareal with punches from top position. Silva then pushed him against the fence to continue the attacks with knees, punches, and hammer-fists until the referee stopped the bout over 3 minutes into the fight. Silva's victory unified the Cage Rage and Cage Warriors championships. Silva defended the Cage Warriors Super-Heavyweight World Title when he fought Tadas Rimkevicius on the "Strike Force 5" card. Soon after missing a head kick, Silva ran and got a double-leg take-down of Rimkevicius against the fence. He proceeded to landed a barrage of punches in between his opponent holding his head. The bout ended after a series of left hammer-fists and punches resulted in a referee stoppage by way of TKO.
Silva left Cage Warriors and fought Tom Erikson in Japan for K-1 Hero's 5. Erikson landed the first strike by way of a push jab. Silva forced him against the ropes and hit him with knees and body punches. The referee separated them and Erikson went on the offense and hit Silva with punches. Silva moved forward with a double-leg take-down on Erikson. From top position he hit his opponent with punches and hammer-fists until the referee stopped the fight. Silva's next fought Georgy Kaysinov at K-1 Hero's 7 and defeated his opponent by technical knockout short of three minutes in the first round. Silva fought Eric Pele in Canada for a super-heavyweight bout on the December 2006 BodogFight: USA vs. Russia (2006) card. Silva stalked Pele and landed two hard right kicks. Silva backed Pele into a corner of the ring and unleashed punches which caused Pele to cover up. Pele escaped the corner and fell from a knee and punches from Silva, which sent part of his body through the ropes as Silva attacked him on the ground. The referee intervened and allowed Pele to be inside the ring completely, then resume the bout with both fighters standing up. Silva landed a hard right kick which made contact with Pele's groin and the referee stopped the action to allow Pele to recover. Silva again went on the offensive with punches and Pele landed a few of his own. Silva again resumed the pressure with knees and punches as Pele covered up. Pele hit Silva with a massive right punch causing him to fall to the ground. From the ground Silva fought to recover as Pele landed more punches to his head and the referee stopped the fight. An upset Silva and his corner team questioned the referee's decision to stop the fight.
Silva was signed in Elite XC (2007) (Elite Xtreme Combat) and fought Wesley 'Cabbage' Correira at super-heavyweight on the card at Destiny (2007). They exchanged hard punches until "Bigfoot" got the advantage by pulling Correira's legs from underneath him, then ended up on top to land strikes. Silva allowed Correira to stand, while holding his neck in a choke position and delivering right knees to the head. Correira survived and averted a second take-down by Silva. The action ended up against the fence and the fighters were separated. Silva connected a jumping right knee to Correira's face, which hurt him, then continued with punches to the ground. "Cabbage" covered up and the referee stopped the bout. Silva made the limits of the heavyweight division to fight Jonathan Wiezorek at Renegade (2007). Silva avoided Wiezorek when he rushed towards him on the cage and hit him with strikes. Wiezorek again threw punches to work his way into a clinch, and Silva pushed him away. Silva landed a knee then a leg kick to his opponent. A third rush by Wiezorek near the cage was met with strikes from Silva. Wiezorek was stunned by the punches and attempted to take Silva to the ground. Silva sprawled and controlled Wiezorek from top. Silva landed punches and elbows from half-guard. Silva fought to full mount and landed more strikes to his opponent on the ground. Wiezorek moved his body around to avoid the brunt of the strikes, until Silva secured his opponent's back and obtained the rear-naked choke submission.
"Bigfoot" moved down to heavyweight for matches against Gary Turner and Shane Carwin, neither of which materialized. A third opponent was founded in UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez at Street Certified (2008). It became Silva's first bout to make it through all rounds, and he got the win over Rodriguez by split decision. To inaugurate an EliteXC's heavyweight champion, Silva fought Justin Eilers at Episode #1.2 (2008)("Unfinished Business"). Silva landed a leg kick and Eilers circled around him on the outside the middle of the cage. They exchanged a few strikes until Silva ran forward and grabbed Eilers' legs to ground him. Silva leaned his weight on Eilers' back and hit with punches, a knee to the body, and more punches. Referee Herb Dean intervened to deduct a point from Silva due to illegally striking Eilers on the back of his head. The fight resumed and Silva connected with kicks to the head and leg. His punches forced Eilers backward and then a lost of balance to the ground. Silva tried to capitalized on his downed opponent but Eilers stood up. Silva pushed him against the cage and hit him with punches to the face and knees to the leg. The bout went off the cage and both fighters exchanged punches until round's end. In round two, Silva was punched by Eilers and counterstrike to send Eilers back into the cage. Silva struck with a knee and hit Eilers with a barrage of punches. Eilers turned his back and held on the cage then collapsed to his knees. Silva continued punching until the bout was stopped, earning him EliteXC's heavyweight championship.
In August 2008, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), which sanctioned "Unfinished Business" (Episode #1.2 (2008)), released urinalysis results which indicated Silva had tested positive for a banned anabolic agent commonly used by veterinarians: Boldenone. Silva and his management contested the results, citing his suffering of acromegaly--the cause of his massive body--and the fact that he had surgery in 2007 to remove a brain tumor. Silva had his team file a lawsuit against the CSAC suspension, while EliteXC's management decided keep the title on him until the situation was resolved. Elite XC (2007) ended operations in October 2008, the same month the CSAC upheld Silva's suspension accompanied with a $2,500 fine. These factors prevented Silva from ever defending the title, making him the first and only holder of the EliteXC heavyweight championship. With his management citing issues with the CSAC test results and financial needs, Silva fought in Japan. Silva fought Yoshihiro Nakao at "No Ran 2009" for Japan's Sengoku promotion. Nakao landed an early left punch to Silva's body then a right hook to the head. A right front kick by Silva landed, then a right kick was blocked by Nakao. Nakao's left kick was blocked, then Silva punches him in the face twice. Nakao quickly ran for a take-down, and was met by a sprawl by Silva. Silva landed a legal knee to his downed opponent and landed punches. Nakao stood up from Silva's control, and became the recipient of a flying knee. Silva's landed a left body kick left then a grazing left leg kick to Nakao's right leg. Silva landed two more punches before Nakao ran away, slowed down, and indicated for a time out from the referee. Silva won via technical knockout due to Nakao's left knee injury.
In early September 2009, almost two months after the CSAC suspension expired, Silva again fought for Sengoku, submitting Jim York in the first round. When Silva returned to fight in the United States, no action was taken to prevent him from fighting for Strikeforce (2006). Silva fought on the CBS Strikeforce M-1 Global Saturday Night Fights (2009) card. Silva initially had the advantage in the first round, getting the better of the striking and hurting Werdum. Werdum recovered then rebounded in the second and third rounds, getting Silva on the ground then landing punches, and pushing him against the fence. Silva loss to Werdum by unanimous decision. Silva's second bout in the promotion happened with Andrei Arlovski at Strikeforce M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Werdum (2010). Silva was dominant in round one by hurting Arlovski with punches, getting him on the ground and against the cage. Arlovski was more aggressive in the second round by exchanging with strikes and clinching with Silva. Silva and Arlovski continued clinching and striking in the third round, until Silva slammed his opponent to the ground and control the action for the rest of the fight. Silva won unanimously on the judges scorecards. At Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu 2 (2010), Silva's scheduled opponent was to have been Valentijn Overeem, however an elbow injury forced him from the bout. King Of The Cage light-heavyweight champion, Mike Kyle, was brought in as a replacement.Kyle landed powerful punches to Silva's head early in the first round with two jabs and a big right punch, sending Silva to the ground, and on the verge of a victory. Kyle went to the ground and landed punches and hammer fists as Silva covered up a for short time then pulled guard and used his hands to control Kyle from the bottom. Silva recovered to make it to the second round where he hit Kyle with a massive right punch and took him down to the ground. Silva applied a Darce choke and Kyle did not submit to then escaped fro. Silva returned to full mount and resumed the ground and pound attack from top to earn a technical knockout win.
Silva became a participant in the Strikeforce World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament. He was matched up against Fedor Emelianenko at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva (2011), in the main bout of the event which commenced the tournament. Silva placed Fedor on the defensive early, hitting him with a left low kick, hard punches, then used his giant frame to hold Emelianenko against the fence. Fedor attempted a guillotine choke which Silva countered by hoisting his opponent up and falling to the ground. Fedor ended up on top and land punches until Silva stood up. Silva hit Fedor with more punches and took him to the ground just before rounded one ended. Silva quickly took Emelianenko down in the second round and bloodied him with enormous punches. Fedor alternated between his stomach and back to avoid the massive strikes of "Big Foot". Silva applied a rear-naked choke which Emelianenko survived. Silva then transitioned to an arm-triangle choke submission on his opponent's right side. Emelianenko did not submit, and escaped from the hold while Silva retained his dominant position on top. He tried another submission by grabbing Emelianenko's right leg for a knee-bar. Fedor fought out of it and applied a leg-lock to Silva's right leg until the round expired. Before the third round could begin, the cage side physician ceased the bout due to Fedor's right eye, which was swollen shut. Silva advanced to the semifinals of the tournament by way of a technical knockout victory.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (Cage Rage, Cage Warrior & Pro Elite Champion; record: 19-8-1)
Trivia: was a former armored car security guard
Best seen in THE SCORPION KING 4 - Hisae Watanabe is known for High-Kick Girl! (2009), Shoot Boxing World Tournament Girls S-Cup 2010 (2010) and VTJ in Osaka (2016).Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (DEEP & Golden Muscle Champion; record: 20-6)
Trivia: is one of only two fighters to defeat Satoko Shinashi in MMA competition
Best seen in HIGH KICK GIRL - Stunts
- Actor
- Producer
Paul Lazenby was born on 7 June 1968 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is an actor and producer, known for Deadpool 2 (2018), Riverdale (2017) and The Predator (2018). He was previously married to Marianna Komlos.Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (NFC Champion; record: 1-6)
Trivia: is the first super heavyweight fighter in history to hold Canadian titles in MMA and Muay Thai at the same time
Best seen in DAMAGE- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Born in humble surroundings in Provatonas, a small village near the town of Alexandroupoli in northern Greece, on August 3, 1959, Stefanos Miltsakakis shot to fame fighting Jean-Claude Van Damme in five Hollywood movies. He was raised in an environment where children grew up fighting and wrestling. In 1973, he moved to the United States with his family, none of whom could speak English. They settled in a studio apartment, shared with another Greek family in Charlotte, North Carolina. He later described how as a teenager he was subject to ostracism due to his background and struggled to integrate himself with the local youth.
After getting into trouble, the high school free-fighting trainer encouraged him to join the school team. He won a scholarship for the State University of North Carolina and became a fighter for the All-Americans team. In 1984, at age 24, he was selected for the Greek team at the Olympics that year, but a knee injury just before the event forced him to abandon his Olympic dreams. This forced him to consider the idea of working in the world of cinema. In 1989 he got a small role in the film Cyborg (1989) by Albert Pyun, in which he had the chance to work with Jean-Claude Van Damme. He moved to Los Angeles and began a career of small character parts, especially in martial arts films, opposite van Damme in several movies.
But Miltsakakis was also a great fighter in real life, with his 220 lbs and 100kg. On September 27, 1999, he took part in the 9th Vale Tudo World Championship during which he won against Judoka Joe Charles in 8.38 minutes, recording a personal record. In 2002 he participated in the 14th Vale Tudo, where he won against Mariano Mendoza gaining a 2-0-0 record. He was also a world champion in Pagration, an ancient Greek sport combining wrestling with boxing. After his retirement in 2011 he set up a gym in Venice, California.
Miltsakakis died on January 10, 2019, aged 59, in his sleep in Santa Monica, California. He was interred in Greece next to his father.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Vale Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (2-time WVC Champion; record: 3-0)
Trivia: won his first Vale Tudo Championship by defeating Joe Charles via submission in 8:38 minutes
Best seen in MAXIMUM RISK- Jeff Joslin was born on 30 April 1975 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is an actor, known for Tapped Out (2014), The Secret Cross (2014) and KPW: Off the Ropes (2009).Karate (3-time Canadian National Champion), Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt; Pan-Am & Apex Fighting Champion; Grappler's Quest Nationals Gold medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 5-3)
Trivia: initially studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Renzo Gracie's instructional video tapes
Best seen in TAPPED - Mariusz Pudzianowski was born on 7 February 1977 in Biala Rawska, Lódzkie, Poland. He is an actor, known for Neighborhooders (2014), Nie ma takiego numeru (2007) and Faceci do wziecia (2006).Kyokushin Karate (green belt), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 9-4)
Trivia: has won first place in a combined 39 national and international strongman competitions, including the World's Strongest Man and Strongman Super Series events
Best seen in NIE MA TAKIEGO NUMERU - Kenta Kobayashi is a professional wrestlers best known for his work in WWE as Hideo Itami, and his time in Japan as KENTA. He was trained by legendary wrestlers Kenta Kobashi and Yoshihiro Takayama. Kenta competed for 15 years in Pro-Wrestling NOAH before leaving for WWE in 2014. He has captured both the prestigious GHC Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Championships during his career.HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-1)
Trivia: has won 8 pro wrestling world championships - At an early age Gerard Gordeau enjoyed fighting, and had many unofficial matches. The Dutchman later trained in savate, France's version of kick-boxing, and karate prior to competing in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). From 1978 to 1985, Gordeau was Dutch Kyokushin Karate Champion. In 1992, Gordeau won the World Savate Championship. In 1993, Johan Vocsh, a dutch gym owner, approached his fighters about competing in the first event by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). UFC was created to determine how different styles of fighters would match up. Of all the fighters in Vocsh's gym, only Gerard Gordeau was interested in UFC competition. The first ever match in UFC history happened between Gerard Gordeau and Taylor Wily at UFC 1: The Beginning (1993). Tuli charged toward Gordeau. Gordeau connected with a few punches and Tuli crashed against the cage. Gordeau landed a right roundhouse kick to Tuli's face, and then a right hook. Referee Joao Alberto Barreto intervened, Tuli stood up and looked disoriented. Gordeau stood ready to continue until Barreto officially stopped the fight. The bout lasted twenty-six seconds. Gordeau's right had was broken, and a few of Tuli's teeth were deeply embedded in his right foot. Backstage, physicians decided to leave the teeth, because removing them would risk exposing the foot to infection. Gordeau advanced to the tournament semi-finals against Kevin Rosier. He targeted Rosier's left leg with kicks. Rosier fell, Gordeau connected with punches and elbows to his head. A foot stomp to the ribs caused Rosier's corner team to throw in a towel and stop the fight after nearly one minute. Gordeau met Royce Gracie for the tournament championship. Gracie immediately went for a takedown by pushing Gordeau against the cage. Gordeau resisted by holding on the cage until referee Helio Vigio stopped him. Gracie took him to the ground, took control of his back, and applied a choke. Gordeau tapped the mat and Gracie's shoulder several times until Gracie broke the hold. UFC 1 was the only time Gordeau competed in the promotion. In 1995, Gordeau joined another MMA event with an open-weight tournament: Vale Tudo Japan 1995. Gordeau got the early advantage against the much lighter and shorter Yuki Nakai hurting him with strikes. Nakai survived to round four, got the fight to the ground and submitted Gordeau with a leg hold. Among Nakai's injuries was a swollen right eye, which he lost sight in as a result of Gordeau's eye gouging. It was the last time Gordeau officially competed.HONORARY ENTRY
Kyokushin, Sei Budo Kai & Oyama Karate (9th, 7th & 4th Dan; 8-time Dutch National Champion; Dutch National Team member), Jujitsu (10th Dan [honorary]), Savate (WSC Champion), Kickboxing, Vale Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 2-2)
Trivia: is the founder of the Kamakura Honbu Dojo in the Netherlands - A native of Curitiba, Brazil, Cristiane Justino Venancio was born in July 1985. Famous as Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos, she shares the nickname "Cyborg" with her former husband and fellow mixed martial artist Evangelista Santos. After their divorce years later, she would become Cristiane Justino. Known for her aggressiveness and size, Justino has been compared to Wanderlei Silva in her approach to fighting. In 2004 after Justino competed in a high school handball championship game, she was approached by Rudimar Fedrigo, the founder and head coach of Chute Boxe Academy. Fedrigo was impressed by her strength and athleticism and encouraged a hesitant Santos to become a fighter. Santos relented and agreed to a free Muay Thai class at the Chute Box gym. At the Chute Boxe Academy she met Evangelista Santos, a training partner. Months into her combat sports training, her first professional fight was with the Brazil-based Showfight promotion in May 2005 and she adopted the nickname of "Cyborg". Cyborg fought Eric Paes who submitted her by knee-bar early in round one.
Cyborg's first MMA win happened that year in her second bout which happened with local promotion, Storm Samurai. She won unanimously over Vanessa Porto at "Storm Samurai 9". In 2006, she would experience the most MMA success with three consecutive wins over opponents in the first round: Chris Schroeder by TKO at "Storm Samurai 10"; hurting Elaine Santiago at "Storm Samurai 11" to earn a corner stoppage victory, and Marise Vitoria at "Storm Samurai 12". After a two-year absence from MMA competition, Cristiane returned to action in July 2008, for her first fight in the United States. It happened at the Episode #1.2 (2008) event titled "Unfinished Business", which aired on CBS. Cyborg hit knee strikes on Shayna Andrea Baszler who fell on her back and attempted a knee-bar which Cyborg defended by punching. Baszler managed to get a take-down and attempted a leg-lock submission without success, as Cyborg again landed powerful punches while on the ground. The second round was a repeat of the first with Cyborg exhibiting her punching dominance hurting Baszler with her power. One of the fight's notable moments includes Baszler collapsing from Cyborg's strikes, and Cyborg prematurely celebrating on top of the cage. Referee Steve Mazzagatti implored Cyborg to keep fighting because the bout was not stopped. A confused Cyborg resumed her punches, then dragged Baszler to the ground and then allowed Baszler to stand up. The second time Baszler collapsed from Cyborg's punches; the bout was stopped by TKO victory.
Months later in October at Episode #1.3 (2008), named "Heat", Cyborg won unanimously over Yoko Takahashi, in one of her few fights to go to a decision. The non-title bouts with Baszler and Takahashi were scheduled for three 3-minute rounds, unlike the usual three 5-minute rounds for men in non-title fights. Several days later after "Heat", Elite XC (2007) went out of business and ended any prospects of a much discussed fight between Cyborg and Gina Carano, who also fought in the promotion. In 2009, Strikeforce (2006) acquired former properties of Elite XC, including the video library and fighter contracts, which included Cyborg's. The signing prevented a planned bout between Cyborg and and Dutch fighter Marloes Coenen. Cyborg moved to Strikeforce (2006) under an exclusivity agreement, with her first fight against Hitomi Akano in a bout scheduled for 3 three-minute rounds. Cyborg controversially came in 7 pounds over the 145-pound weight limit against Akano who usually competes a weight class below.
Clearly the smaller fight at 143 pounds, Cyborg aggressively dominated Akano. Pushing aside her attempts at tossing her by German suplexing her to the ground, landing punches, then walking away. Cyborg repeated tossing Akano to the ground, briefly attacking from top then walking away until the end of the round. Cyborg repeated this approach in round two until Akano went for a flying submission without success against her much stronger opponent. Early in the third round Cyborg landed kicks and punches which staggered Akano for the technical knockout win. With Gina Carano also under contract, Cyborg's much speculated bout with Carano was booked on August 15, 2009. Strikeforce held its first MMA event headlined by women: Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg (2009) scheduled for the conventional five 5-minute rounds for championship MMA bouts. The fight would be for the Strikeforce's women's "middleweight" title at a 145 pounds weight limit usually known as "featherweight".
The women were aggressive with Cyborg using her strength to take Carano down but landing on the bottom. Carano took advantage and started to ground and pound until Cyborg grabbed her left foot for a heel hook submission. Carano escaped from it and Cyborg stood up and attacked with power punches, went for another take-down, and again ended up on the bottom with Gina on top. Carano stepped back and Cyborg stood up and initiated a clinch accompanied by punches. Carano applied a headlock and Cyborg took her down. Both fighters ended up against the cage in a clinch position. Carano drags Cyborg down and ended up on the bottom with Cyborg on top. Cyborg attempted an Americana/kimura submission hold and Carano secured her arm. Cyborg then unleashed a ground attack of punches until the fight was ended by technical knockout one second before the end the first round, becoming Strikeforce's first ever women's champion.
Cyborg was to have fought Marloes Coenen at CBS Strikeforce M-1 Global Saturday Night Fights (2009) to defend the title. An injury from a grappling competiton resulted made Justino withdraw from the fight. Justino's first defense of her Strikeforce championship (145 pounds) against Coenen--whom she was to have first fought at XMMA 7 in Montreal--to Strikeforce: Miami (2010). Coenen kicked and Cyborg punched until both got into a clinch against the fence and took her down by the waist. Coenen attacked from the bottom with an arm-bar submission and Cyborg escaped and rained down punches before the fight was stood up. Cyborg landed more punches and clinched with Coenen on the feet. Cyborg knocked Coenen to the ground in the second round and controlled her from the top. The fight was stood up and Cyborg attacked with hooks, body kicks, and defended against a take-down from Coenen. Coenen ended up on her back by applying a jumping guard, with Cyborg in control until the round ended. Coenen began the third round with an aggressive running effort to get Cyborg to the ground, which was defended with Cyborg's back against the fence. Cyborg opened up punches and kicks against, and reversed a brief take-down by Coenen to be on top. Cyborg stood up and fell when Coenen tripped her by kicking her feet from the ground. Cyborg ended up on top again after another failed take-down bid by Coenen, then unloading punches for the TKO win.
After her first title defense, Jan Finney was later announced as the next contender for the title held by Cyborg. Cyborg and Finney fought at Strikeforce M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Werdum (2010). Finney landed the first strike and Cyborg hit her with the first of a barrage of punches. Finney collapsed and later tried for a take-down without success. Cyborg continued her attack with punches and some knees and was interrupted when Finney tried for a foot submission. The fight was stood up and Finney against collapse from the force of Cyborg's attacks. Cyborg attacked Finney on the ground until referee Kim Winslow interrupted. She ceased the action to deduct a point from Cyborg for multiple punches to the back of Finney's head. Cyborg continued landing punches, knees then defended another take-down attempt by Finney, pushed her to the ground to continue the attack. Finney started the second round with her most aggressive take-down offense on Cyborg without success. Cyborg resumed her striking dominance by hitting Finney with uppercuts and controlling her on the ground. Finney went for an unsuccessful leg-lock submission and Cyborg went back to punching and knees. The referee separated the fighters from the clinch, and Finney collapsed from a powerful knee to the body from Cyborg. Cyborg landed a few punches and the referee intervened to give Cyborg the technical knockout victory.
The shallowness of the Strikeforce (2006) women's featherweight division lead to a nearly 18-month absence from MMA competition for Cyborg. In December 2011, she fought Hiroko Yamanaka at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal (2011). Cyborg hit Yamanaka with right-hand punches, sending her to the ground. Yamanaka stood up and Cyborg pursued her against the cage to land more punches for the referee to end the bout at 16 seconds via KO. After the win Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker called Cyborg "the Mike Tyson of female MMA," and declared the promotion's plans to find new opponents for her. In January 2012, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) announced that Santos had tested positive for banned stanizol metalobites. She was suspended for a year, fined $2,500, her win over Yamanaka changed to a "No Contest", and Strikeforce relieved her of the Strikeforce Featherweight World title.
In her absence, Ronda Rousey rose to success defeating Miesha Tate for the Strikeforce Bantamweight (135lbs) World title, then defending it against Sarah Kaufman in under a minute using her well-known arm bar. Talk of a Cyborg vs. Rousey bout was fueled by fans and the press, with both women verbally sparring in the media. Cyborg mentioned the difficulties of cutting to bantamweight while Rousey, as the bantamweight champion, refused to return to the Featherweight division. Tito Ortiz became Justino's manager who later negotiated her release from Ultimate Fighting Championship after her contract was transferred from Strikeforce when it closed in January 2013. In February 2013, Cristiane Justino signed with the all-women Invicta Fighting Championships (Invicta FC) promotion. She made her first appearance with them at Invicta FC 5, where she defeated Fiona Muxlow by technical knockout in the first round. Justino was matched up against previous Strikeforce opponent Marloes Coenenat Invicta FC 6: Cyborg vs. Coenen II (2013) to crown the inaugural Invicta FC Featherweight World Champion. Justino overpowered Coenen, whom had increased her strength from their first fight. While landing powerful punches and slams, Justino was patient, and often disengaged when the fight went to the ground, neutralizing Coenen's formidable submission skills. The bout was declared a TKO after four minutes in round 4 with Justino attacking from the full mount position.Muay Thai (record: 2-1), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt; 2-time IBJJF Gold medalist; ADCC Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (Strikeforce & Invicta Champion; record: 15-1)
Trivia: rendered interviewer Aaron Tru unconscious when asked how long it would take to choke out an opponent
Best seen in FIGHT VALLEY - Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
Don Frye dominated the world of mixed martial arts for 6 straight years. A former pro boxer and a licensed firefighter, Don Frye made an impressive professional fight debut by knocking out 6'1", 410 pound Thomas Ramirez in 8 seconds. Frye captured his first Ultimate Fighting Championship on Feb. 16, 1996 defeating Ramirez and two other opponents. On May 17, 1996, Frye defeated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion Amaury Bitetti in a wild brawl. After losing his tile to Mark Coleman, Frye went undefeated for the next 8 years, beating among others Ken Shamrock and Tank Abbott. However, age and injuries caught up to Frye, and after going 15-1 in MMA, he retired 20-8-1 (1 no-contest).Judo (2nd Dan), Kickboxing (record: 0-1), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 20-9-1)
Trivia: was also a professional boxer (record: 1-0)
Best seen in HONOR- Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko (born September 28, 1976) Fedor is a Russian heavyweight mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. He is the current World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight Champion and the last holder of the Pride Heavyweight Championship, Pride 2004 Grand Prix winner, four time World Combat Sambo champion. Fighting out of Stary Oskol, Belgorod, Russia, from Red Devil Sport Club team. Fedor is #1 Heavyweight fighter in the world.Sambo (6-time Russian National Champion; FIAS Gold [3x] & Bronze medalist; WCSF Gold medalist; ECSF Gold medalist; President's Cup Gold medalist; Dagestan Open, Union of Heroes Cup & Moscow Open Gold medalist; FIAS Hall of Fame entry), Judo (Moscow International Bronze medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (PRIDE, WAMMA & RINGS Champion; Black Belt Hall of Fame entry; record: 35-4)
Trivia: is a recipient of the First Class Golden Order of the Romanov Family of St. Nicholas II, First Class Order of Peter the Great, and Second Class Order For Merit to the Fatherland
Best seen in THE 5TH EXECUTION - Actor
- Stunts
- Writer
Karate, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt; IBJJF, NAGA & US Open Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (IFC & KOTC Champion; record: 53-79; Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame entry)
Trivia: claims an unofficial MMA fight record of 112-87-2
Best seen in WALKER, TEXAS RANGER- HONORARY ENTRY
Judo (Takushoku University Team member), Sumo, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 5-5)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler