Mixed Martial Arts is a sport that’s getting more and more popular, thanks to its combination of boxing, wrestling and jiu-jitsu moves. Unsurprisingly, it attracts tough guys (or wannabe tough guys) - but somewhat more surprisingly, it has also captured the attention of some unexpected celebrities.
With that being said, here’s a look at some surprising celebrities who’ve taken a peek into the world of MMA.
Mickey Rourke is an actor best known for his roles in The Wrestler and 9 1⁄2 Weeks - and although you won’t necessarily see his name when you're looking at MMA odds when online sports betting, he has actually had an interesting history with combat sports.
Before his acting career took off, he was an amateur boxer and sometime later, after his successful acting career and a foray back into boxing in the 1990s, he tried his hand at a bit of MMA. Although he never actually had any professional fights, his interest in the sport has still earned him respect in the MMA community.
Best known as the Green Ranger from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, Jason David Frank made the brave decision to transition from pretend fights on-screen to real-life fights in the MMA cage.
During this time, he competed in amateur MMA fights and even boasted an undefeated record - where he showed off his skills in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and karate— all of which he had trained in for years.
CM Punk first made a name for himself in the WWE and became famous thanks to his charisma and talent. However, when he switched to MMA, it took many by surprise.
In 2014, he signed with the UFC where he attempted his transition into professional MMA. However, despite his undeniable dedication to training, his first UFC fight in 2016 against Mickey Gall ended in a first-round loss. He also went on to lose his second fight. It’s fair to say he was better in the wrestling ring, but while his MMA record didn’t exactly shine, his willingness to take on the challenge did earn him respect.
Known more as an NFL running back and Heisman Trophy winner, Walker certainly shocked his fans when he took up MMA at an age when most athletes were thinking about retirement.
He signed with Strikeforce and made his professional debut in 2010 - at the age of 47. Not only this, but he won both of his professional fights, showing the world that age really is but a number!
While rapper Wiz Khalifa hasn’t exactly competed in a professional MMA fight, he does have a dedication to MMA training that’s worth a mention.
He began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai, and documented his journey on social media for all his fans to follow… and his physical transformation and apparent skill have not only impressed his fans but MMA professionals as well.
Then we have British acting royalty, Idris Elba, more known for roles in Luther and The Wire - and he has a surprising connection to combat sports.
Elba had to train extensively in kickboxing and MMA when he was making a Discovery Channel documentary series and although he hasn’t actually competed in a professional MMA bout, he has shown a dedication to the sport that is pretty impressive. This is definitely a step away from the suave, charismatic actor we know and love.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal - famous as one of the biggest-name players in basketball history, has also tried his hand at MMA. He may not have necessarily gone toe to toe with the big name MMA stars, but he has trained with some of the very best pro fighters out there… including UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin. And although he may never have fought professionally, he clearly loves the sport - which is evident when you see what serious training he puts himself through - and the fact that he’s a big advocate for MMA.
These are just a few big names linked with the ever-growing sport. It may not be as mainstream as some of the other sports, but when it comes to attracting the stars, it’s right up there with the best!