The UFC started in November 1993 but it took years for the sport to be recognized by the majority of sports fans for its athleticism. Over the last 20 years, UFC, and mixed martial arts, have grown into one of the largest sports entities in the world.
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MMA fighters have become well-known around the world. Even non-MMA fans and followers are aware of the most famous grapplers and grafters. For some MMA fighters, the sport has been their vehicle to reach greater heights. Some have gone on to do other things, such as appearing in professional wrestling or on podcasts. Meanwhile, a select few have starred in films and become even more famous thanks to the silver screen.
5. Randy Couture
Randy Couture won UFC’s Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight championship belts during a fantastic career in MMA. Couture transitioned from the octagon to the silver screen in 2003 with a role in “Cradle 2 the Grave”. The former two-weight class champion appeared in the Expandables film franchise from 2010 to 2022. From 2010 to 2023, Couture also acted in the films, “Range 15,” “The Row” and “The Hard Way”.
4. Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre is one of the greatest UFC fighters pound-for-pound of all time. He won the Welterweight and Middleweight titles while competing in the UFC. In 2014, St-Pierre played mercenary Georges Batroc in the “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” film. He returned to the role for “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” Disney+ series. St-Pierre could see more roles in the upcoming Disney+ and Avengers films.
3. Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou became a UFC Heavyweight champion in 2021 and quickly became one of the most popular MMA fighters. Unfortunately, due to a contract dispute with UFC, he left the promotion in January 2023 and vacated the belt. Ngannou starred in a few films during his rise to MMA prominence. He appeared in “Predator” and played a villain in “F9”. Ngannou’s film career may have taken a hit due to his departure from the UFC in 2023.
2. Holly Holm
Holly Holm pulled off one of the biggest UFC upsets of all time, knocking out Ronda Rousey and practically ending the former media darling’s career in the octagon. She appeared in the 2016 film, “Fight Valley”. Holm also appeared in “The Preacher’s Daughter” with fellow female MMA fighters Miesha Tate, Katlyn Chookagian, and Cris Cyborg.
1. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is by far the most famous UFC in the promotion’s history. Rousey is a fantastic fighter, but part of her fame came due to being a kickass female. Before her career ended in 2016 following shock losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, Rousey was a media darling. Every talk show, sports radio show, and promoter wanted a piece of her. She appeared in the 2014 film, “The Expendables 3” and later acted in “Furious 7” in 2015. Rousey most recently wrestled for WWE.
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