Martial Artists In Movies: The Real Deal - Volume 16 (All MMA Edition 2)
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:
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I credit 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.
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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.
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**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**
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Many thanks to ANIMELOVERS for recommending entries 35-40.
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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
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I credit 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**
--------------------------------------------------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Many thanks to ANIMELOVERS for recommending entries 35-40.
--------------------------------------------------
Next list here
Previous list here
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- Born October 17, 1981 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to parents Roger Holm and Tammy Bredy, Holly Holm is considered to be one of the greatest female boxers of all time. Holm attended Manzano High School where she wanted to take up wrestling, but her parent's wouldn't allow it since there were no girl's teams. She took up kickboxing as an alternative. At the age of 17 she began sparring, and had her first fight when she turned 18.
Mike Winkeljohn, Holm's trainer, saw immediate potential, and in 2001 Holm won the national title in the international rules adult women's division in Ringside's amateur kickboxing tournament. Her amateur kickboxing record stands at 6-0-2. Her boxing debut was in January of 2002 and her professional debut as a kickboxer was five months later on June 1.
Holm's boxing record is an astounding 33 wins - 2 losses - 3 draws, winning both the WBF Female World Light Welterweight and World Welterweight titles. In 2012 she was named Female Fighter of the Year and also received an award for Female Fight of the Year. She is an 18-time world champion across three weight classes.
Holm retired from boxing in 2013 to pursue a career in MMA, and on July 10, 2014 she signed a mulit-fight contract with the UFC. She appears in the film Fight Valley (2016) along with sister UFC fighter Miesha Tate.Kickboxing (IKF Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC & Legacy FC Champion; record: 10-3)
Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 33-2-3), having won the WBF, WBAN, WBC, NABF, IFBA, WBA, and IBA championships
Best seen in FIGHT VALLEY - Miesha Tate was born on 18 August 1986 in Tacoma, Washington, USA. She is an actress, known for Here Without You, Pursued and Fight Valley (2016).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt; FILA Silver medalist; World Team Trials National Champion & Silver medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (2-time FCF Champion; UFC & Strikeforce Champion; World MMA Hall of Fame entry; record: 18-7)
Trivia: is the first fighter to have defeated Marloes Coenen in an MMA match
Best seen in FIGHT VALLEY - Actress
- Producer
- Writer
Ronda Rousey burst onto the women's MMA scene in August of 2010. Born in Riverside County, California on February 1, 1987 to parents Ron Rousey and AnnMaria DeMars, little Ronda was born with an umbilical cord wrapped around her neck that damaged her vocal cords. She didn't speak coherently until the age of six. Ronda was a self-professed tomboy and swam from the ages of 6 to 10. She competed on the Jr. Olympic swim team where she placed in the state level.
Because of her mother, a 7th degree black belt and 1984 World Judo Champion, Ronda took up the sport. She had a hard time socializing with other kids and found that Judo gave her confidence. She holds a 4th degree black belt in the martial art.
Ronda's Judo career is a storied one. At 17 she became the youngest judoka in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. That same year she won a gold medal at the World Junior Judo Championships in Budapest, and in 2006 she became the first U.S. female in almost 10 years to win an A-Level tournament going 5-0 to clench the gold at the World Cup in Great Britain. At 19 she won the bronze medal at the Junior World Championships. She is the first U.S. athlete to win two Junior World Medals. In 2007 she added a silver at the World Judo Championships and a gold at the Pan American Games. The pinnacle of her Judo career was a bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Rousey became the first American to win an Olympic medal in women's Judo since it became an Olympic sport in 1992.
After medaling in the Olympics, Ronda's career hit a dead end. She did some bartending to make ends meet and tried to find a better paying job, but it was tough finding anyone that needed her particular skill set. Throwing people down and putting them in armbars aren't really something you can put on a resume. By chance Ronda caught the Gina Carano vs. Julie Kedzie fight on television and things changed.
She made her mixed martial arts debut as an amateur in 2010. Since then she has never lost a fight, winning the majority in the first round by armbar submission. Ronda took it upon herself to chase after and demand attention so that the UFC could no longer ignore women fighters. UFC President Dana White had publicly stated that women would never be allowed to fight in the UFC, but on February 23, 2013, Ronda did just that. She won the fight against Liz Carmouche in the first round with her signature armbar and became the first UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion.
In 2014, Ronda appeared in her first motion picture - The Expendables 3 (2014). Other projects are Furious 7 (2015) and The Athena Project as well as Entourage (2015).Judo (4th Dan; Olympic Bronze medalist; 5-time US National Gold medalist; Pan-American Gold [3x], Silver & Bronze medalist; World Championships Silver medalist; Junior World Championships Gold medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC & Strikeforce Champion; record: 12-2)
Trivia: is the first US woman to win an Olympic medal in Judo
Best seen in THE EXPENDABLES 3- Actor
- Additional Crew
Rickson Gracie is considered one of the greatest Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters in history. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he comes from the legendary fighting Gracie family. Along with brothers Royce, Royler, and Rorion Gracie, and his father Hélio, Rickson Gracie has won countless tournaments and championships. A master at submissions, Rickson has defeated such fighters as Japanese jiu-jitsu champion Yoshinori Nishi, kick boxing champion Bud Smith, Pankration champion Masakatsu Funaki, and Japanese wrestling champion Nobuhiko Takada. In 1980, Rickson became a legend by defeating famed vale tudo fighter Rei Zulu, who had an alleged record of 140-0. Rickson is said to have a record of 410 wins and no defeats. However, this record is not without controversy. Gracie is reported to have been defeated in the early 1990s in Oklahoma City losing to Dr. Ron Tripp in a Sambo tournament. In addition, critics often cite the fact he has failed to face any recent champions or truly credible opponents. Regardless, Rickson Gracie will always be ranked among the great jiu-jitsu practitioners. He just may be the greatest jiu-jitsu fighter in history, only time will tell.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (8th degree red & white belt), Sambo (2-time Pan-American Champion), Judo, Vale Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 11-0)
Trivia: claims to be undefeated in 400 fights
Best seen in THE INCREDIBLE HULK- Wanderlei Silva was born on 3 July 1976 in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. He is an actor, known for Here Comes the Boom (2012), Abestalhados 2 (2022) and Detetive Madeinusa (2021).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Muay Thai, Vale Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (PRIDE & IVC Champion record: 35-12-1)
Trivia: among others, he holds the record for most wins in PRIDE FC history (22)
Best seen in NAGURIMONO - Born in Hounslow, England, Alistair Cees Overeem spent most of his life in Holland. Along with his older brother, Valentijn Overeem, Alistair was brought by his mother to Holland at age 6 after she and their father divorced. Alistair's interest in combat sports began at 15, when Valentijn took him to a gym to learn self-defense.
Overeem's first time in combat sports competition happened in a 1997 kick-boxing bout, under K-1 rules. His first professional kick-boxing bout was in March 1999 with a decision win over Paul Hordijk. Another first happened that year: he fought in a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) bout that October against Ricardo Fyeet, winning by a first round submission. His second MMA fight happened with Japan's Rings organization. Although he lost the decision to Yuriy Kochkine, he was offered a Rings contract.
In his second Rings fight, he defeated Chris Watts by TKO. Overeem had several fights in the Dutch promotion 2 Hot 2 Handle. Later in his first fight with Pride Fighting Championships (2006), he defeated Yusuke Imamura by TKO within a minute. Overeem would experience two more victories in Pride, before a knock loss to Chuck Liddell in 2003. Overeem recovered from the defeat with victories in 2 Hot 2 Handle and Pride, but would get submitted by Maurício Rua in his third bout during the 2005 Pride light-heavyweight Grand Prix.
Overeem's first fight for Strikeforce (2006) happened at the 2006 event named "Revenge," where he won a unanimous decision over Vitor Belfort, an opponent whom he had previously defeated in Pride. It was his last win before Overeem would endure a career setback--later attributed to "private circumstance"--by decisively losing to three successive opponents in Pride: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Ricardo Arona, and Maurício Rua. Although he had intended to start his career at light-heavyweight then become a heavyweight, it was these losses that Overeem permanently moved to heavyweight. He said it was due to difficulties in cutting and maintaining weight as a light heavyweight fighter. However, his massive weight and muscle gain lead to speculation among some fans that it was the results of using banned substances. Furthermore, the speculation was compounded by his lengthy absence from the American-based Strikeforce (2006),with allegations by that he was avoiding American athletic commissions which conducts stringent testing of fighters not present in Japan and Europe.
In 2007, Overeem returned to competition as a heavyweight in two mixed martial arts bouts held by K-1 with a win then a loss--submitting Michael Knapp then getting knocked out by Sergei Kharitonov. Despite the loss, Overeem was invited for a second Strikeforce (2006) fight, putting him against Paul Buentello at the 2007 event "Four Men Enter, One Man Survives" to crown its first heavyweight champion. Overeem won the Strikeforce heavyweight championship after submitting Buentello by knee strikes in the second round. Due to the non-exclusivity of Strikeforce's contracts--and the dearth of opponents in its heavyweight division--Overeem fought in the Japanese organization Dream, which has a business relationship with Strikeforce (2006).
In Dream fights held in 2008, Overeem defeated Tae-Hyun Lee, Mark Hunt and fought Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic to a "No Contest" as a result of illegal groin strikes by Overeem. The winner may have faced Fedor Emelianenko however the fight's outcome removed it from consideration. That year Overeem fought in Ultimate Glory with a submission victory against Gary Goodridge. A month later in December 2008, Overeem fought Badr Hari in a K-1 kick-boxing fight.
A rivalry had developed between Hari and Overeem after Overeem's Dream 6 fight with Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic. Hari, who was in the audience, entered the ring thereafter and challenged Overeem to a kick-boxing fight, which Overeem refused. Instead, Overeem wanted to fight Hari under MMA rules, which Hari declined. That December at the 2008 K-1 World Grand Prix Final, Hari was disqualified for illegally attacking Remy Bonjasky on the ground in a kick-boxing fight, making Bonjasky the tournament champion. It was Overeem who then challenged Hari to a mixed martial arts fight, however, Hari wanted a kick-boxing bout. Overeem decided he would face Hari first in kick-boxing, if Hari would agree to a later MMA fight, which Hari accepted. They fought later that month at Dynamite 2008!! in Saitama, Japan, where Overeem earned his biggest K-1 kick-boxing victory at the time by knocking out Hari in first round. In March 2009, Overeem lost a K-1 decision to Remy Bonjasky.
After losing to Bonjasky, Overeem withdrew from a scheduled MMA title fight against Fabricio Werdum at the 2009 event Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg (2009), due to a hand injury sustained in an altercation at a club. This furthered his absence from Strikeforce and invited further criticisms--with suggestions that company founder and CEO Scott Coker should crown a new Strikeforce (2006) heavyweight champion.
Overeem returned to competition in September 2009 as a kick-boxer in the K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 tournament. Despite his decision loss to Remy Bonjasky earlier in the year, he was selected in a fan vote to compete in the K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final 16 in South Korea. He won the decision over the legendary Peter Aerts, also of Holland. The following month he had a second MMA appearance in Ultimate Glory where he submitted Tony Sylvester. A few days later at Dream 12, he submitted James Thompson. In December he resumed the K-1 competition and knocked out Ewerton Teixeira to meet Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic again in the semifinals. Hari won the rematch by a first round TKO, ending Overeem's prospects of winning that year's K-1 World Grand Prix Final.
A few weeks later, Overeem returned to MMA, and fought at "K-1/Dynamite!! Power of Courage 2009" against Kazuyuki Fujita. He won by knock out in the first round. After Fedor Emelianenko signed with Strikeforce and defeated Brett Rogers at CBS Strikeforce M-1 Global Saturday Night Fights (2009) in November 2009, he was expected to be Overeem's first title challenger. However a renegotiation of Emelianenko's contract by his M-1 Global management company put a stop to speculations of a title fight with Overeem.
In the ensuing months, Strikeforce (2006) made a controversial decision and declared Brett Rogers-- after losing his last fight to Emelianenko--the contender for the title held by Overeem. A month before fighting Rogers, Overeem competed at the the K-1 World Grand Prix event in Yokohama, knocking out Dzevad Poturak in round one. At Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery (2010),Overeem dominated Rogers to win by technical knockout in the first round. Soon after, Overeem was in attendance at Strikeforce M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Werdum (2010), where the bout between Fedor Emelianenko and Fabricio Werdum would determine Overeem's next title challenger. Overeem looked forward to a victory by Emelianenko, whom he had publicly challenged several times. After what was considered a significant submission upset of Emelianenko by Werdum, uncertainty loomed after Werdum's elbow surgery removed him from competition for the remainder of 2010.
Further complicating matters were Werdum's suggestion he was more interested in a rematch with Emelianenko than a title fight with Overeem, whom he defeated by submission in a 2006 Pride fight. Meanwhile, Emelianenko--who had one fight left with Strikeforce--entered into further contract negotiations, leaving his return date uncertain. After nothing became of a proposed Dream bout between Overeem and Ricco Rodriguez, Overeem committed himself to compete in the K-1 World Grand Prix kick-boxing tournament.
In October, he defeated Ben Edwards at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 Final 16 in South Korea to advance to the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix tournament at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan. In a competitive first fight, Overeem won a decision over Tyrone Spong. Overeem then got by Gökhan Saki in the first round due to injury. Within 67 seconds of the final bout, Overeem hurt legendary K-1 fighter Peter Aerts leading to a fight stoppage and being declared the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. Overeem made combat sports history by holding major championships in kick-boxing and mixed martial arts. Overeem successes would continue as he remained in Japan for his second MMA fight that year. At "K-1 Dynamite!! Power of Courage 2010," Overeem won Dream's interim heavyweight championship by knocking out Todd Duffee in 19 seconds.
In June 2011, Alistair Overeem returned to Strikeforce as a competitor in its Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament. In a quarter-final bout, Overeem fought Fabricio Werdum at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum (2011). Overeem won by unanimous decision, advanced, and was scheduled for a later meeting against Antonio Silva in a semi-final bout. Overeem was replaced by Daniel Cormier after being released from his contract by Zuffa. Zuffa, the parent company of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), had purchased Strikeforce in March 2011. Zuffa took the action due to a dispute with Overeem's management team, Golden Glory. After separating from Golden Glory, Overeem signed a contract with UFC that same year. In his UFC debut, Overeem fought Brock Lesnar at UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem (2011). Overeem defeated Lesnar in the first round as a result of a kick followed up by punches.Kickboxing (K-1 World GP Champion; record: 10-4), Judo, Mixed Martial Arts (Strikeforce, 2H2H & DREAM Champion; record: 43-16 [1])
Trivia: is the only professional fighter to simultaneously hold championships in the Strikeforce, K-1, and DREAM organizations
Best seen in AMSTERDAM HEAVY - Actor
- Sound Department
- Additional Crew
Pat Miletich was born on 9 March 1968 in Bettendorf, Iowa, USA. He is an actor, known for Bobby Z (2007), Combat Fighting Championships (2007) and Strikeforce Challengers (2009).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; record: 29-7-2)
Trivia: is an MMA proponent, having debated politicians over the sport's legality
Best seen in THE DEATH AND LIFE OF BOBBY Z- Stunts
- Actor
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 3-0)
Trivia: is a former SWAT member
Best seen in CINEMA SERIES- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Daniel Cormier, a relatively short Heavyweight, has met success against bigger opponents in freestyle wrestling and later in Mixed Martial Arts. Cormier was raised in Lafayette, Louisiana where he was raised by his mother and stepfather. Cormier became a pro wrestling fan by age 10, which he watched on TV often. When he was 11, a coach introduced him to wrestling after breaking up a parking lot fight with him and a friend. He attended Louisiana High School where he won his first medals, thrice winning a Division I All-American and State championships. Cormier also played the linebacker position in football, and was offered a scholarship to play at Louisiana State University. He chose wrestling instead, and in 1997 he went to Colby Junior College in Kansas where he attended for two years, then transferred to Oklahoma State University (OSU). It was at OSU that he became a roommate and friend of King Mo. In 2001 he was a runner-up in the NCAA Division I Collegiate Championship and NCAA Big 12 Conference. Cormier won a gold medal at the 2002 at the Pan American Games, and another in 2003 during the Pan American Games. In 2007, he won bronze medals at the FILA Wrestling World Championships, and the FILA Wrestling World Championships.
While preparing to audition for the Olympics team, Cormier's 3 1/2 month daughter,Kaedyn Imri Cormier , died in a car accident on June 14, 2003 in Austin, Texas. The car she was in was hit by a 18 wheeler truck. Severely afflicted by the loss, Cormier stopped wrestling. After some time off, he made the 2004 US Olympics team in Athens, where he finished 4th. Cormier declined an offer from World Wrestling Entertaiment, and to try for the Olympics again. Due to a kidney failure he sustained from cutting weight to 211.5 pounds, Cormier withdrew from the US Olympic wrestling team in 2008, a day before he was to compete in the Beijing Olympics. Cormier could not train for a year, which ended his wrestling career.
In 2009, Cormier started to train in Mixed Martial Arts out of San Jose's American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) , training with King Mo, Cain Velasquez, and Luke Rockhold. Injuring his ribs a week before, Cormier fought fellow OSU alumni, Gary Frazier, in his first bout at Strikeforce Challengers 3 (2009). Cormier kept the fight standing by defending a takedown, landing a knee and taking control of Frazier's back and dominating him on the ground for a portion of the round. After exchanging punches in the second round, Cormier failed to get the takedown after numerous attempts when Frazier held the fence. Cormier gets the better of the stand-up by landing right punches and uppercuts. Frazier missed a knee strike and slipped, which Cormier took advantage of and gets top to land multiple punches to the head and won by TKO. Cormier got his first knockout at Strikeforce Challengers 7 (2010), defeating John Devine in the first round.
Cormier remained active outside of Strikeforce (2006) in July 2010, initiating the busiest weeks of his MMA career by taking a fight against Lucas Browne in the Australian promotion Xtreme MMA, replacing injuring teammate Mike Kyle with two days notice. In a bout for the XMMA Heavyweight Championship, Cormier took Brown e to the ground early, and won with devastating striking in four and a half minutes, resulting in Browne receiving up to one hundred stitches. Cormier returned to the United States two weeks later to challenge Tony Johnson Jr. for the King of the Cage Heavyweight Championship, instead of competing at Strikeforce Challengers 10 (2010) as planned. Johnson attacked with punches which put Cormier on the defensive. To stop Johnson's offense, Cormier clinches with him and held him against the cage. Johnson gets a double-leg takedown and is reversed with Cormier on top. Cormier controls Johnson on the ground, controlling his back and going for his neck. Johnson struggled to get Cormier off his back until the rear-naked choke is completely secured for the submission win. It was Cormier's second championship win in two weeks. Eight days after winning the King of the Cage title, Cormier fought Jason Riley at Strikeforce: Houston (2010). Riley defended a single-leg take-down by Cormier then clinched with him against the fence. Cormier went for another take-down which Riley evaded. A right hand from Cormier stuns Riley and he was easily taken to the ground via double-leg. Further strikes forced Riley to submit by tapping the mat with his right hand. Cormier won the bout in just over a minute, making it his quickest fight.
Cormier returned to Sydney, Australia to defend the Xtremme MMA Heavyweight Championship against Soa Palelei at XMMA 3 in November 2010. It was a successful title defense for Cormier, who submitted Palelei by way of punches. Cormier took on Devin Cole at Strikeforce Challengers 13 (2011). He tossed Cole to the ground in round one, and landed an assortment of kicks, including a powerful overhand right, more kicks and a take-down trip to the ground. Cormier hit Cole with a leg kick in the second round, then a hip toss which Cole quickly stood up from. Cormier quickly defended against his grounded opponent and got full mount. Cole briefly stood up before he was taken down by Cormier again, who attempted a rear-naked choke. Cole attacked from his back with an attempted kimura on Cormier's left arm until the round ended. Cormier landed a leg kick, then battled for position against the cage while on the feet. The fighters were separated and Cormier defended a takedown try by Cole. Cormier controlled his grounded opponent who stood up at they fought against the fence again. Cormier took Cole to the ground with a body lock and landed punches until the round expired, and won by unanimous decision.
Cormier was to have fought Shane Del Rosario in an alternate bout for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament, but injuries from a car accident took Del Rosario from the fight. Jeff Monson replaced him at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum (2011). Cormier and Monson engaged with punches in round one, and Cormier connected with kicks and more punches. Cormier landed more kicks in round two, and did not follow Monson--known for his submission abilities--to the ground. Cormier reversed against the cage, landed more strikes and tossed his opponent to the ground and backed away. In the final round, a determined Monson tried taking down Cormier, whom instead struck with punches, knees, and a leg trip. Cormier won by unanimous decision. In August 2011, with his recent win over Monson, Cormier was promoted from alternate to compete in Strikeforce's Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament by replacing Alistair Overeem. Cormier proceeded to Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov (2011) where he met Antonio Silva in a semi-final Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix fight.
Silva hit his body with a right kick and Cormier reacted with a right leg kick. Silva threw a barrage of punches, some of which connected on Cormier. Cormier hit Silva with a overhand right, allowed him to stand and defended against a takedown attempt which lead to Silva on his back again. The fight was stood up and Cormier connected with a left jab and "Bigfoot" Silva hit him with punches. Silva is put down for a second time when Cormier caught a right leg kick from him, then kicks away his left leg. Cormier backs away for the second time to allow Silva up, hit him with left jabs and a right uppercut which stunned him. Cormier finishes with a right hammer-fist then a left hammer-fist to win by knockout in the first round. Cormier advanced to the tournament finals with Josh Barnett, who submitted Sergei Kharitonov in the main event of the same card. Cormier re-injured his right hand fighting Silva in September 2011--then hurt it again in December 2012--postponing the final Grand Prix from March to May 2012.
Cormier fought Barnett for the Strikeforce World Grand Prix Championship at Strikeforce: Heavyweight Grand Prix Final (2012). He evaded Barnett's jabs and countered with kicks. Barnett struck him with a knee. Cormier him with a barrage of punches. Barnett lands left knee to side of Cormier's face to end the round. In round two Barnett hit Cormier with a left low kick, Cormier punches him in the face. Barnett pushes forward and Cormier hits him with a right uppercut. He gets a single-leg takedown on Barnett who tries a triangle choke and Cormier easily avoids it then an arm-bar. Cormier walks out of a leg-lock submission then landed more punches and elbows from the top. Barnett pushes Cormier against the fence after round three started. Cormier defends the takedown attempts, then grabs Barnett's left leg and picks him up and slams him to the ground on his back. Cormier gets side control but Barnett manages to get up. Cormier lands more punches, then later hit Barnett with a right head kick after a failed takedown. He hit Barnett with knees to end the round. Barnett started of championship round four by hitting Cormier with a left knee, who retaliates with a left hook. Cormier connects with left and right head kicks then get a takedown by holding a leg and tripping Barnett's other one. Barnett attempts submissions on Cormier's right leg/foot. Cormier escapes and control the action from top. In the fifth and final round, an aggressive Barnett hits a right body kick and continued with knees and punches on Cormier against the fence. Barnett lands another knee and a punch when the fight is resumed off the fence. Barnett lands a left hook, body kick and more punches. Cormier connects with two punches and Barnett misses a spinning back fist. Cormier takes him to the ground, and Barnett fought his way to the feet and prevented being slammed by Cormier. Cormier won unanimously on all the judge's score cards to be crowned the Strikeforce World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament Champion.
As the tournament champion, Cormier was obligated by Strikeforce (2006) 's TV partner, Showtime Networks, to have one more bout in the promotion. UFC fighter Frank Mir agreed to fight Cormier until a knee injury a month before forced him out of the scheduled November 2012 card. The entire card was cancelled after an injury prevented Strikeforce Middleweight World Champion Luke Rockhold from defending the title against Lorenz Larkin. Cormier was later matched against Dutch fighter Dion Staring at the promotion's final event, Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine (2013). Cormier controlled Staring for much of the first round after tripping him twice and landing strikes from the full mounted position to end the round. Staring went after Cormier with punches in the second round and both fought for control against the fence. Cormier resumed his dominance when he tripped Staring with his left leg and controlled him on the ground and attacked from various angles with punches until a technical knockout stoppage with under a minute left in the round. Cormier remained undefeated in all 11 of his MMA fights, with 8 of those wins happening in Strikeforce (2006).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; record: 17-1)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler, having been captain of the US Olympic Team
Best seen in MANTERVENTION- Ian Freeman was born on 10 November 1966 in Sunderland, England, UK. He is an actor, known for Sucker Punch (2008), Hell to Pay (2005) and Celebrity Wrestling (2005).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Vale Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (Cage Rage Champion; record: 20-7-1)
Trivia: began studying Jiu-Jitsu after a 20-minute street fight made him seek a more efficient fighting style
Best seen in SUCKER PUNCH - Rafael Cordeiro is known for Here Comes the Boom (2012), Fontanarrosa, a Real Idol (2017) and Countdown to UFC (2011).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 4-2)
Trivia: is the owner of the Kings Muay Thai MMA facility of California
Best seen in HERE COMES THE BOOM - Ed Herman was born on 2 October 1980 in Vancouver, Washington, USA. He is an actor, known for UFC on Fox (2011), The Ultimate Fighter (2005) and UFC on ESPN (2019).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (SportFight, Desert Brawl & Ring Wars Champion; record: 23-11)
Trivia: is a 2-time UFC Fight of the Night winner
Best seen in LEVERAGE - Satoshi Ishii is known for Here Comes the Boom (2012), Tokyo Vice (2022) and Keitai Ura Site: Kuchisake-onna (2010).Judo (Olympic Gold medalist; 2-time All Japan Champion; JWC Gold medalist; Japanese National Team member), Mixed Martial Arts (IGF Champion; record: 14-5-1)
Trivia: began training in Judo as a 5th grader
Best seen in HERE COMES THE BOOM - K.J. Noons is married to Melany.Kenpo, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Sanshou (ISKA Champion; US Open International & Art of War Champion; record: 13-1), Mixed Martial Arts (EliteXC Champion; record: 13-9)
Trivia: began competing in Kickboxing after repeatedly being disqualified from Karate competition
Best seen in MANTERVENTION - Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
Donald Cerrone was born on 29 March 1983 in Broomfield, Colorado, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for News of the World (2020), Spenser Confidential (2020) and Copshop (2021).Kickboxing (record: 13-0), Muay Thai (S-1 Champion; record: 28-0), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 29-7)
Trivia: is a 3-time UFC Knockout of the Night winner
Best seen in JUSTIFIED- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Wing Chun, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Escrima, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 2-1)
Trivia: is a former US Marine
Best seen in THE WHITE STORM- Stunts
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Matt Lindland was born on 17 May 1970 in Milwaukie, Oregon, USA. He is an actor, known for Happy Death Day 2U (2019), 21 & Over (2013) and New York Minute (2004).Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 22-9)
Trivia: is also an Olympian, having won a Silver medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2000 Olympics
Best seen in LEVERAGE- Actor
- Producer
MARK MUÑOZ is best known as a former professional mixed martial artist in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and World Extreme Fighting (WEC), guest sports commentator on UFC Tonight. Known for being the nicest guy in the UFC, Mark was a middleweight contender who went by the moniker "The Filipino Wrecking Machine." Mark was also an MMA consultant on the set of Here Comes the Boom (2012) starring Kevin James. He's the founder of REIGN wrestling and West Coast Wrestling Camps. He directs both technique and intensive camps each summer and promotes the sport of wrestling through the USA Wrestling organization.
Mark will be making his action lead role debut in LUMPIA WITH A VENGEANCE as the silent avenger Kuya.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 14-6)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler and former FILA and NCAA Champion
Best seen in HERE COMES THE BOOM- Actor
- Producer
Egan Inoue is known for Blood of the Samurai 2 (2007), Hawaii Five-0 (2010) and Blood of the Samurai: The Series (2004).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 13-8)
Trivia: is also a professional racquetball player and 2-time RWC Champion
Best seen in BLOOD OF THE SAMURAI 2- HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-5-1)
Trivia: fought Rickson Gracie after unsuccessfully challenging him to a pro wrestling match - Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and attended Cimarron-Memorial High School, where he competed in wrestling, football, and baseball. Nelson began training in Ark Wong's Ng Ga Kuen Shaolin Kung Fu when he was around 16 years old. Nelson worked briefly as a warehouse worker in 1999. Nelson originally began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under UFC veteran John Lewis in 2000. In 2002 and 2003 he had a short career in rugby, but in 2004 Nelson began his own career in mixed martial arts. Nelson has been a long time student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Master Renzo Gracie, who granted him a black belt on August 26, 2009 and has competed at the Abu Dhabi Grappling Championships. From 2010 till 2017 he fought professionally in MMA under the UFC, after which his contract ended and he began fighting under Bellator.Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu, Roi Kan Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (IFL Champion; record: 21-12)
Trivia: was motivated to study the martial arts by watching THE KARATE KID and AMERICAN NINJA
Best seen in THE SCORPION KING 4 - James Thompson is known for Outpost: Rise of the Spetsnaz (2013), The War That Made America (2006) and EliteXC Saturday Night Fights (2008).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 20-16)
Trivia: is a professional bodybuilder
Best seen in OUTPOST: RISE OF THE SPETSNAZ - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 2-2)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler and 4-time NCAA Puerto Rico National Champion
Best seen in FIGHT VALLEY - 1993 NCAA Division I National Champion at Heavyweight for North Carolina State. Sylvester took 2nd at the NCAA championship in 1992 to future Olympic Champion and WWE superstar Kurt Angle (Angle Weight 210 lbs. and Terkey was 285 lbs. and their picture was featured in SI) He was a 3x All-American at North Carolina State.Kickboxing (record: 0-2), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 3-1)
Trivia: is also a former NCAA wrestling champion
Best seen in MUAY THAI GIANT - HONORARY ENTRY
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt; Brazilian National Gold [3x] & Bronze medalist; WJJC Gold, Silver [4x] & Bronze medalist; Pan-American Silver medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 5-4-1)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler - Jerry Brenneman was born on 21 November 1959 in Tampa, Florida, USA. He is an actor, known for WCW Monday Nitro (1995), WCW Thunder (1998) and WCW Saturday Night (1985).HONORARY ENTRY
Tae Kwon Do, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler and shoot fighter - Stunts
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Actor
Jonathan Eusebio is an assistant director and actor, known for Black Panther (2018), John Wick (2014) and 300 (2006).Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Shooto, Vale Tudo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1)
Trivia: is a former member of the 87eleven Fight Design team
Best seen in NEVER BACK DOWN- Angelo Antuna is known for Gutshot Straight (2014) and FightZone Presents (2007).Judo, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 8-2)
Trivia: is the owner of the AnRchy Training Facility
Best seen in GUTSHOT STRAIGHT - Seth Petruzelli was born on 3 December 1979 in Cape Coral, Florida, USA. He is an actor, known for Rockabilly Zombie Weekend (2013), Pit Fight (2004) and EliteXC Saturday Night Fights (2008).Karate (3rd Dan; US National Champion), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt; US Open Absolute Grappling Champion), Kickboxing (record: 0-3), Mixed Martial Arts (KOTC & Cage Wars Champion; record: 14-8)
Trivia: is the owner of the Knockout Fitness chain of Arizona
Best seen in ROCKABILLY ZOMBIE WEEKEND - Brazilian basketball player, professional wrestler and mixed martial artist as the Giant Silva. He played for the Brazilian National Basketball Team in the preliminaries for the 1988 and 1992 Olympics. He signed with WWE in late 1997 and trained under Dory Funk Jr. and Tom Prichard. He wrestled for the World Wrestling Alliance (Massachusetts) and Power Pro Wrestling (Memphis) before making his WWE on-screen debut on Meet the Oddities (1998) (May 25, 1998) as a member of the debuting Oddities, with manager the Jackyl (Don Callis), Golga (John Tenta) and Princess Luna Vachon (Trudy Vachon). He made his WWE on-screen wrestling debut at Summerslam (1998), teaming with Kurrgan (Robert Maillet) and Golga in a victory against the much smaller Kaientai (TAKA Michinoku (Takao Yoshida), Dick Togo, Men's Teioh and Sho Funaki). The Oddities would eventually be reduced to winning on the weekend B-shows WWF Shotgun Saturday Night (1997) and WWE Sunday Night Heat (1998) but would lose to higher-ranked teams. After they were released in early 1999, Silva would go on to compete for CMLL and IWRG in Mexico, New Japan Pro Wrestling, HUSTLE (Japan), Michinoku Pro Wrestling (Japan) and National Wrestling Superstars (New Jersey). He had a small run in mixed martial arts, ending with a 2-6 win loss record. He never won a Championship in wrestling. He teamed with Giant Singh (Dalip Singh) in New Japan as Team 7 and they and Masahiro Chôno defeated Manabu Nakanishi, Rick Steiner and Yuji Nagata in the finals of the Teisen Hall Cup Six Man Tag Team Tournament on February 3, 2002.HONORARY ENTRY
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 2-6)
Trivia: studied the martial arts under Ralek and Ricardo Gracie - HONORARY ENTRY
Judo (4-time All Japan Junior Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 3-3-2)
Trivia: was also a professional wrestler and a shoot wrestler, having performed for the World Japan and Battlearts federations - Vernon White was born on 3 December 1971 in East Palo Alto, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Best of Raw 5 (1997), WWE Raw (1993) and FightZone Presents (2007).HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, Odori Kumo, Kanjukenbo, Mixed Martial Arts (IFC & KotC Champion; Pan-Am Games Pankration & World Pankration Games Gold medalist; record: 26-33-2)
Trivia: was trained in grappling by Ken Shamrock - Tony Fryklund is known for Sector 4: Extraction (2014), Elite XC (2007) and Jens Pulver: Driven (2011).Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Shotokan Karate, Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 14-9-1)
Trivia: formerly competed in amateur Kickboxing
Best seen in SECTOR 4: EXTRACTION - Mitsuya Nagai is known for Tokyo Joshi Pro (2014), NJPW Samurai TV (2002) and DDT Samurai TV (2003).HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 8-6)
Trivia: applied as a professional wrestler at age 16, but was told by the promoter to finish school first - Actress
- Talent Agent
is an American mixed martial artist and professional wrestler, currently signed to WWE where she performs in their developmental territory NXT. She formerly trained under former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett.
Baszler gained recognition for her pseudo-chicken wing submission that she has used to defeat many female fighters, including Roxanne Modafferi. In an audio interview with Jordan Breen on the Sherdog Radio Network, she dubbed the submission, which she created in training, as the "Shwing."
Under Billy Robinson, Baszler is the only certified female catch wrestler in the United States. Robinson has contributed immensely in training several mixed martial arts legends including Kazushi Sakuraba and Josh Barnett.
As of January 2015, Baszler is ranked #27 bantamweight female fighter in the world according to Fight Matrix, and #22 according to Tapology.com.
Contents[show] Mixed martial arts career Baszler faced Amanda Buckner at MFC: USA vs. Russia 3 on June 3, 2006. She lost the fight by TKO in the third round.
She faced Samantha Anderson at NFF: The Breakout on March 10, 2007. She won the fight by kimura submission in the first round.
Elite XC Baszler debuted for EliteXC at a ShoXC event on July 27, 2007. She submitted veteran Jan Finney with a first-round armbar and repeated the feat three months later against Jennifer Tate. After defeating Keiko Tamai with an impressive Twister submission at a third ShoXC event, Baszler moved up to the main EliteXC cards.
Baszler next faced Cristiane Justino on CBS television at EliteXC: Unfinished Business on July 26, 2008. She lost the fight via TKO in the second round.
Strikeforce Following EliteXC's closure, Baszler debuted for Strikeforce at Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg on June 19, 2009 in a fight against Sarah Kaufman, but lost by Unanimous Decision.
Baszler entered the Freestyle Cage Fighting Women's Bantamweight Grand Prix at FCF 39 on January 30, 2010 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She submitted Megumi Yabushita with a twister submission in the first round of their quarterfinal bout. It was the second time that Baszler had won an MMA fight with the unique submission.
Independent Circuit Baszler faced late replacement Alexis Davis in the second round of the FCF tournament at FCF 40 on March 27, 2010. She defeated Davis by unanimous decision.
Baszler was scheduled to face Jan Finney in the tournament final at FCF 43 on June 12, 2010. However, Finney withdrew in order to compete in Strikeforce and Baszler faced Adrienna Jenkins instead.[12] Baszler defeated Jenkins by first-round armbar to become FCF Women's Bantamweight Grand Prix Champion.
On November 19, 2010, Baszler faced Elaina Maxwell at The Cage Inc.: Battle At The Border 7. Baszler defeated Maxwell by submission due to a kneebar in the first round to become the first TCI Women's 140 lbs Champion.
Baszler was scheduled to defend her TCI title in a rematch with Alexis Davis at The Cage Inc.: Battle At The Border 10 on July 30, 2011. However, the fight was cancelled after Davis signed with Strikeforce.
Baszler agreed to face Kelly Kobold in a rematch at Cage Fighting Xtreme: Spring Brawl on April 21, 2012. However, it was announced on March 16 that the event had been cancelled.
Invicta Fighting Championships On April 28, it was announced that Baszler would face Sara McMann in the main event of Invicta FC 2: Baszler vs. McMann. The event took place on July 28, 2012. In a back-and-forth affair, Baszler lost the fight in what was considered to be a controversial unanimous decision. The bout was named fight of the night.
Baszler faced Sarah D'Alelio at Invicta FC 3: Penne vs. Sugiyama on October 6, 2012. She defeated D'Alelio via submission due to a rear naked choke early in round two.
Baszler faced Alexis Davis in a rematch at Invicta FC 4: Esparza vs. Hyatt on January 5, 2013. She was defeated via technical submission due to a rear naked choke in round three. The bout was named fight of the night.
The Ultimate Fighter In August 2013, it was announced that Baszler was one of the fighters selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate. In her fight to get into the TUF house, Baszler faced Colleen Schneider and won via an armbar submission in the first round. Baszler was then selected by Rousey as the first team pick and the first fight of the season against Julianna Peña. Baszler lost to Peña after tapping out due to a rear naked choke in the second round.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Baszler was expected to face Sarah Kaufman at The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale. However, on April 2, 2014, she pulled out of the bout due to an injury.
For her promotional debut, Baszler faced Bethe Correia on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177. She lost the fight via TKO in the second round.
Baszler faced Amanda Nunes on March 21, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 62. She lost the fight via TKO in the first round after taking multiple leg kicks and was subsequently released from the organization.
Professional wrestling Independent circuit (2015-2017) On March 1, 2015, at Ring of Honor's 13th Anniversary Show, Baszler accompanied reDRagon to the ring for their ROH World Tag Team Championship defense. After they won, she helped cut a celebratory promo, where they described her addition to the team as "[finding] our Ringo". On September 26, 2015, Baszler made her professional wrestling debut against Cheerleader Melissa for Quintessential Pro Wrestling (QPW) in Reno, NV. Baszler was attacked by Nicole Matthews setting up a future match between them. In October 2015, Baszler worked two events for Japanese promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom, during their American tour in Covina, California.
On January 23, 2016, at a MAGNUM Pro Wrestling event in Omaha, Nebraska, Baizler defeated "Miss Natural" Heather Patera with a Double Wristlock.
In June 2016, Baszler made her debut for Shimmer Women Athletes. On July 17, Baszler defeated RAZE to become the Women Athlete's Championship at Premier XIII. On September 9, Baszler defeated Heidi Lovelace to win Absolute Intense Wrestling's Women's Championship. On September 27, it was reported that Baszler was receiving a WWE tryout.
World Wonder Ring Stardom (2015, 2017) In October 2015, Baszler worked two events for Japanese promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom, during their American tour in Covina, California, first teaming with Brittany Wonder and Datura in a loss to Oedo Tai (Act Yasukawa, Kris Wolf and Kyoko Kimura), and unsuccessfully challenging Cheerleader Melissa for the GRPW Lady Luck Championship two days later. She returned to the promotion in January 2017, this time touring Japan. She made her debut on January 3, teaming with Mayu Iwatani and Jungle Kyona to defeat Sumie Sakai, Kagetsu and Kyoko Kimura. The following day, she teamed with Nixon Newell and Kay Lee Ray to defeat Iwatani, Kairi Hojo and Konami. The following day, she faced Himomi Mimura and Viper in a triple threat match won by Viper. On January 15, she took part in another triple threat match, this time defeating Momo Watanabe and Jungle Kyona. On January 29, she teamed with Deonna Purrazzo and Christi Jaynes to defeat Kris Wolf, Viper and Kagetsu. On February 23, Baszler unsuccessfully challenged Io Shirai for the World of Stardom Championship.
World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2017-present) In September 2016, it was reported that Bazler was one of many independent wrestlers taking part in a WWE tryout.
Mae Young Classic (2017) Main article: WWE Mae Young Classic 2017 On July 13, 2017, Baszler entered WWE's Mae Young Classic, defeating Zeda in the first round. The following day, Baszler first defeated Mia Yim in the second round, then Candice LeRae in the quarterfinals and finally Mercedes Martinez in the semifinals to advance to the finals of the tournament. After defeating Candice LeRae in the quarterfinals, Baszler turned heel after not releasing the submission hold she used to beat Candice after the bell rang multiple times. She also kicked Candice as she was attended by doctors and her husband Johnny Gargano while also berating the fans, therefore cementing her heel turn.
NXT (2017-present) Baszler made her NXT debut at a house show on August 10, 2017, where she teamed with Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, they were against the team of Kairi Sane, Aliyah and Dakota Kai, in a six-woman tag team match, which Baszler's team lost. On August 12, she made her singles debut, defeating Zeda and then defeating Taynara Conti in another match. On October 3, WWE officially announced that Baszler had signed with the company and started training at the WWE Performance Center. Baszler continued through the remainder of 2017 undefeated in singles and tag team matches, ending her debut year with a victory over NXT newcomer Jessie Elaban. She received her first title shot on January 27, 2018 at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, against the NXT Women's Champion Ember Moon but did not succeed in winning the title. Her title rematch was held during the February 1 edition of NXT where Baszler won the match by disqualification but did not win the title. During the course of new year, Baszler wrestled in matches against opponents including Dakota Kai, Rhea Ripley, Abbey Laith and Kairi Sane. On March 16, Baszler challenged Ember Moon once more for the Women's title but lost the match due to the double-disqualification. On April 7 at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, Baszler defeated Ember Moon to win the NXT Women's Championship for the first time. On April 8 during the fourth day of the 2018 WrestleMania Axxess weekend event, Baszler's first title defense was victory over Dakota Kai. Throughout the remainder of April, Baszler successfully defended her title against challengers including Candice LeRae, Kairi Sane, Nikki Cross and Steffanie Newell. During the month of May, Baszler defeated Dakota Kai in three title rematches. The following month she defeated Nikki Cross on three different occasions to retain the Women's title including the third match held at NXT TakeOver: Chicago II. On June 19 during the second night of the 2018 WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament, Baszler retained the championship against New Zealand wrestler Toni Storm by count-out. After returning to the United States, Baszler defeated Dakota Kai once more in a title rematch on June 28.
Beginning the next month on July 13, Baszler defeated Nikki Cross to retain the NXT Women's Championship. Over the course of the month, she extended her title reign, defeating challengers including Xia Li and Candice LeRae. She finished the month with a tag match during the July 29 house show, teaming with Taynara Conti in a loss to Candice LeRae & Kairi Sane. Baszler's next title defense was held during the August 17 house show, defeating Kairi Sane. However, a rematch was held the following night at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV, where Baszler lost the Women's Championship to Sane. A week later, Baszler returned to begin a new winning streak with a match won during the August 23 tapings, defeating Violet Payne. At the August 25 house show, Baszler formed an alliance with sister mixed martial artists and wrestling newcomers Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir. Their first tag match was won against the team of Deonna Purrazzo, Io Shirai and with reigning Women's Champion Kairi Sane. They finished the month with a second tag team victory during the August 30 house show, defeating Dakota Kai, Io Shirai & Nikki Cross. Returning at the September 6 house show, Baszler began the month with a victory over Candice LeRae. She later lost to LeRae in a rematch held during the September 8 house show. Baszler also met LeRae in two tag matches ending in victories for LeRae's team during the September 7 and September 9 house shows. By September 14, Baszler returned to her alliance with sister mixed martial artists Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir, leading their team in defeating Dakota Kai, Io Shirai & Kairi Sane. During the September 20 tapings, Baszler won a singles match after decimating guest wrestler Britt Baker, resulting in the referree stopping their match. At the September 22 house show, Baszler, Jessamyn Duke & Marina Shafir defeated Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai & Kairi Sane in an elimination tag team match. Baszler and her teammates finished the month with a victory during the September 27 house show, defeating Io Shirai, Kairi Sane & Xia Li.
The following month, Baszler returned for the October 4 house show, teaming with Marina Shafir in defeating Candice LeRae & Dakota Kai. Two nights later, Baszler & Shafir teamed again, defeating Dakota Kai & Mia Yim. A week later during the October 12 house show, Baszler, Jessamyn Duke & Marina Shafir won another six-woman tag match defeating the team of Io Shirai, Jessie Elaban & Lacey Lane.HONORARY ENTRY
Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt), Mixed Martial Arts (FCF & TCI Champion; record: 15-10)
Trivia: is also a pro wrestler and 3-time world champion- Elvis Sinosic was born on 13 February 1971 in Sydney, Australia. He is an actor, known for Gods of Egypt (2016), K-1 Grand Prix 2000 (2000) and UFC 36: Worlds Collide (2002).Tae Kwon Do (1st Dan), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (3rd degree black belt), Jeet Kune Do, Silat, Muay Thai, Capoeira, Kickboxing, Judo, Jujitsu, Escrima, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 7-11-2)
Trivia: is the owner of the Sinosic Perosh Martial Arts Academy of Sydney, Australia
Best seen in GODS OF EGYPT - Yukio Sakaguchi is known for Pure Japanese (2022), Lady Ninja: A Blue Shadow (2018) and Kamui Gaiden (2009).Judo (2nd Dan), Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 6-7)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler, ranked #285 in the PWI 500
Best seen in KAMUI GAIDEN - Fabricio Werdum was born on 30 July 1977 in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He is an actor, known for Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016), Kickboxer: Armageddon and Detetive Madeinusa (2021).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2nd degree black belt; IBJJF Gold [4x], Silver & Bronze [2x] medalist; Pan-American Gold [4x], Silver & Bronze medalist; ADCC Gold [2x], Silver [2x] & Bronze [2x] medalist), Judo, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Champion; record: 21-6-1)
Trivia: began studying the martial arts after being rendered unconscious in a fight by a Jiu-Jitsu technique
Best seen in KICKBOXER: VENGEANCE - Charmaine Tweet is known for Four Months Until Fight Day (2017), Chokehold (2019) and Invicta FC 7: Honchak vs. Smith (2013).Muay Thai (IFMA & IKF Champion; record: 10-1-1), Mixed Martial Arts (Prestige FC Champion; record: 9-5)
Trivia: trained in Muay Thai under Duke Roufus
Best seen in CHOKEHOLD - Yoshihiro Akiyama a.k.a. Choo Sung-Hoon in both Korean and Japan, is a fourth-generation Korean-Japanese MMA (Mixed Martial Artist), television celebrity and actor in both South Korea and his home country of Japan. Born to Korean-Japanese "zainichi" parents in Osaka, Japan in 1975, he was raised in the traditional martial arts from the age of 3 as his father was a judo instructor and his mother was a champion swimmer. His paternal great-grandfather, Choo Jeong-Won, was originally from Jeju County, on Jeju Island, now known as Jeju City.
During the Japanese Occupation of Korea (1910-45), his paternal great-grandfather, Choo Jeong-Won, and his family emigrated to Japan, and became permanent residents in the city of Osaka while maintaining their Korean citizenship and names. Choo, was born in Osaka in 1975, and starting from the age of three, began training in the martial arts under his father's tutelage, who himself was a Judo Champion too. As a middleweight Judoka, he climbed the ranks of the judoka system in Japan to become a Third-Dan Black Belt in Judo, later acquiring a black belt in gaidojutsu too. Before he embarked on his professional MMA career in 2004, he was already heavily trained in karate, kickboxing, wrestling and submission fighting.
His highest honors in his judo career include winning the Gold Medal at the 2001 Asian Judo Championships representing South Korea. He also won the 2002 Gold Medal in Judo at the 2002 Asian Games representing Japan under his legal Japanese name, Yoshihiro Akiyama, which he acquired after becoming a Japanese citizen at the age of 16.
In the 2003 World Judo Championships in Osaka, Japan, Akiyama reached the semi-finals in the 81 kg light-middleweight, but did not proceed further after losing two matches in a row and placing third overall.
In 2004, Akiyama switched from judo to MMA where he debuted in the K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite event where he defeated boxer, Francois Botha in the first round. As of 2010, his MMA record stands at 14 wins, six losses, and two no-contests. In 2006, he became the K-1 Heroes Light-Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament champion.
In 2009, he opened his own gym called the "Akiyama Dojo" in Tokyo, which teaches both judo and MMA.
In his personal life, Akiyama married Japanese fashion model Shiho Yano (stylized "SHIHO") in March of 2009, after a two-year courtship that began with being introduced by a mutual friend. They have since had one child, a girl named "Sarang" (Korean for "love"), who co-stars with them in the South Korean reality TV-show "Return of Superman" where cameras record the family's lives at their home in Tokyo and Seoul as well as at the grandparent's home in Osaka.Judo (3rd Dan; AJC & Asian Games Gold medalist; 2-time All-Japan Champion; Paris & Japan International Champion; Pusan Asia, Kodokan Cup & East Asian Games Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (HERO'S Champion; record: 14-6)
Trivia: names Mike Tyson as his personal inspiration
Best seen in ATHENA: GODDESS OF WAR - HONORARY ENTRY
Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 19-27)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler - Actor
- Writer
- Stunts
Chael Sonnen was born on 3 April 1977 in West Linn, Oregon, USA. He is an actor and writer, known for Here Comes the Boom (2012), Meet Dave (2008) and Grudge Match (2013). He is married to Brittany Smith. They have one child.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt), Mixed Martial Arts (Gladiator Challenge, HFP, DangerZone & Rumble at the River Champion; record: 28-14-1)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler and Silver medalist at the World University Championships
Best seen in HERE COMES THE BOOM- Manabu Nakanishi was born on 22 January 1967 in Kyoto, Japan. He is an actor, known for WCW Monday Nitro (1995), WCW Pro (1994) and Tokyo Serendipity (2007). He has been married to Diane Chang since 1 February 2002. They have three children.HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1)
Trivia: is also a former amateur wrestler and AWC Bronze medalist - Kazuhiro Nakamura is known for Happy Landing (2015), Pride 25: Body Blow (2003) and Pride Critical Countdown 2005 (2005).HONORARY ENTRY
Judo (3rd Dan), Mixed Martial Arts (DEEP Champion; record: 21-13)
Trivia: also studies boxing - Yoshihisa Yamamoto is known for The Tiger Mask (2013), Detective Story (2007) and Hitman: Asu e no Jûsei (2013).HONORARY ENTRY
Judo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 14-25-1)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler - HONORARY ENTRY
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Mixed Martial Arts (DREAM & Pancrase Tournament Champion; record: 60-41-8)
Trivia: trained in the martial arts under the Brazilian Top Team - HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 24-25-1)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler - Actor
- Additional Crew
Barrington Patterson was born on 25 August 1965 in Coventry, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Red Mosquito (2019), Hoodies vs. Hooligans (2014) and The Marker (2017). He died on 22 March 2022 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, UK.Kickboxing (WAKO Bronze medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (WIPU Champion; Martial Arts Hall of Fame entry; record: 4-4)
Trivia: auditioned for the GLADIATORS TV show in the 1990s
Best seen in THE GUVNORS- Yumiko Hotta is known for Mid Summer Typhoon (1992), AJW Samurai TV (2002) and Mecha mecha iketeru! (1996).HONORARY ENTRY
Kyokushin Karate, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 5-5)
Trivia: is also a pro wrestler and 15-time champion - Yoshihiro Takayama is synonymous with the word tough. Growing up in Japan, he pursued a career in rugby and from there he moved on to the world of professional wrestling. At 6' 5" and 253 lbs the imposing Takayama wreaked havoc in the pro wrestling ranks. Among his signature moves, the "Everest" German Suplex and the knee kick! Moving on to mixed martial arts, Takayama relies less on technique and more on guts. Most of his matches are total slug-fests and one thing is almost always certain, the match will not go to a decision! With his flowing blonde mane and slogan of "no fear," it's no surprise why Takayama is so popular in Japan!Kendo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-4)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler and a musician, having recorded his own entrance music
Best seen in MUSCLE HEAT - Judo (Olympic Silver medalist; WJC Gold [4x] & Bronze [3x] medalist; Asian Games Gold medalist; AJC Gold medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 7-2)
Trivia: is the youngest competitor to medal in the World Judo Championships
Best seen in THE WOLVERINE - Actor
- Stunts
Tim Sylvia was born on 5 March 1976 in Ellsworth, Maine, USA. He is an actor, known for Halloween II (2009), No Way Out and Bobby Z (2007).HONORARY ENTRY
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt), Mixed Martial Arts (2-time UFC Champion; PWP & ISKA Champion; record: 31-10 [1])
Trivia: is also a part-time police officer- Shinobu Kandori was born on 30 October 1964 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. She is an actress, known for Akihabara@Deep (2006), Silver - shirubaa (1999) and Batoru gâru: Tokyo crisis wars (1991).HONORARY ENTRY
Judo (WJC Bronze medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 4-1)
Trivia: is also a politician and former member of Japan's House of Councillors - A twin fisted existentialist, whose post-Nietzschian sensibilities reject the lantern of the cynic in a quest for a sun that leaves no shadow. He attended Dr Challoners Grammar School where he achieved 8 'o' levels, he then elected to work on demolition sites rather than continue his education to University level. He studied performing arts in his twenties then became a professional wrestler and then secured the role of John in Snatch. Other film and TV work followed including appearances in Eastenders,the Bill and Emmerdale as well as parts in major motion pictures such as Batman begins and Elizabeth the Golden age and when work was quiet he decided to become a professional cage fighter securing wins over LA street fighting legend Kimo Leopoldo and ex UFC heavyweight champion Dan Severn. His fight and acting career however began to clash and when he was offered a role in Steven Berkoff's On The Waterfront he had to regrettably decline due to fight commitments. Instead Berkoff attended Legeno's fight at Wembley arena where he defeated Herb Dean. When Dave was cast as Fenrir Greyback in the Harry Potter series he put his fight career on hold.Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 4-3)
Trivia: also practiced boxing and wrestling
Best seen in COMMAND PERFORMANCE - HONORARY ENTRY
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 17-7)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler - Royler Gracie was born on 6 December 1965 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is an actor, known for World Record Pizza (2006), Choke (1999) and Faixa Coral (2017). He is married to Verinha. They have four children.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (7th degree red & black belt; WJJC Gold [4x] & Bronze medalist; 3-time ADCC Gold medalist; 2-time Pan-American Gold medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 5-5-1)
Trivia: is also an author, having published three instructional books
Best seen in WORLD RECORD PIZZA - HONORARY ENTRY
Judo, Sumo, Mixed Martial Arts (2-time RINGS Champion; 32-13-3)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler, ranked #98 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in 2003 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated - HONORARY ENTRY
Judo (All Japan Gold medalist; Fukuoka International Bronze medalist), Muay Thai, Kickboxing (record: 1-10-1 [1]), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 19-23)
Trivia: also holds a 1-1 record in submission grappling - HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing (record: 2-3), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 20-10 [1])
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt; Australian National Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (XMMA, K-Oz, AFC & IKBF Champion; record: 22-5)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler and former member of the Australian Olympic Team
Best seen in ZOMBIE NINJAS VS BLACK OPS - Bernard Ackah was born on 9 April 1972 in Bonn, Germany. He is an actor, known for Kamen Rider Drive (2014), Kamen Rider Wizard (2012) and Tokyo Tribe (2014).Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing (record: 2-4), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 5-6)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler
Best seen in KAMEN RIDER WIZARD - Yoko Takahashi was born on 20 April 1973 in Otaru, Japan.HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing (record: 2-4-1), Mixed Martial Arts (Smackgirl Champion; record: 15-12-2)
Trivia: is often credited as the first Japanese woman to compete in mixed martial arts - Akira Maeda is known for Yawara! (1989), The Legend of the Stardust Brothers (1985) and Midnight Journal (1990).HONORARY ENTRY
Kyokushin & Shindo Muso-Ryu Karate (8th & 2nd Dan), Shorinji Kenpo, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 7-5)
Trivia: reportedly beat up four US soldiers during an altercation in Roppongi - HONORARY ENTRY
Sumo (Makuuchi [14x], Makushita [2x] & Jūryō Champion; record: 673–234–85)
Trivia: is also a former pro wrestler - Tsuyoshi Kohsaka was born on 6 March 1970.HONORARY ENTRY
Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt [honorary]), TK Jiu-Jitsu (founder), Mixed Martial Arts (Pancrase & Lumux Cup Champion; record:27-20-2)
Trivia: is the founder and head instructor of the Alliance Square martial arts studio - Actor
- Additional Crew
Rodney Glunder is known for The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017), Nieuw zeer (2020) and Jack Walker (2021).Kyokushin Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (blue belt), Kickboxing (ISKA, K-1 Canarias & IKBO Champion; record: 17-12), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 6-time RINGS Champion; CFC Champion; 25-20-3 [1])
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler
Best seen in VECHTERSHART- HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing (record: 2-6-1), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 24-25-9)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler and NJPW Young Generation Cup winner - HONORARY ENTRY
Seidokaikan Karate, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (UFC Tournament Champion; record: 5-12-2)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler - Actor
- Stunts
Phil Baroni was born on 16 April 1976 in Long Island, New York, USA. He is an actor, known for LIE (2017), Oz (1997) and One Night Only: GFW Amped Anthology (2017).HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 16-18)
Trivia: is also an amateur boxer (record: 10-0)- Jushin Liger was born on 10 November 1964 in Hiroshima, Japan. He is an actor, known for Stampede Wrestling (1957), WCW Monday Nitro (1995) and Kabuto-Ô Bîtoru (2005). He has been married to Jane Lee since 14 January 2002. They have two children.Taijutsu, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1)
Trivia: is a former amateur wrestler, having competed at the collegiate level
Best seen in FIST OF THUNDER - Mavrick Von Haug is known for Boone: The Bounty Hunter (2017), Revelation Road: The Beginning of the End (2013) and Beckman (2020).Kickboxing (record: 0-3), Mixed Martial Arts (Kage Kombat Champion; record: 8-5-1)
Trivia: owns and operates Mavrick's Ultimate Training Center in San Pedro, California
Best seen in REVELATION ROAD - Joraima Tromp is known for Vechtershart (2015).Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1-1)
Trivia: competes in the bantamweight division
Best seen in VECHTERSHART - Stefan Gamlin is known for Two for the Money (2005) and Inside Wrestling School (2000).HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-3)
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler - Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Guy Mezger was born on 1 January 1968 in Houston, Texas, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Serum (2006), Pros and Cons: A Fantasy Football Movie (2013) and UFC 25 Years in Short (2018).Judo, Kyokushin Karate (6th Dan; 2-time WFC Champion; record: 42-1), Kickboxing (WKC & US National Champion; record: 22-3), Mixed Martial Arts (3-time King of Pancrase; UFC 13 Tournament Champion; record: 30-14-2)
Trivia: thwarted an instance of physical assault in 2011 by fighting (and defeating) a knife-wielding man attacking a woman
Best seen in WALKER: TEXAS RANGER