MMA is a sport that relies and thrives on superstars, and often runs out of box office draws when people like Conor McGregor or Jon Jones go on hiatus. However, this problem is easily remedied by celebrities such as CM Punk and Jack Swagger trying their hand at a real sport. There are many actors who may be qualified to step into the ring, but here are the top ten most likely to do so.
1. Chris Hemsworth
Embed from Getty ImagesChris Hemsworth completely changed the way he stays in shape to play Thor himself, and he did this by taking up boxing and muay thai. While he mostly does this to stay in shape, the fact remains that he has accumulated some sort of skills that he could use in an actual fight. Even if it is a squash match that he is destined to win, Hemsworth could make for a great mixed martial artist if he put his training to the test.
2. Ben McKenzie
Embed from Getty ImagesNot only has Ben McKenzie fought criminals on screen for years as Jim Gordon on Gotham, but in order to prepare for the role, he underwent a series boxing training regimen. This likely did no more than help McKenzie stay in shape, but he has the body of an athlete, with some real-life skills that can be used in the cage. Amateur boxing may be more of his speed, but he is much less marketable in that sport and could be set up to win a bout against someone who is just happy to have the opportunity.
3. Chris Pratt
Embed from Getty ImagesChris Pratt can often be seen in the crowd of the biggest UFC and Bellator events, even cornering a fighter he trains with during his Bellator debut. Pratt is a noted gym rat, training at an MMA gym to stay in shape for all of his roles, and training under the great Randy Couture during his college wrestling career. He is a dangerous wrestler who could probably out-grapple most any average Joe his size, and he would be perfect for a one-off Bellator fight against another debuting Light Heavyweight.
4. Demi Lovato
Embed from Getty ImagesThe worldwide pop star and actress Demi Lovato is hands down the most qualified person to take an MMA fight. She often attends Bellator fights, while also having dated former UFC Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, and consistently trains jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, and muay thai. Lovato is young, has deep MMA roots, and could seriously be a factor in women’s MMA if she ever decided that she wanted to make a UFC run.
5. Tom Hardy
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the first movies that contributed to Tom Hardy’s rise to fame was the MMA drama Warrior, where Hardy played an ex-military tough guy who comes back into society as a prizefighter. While his level of training is somewhat unknown to the general public, Hardy had to have undergone some sort of MMA preparation for the character. No matter what qualifications he may or may not have, he is an A-list actor who is legitimately tougher than nails, so venturing into a real fight should not be too far fetched.
6. Scott Adkins
Embed from Getty ImagesScott Adkins is by far the most legitimate martial artist on this list, and that is what the base of his career consists of most. Adkins has found success as an actor due to his real-life martial arts experience, so why not take that experience to the highest proving ground in the world? He would be perfect for a one-off Bellator fight against an opponent with the same kind of experience, and it is not out of the realm of possibility for him to want to step inside the cage.
7. Idris Elba
Embed from Getty ImagesSome people may not remember when Idris Elba won a professional kickboxing bout by knockout, but that actually happened, and not too long ago. While kickboxing is a watered-down sport compared to the brutality that MMA holds, Elba obviously has the urge to compete in combat sports. It may not make much sense for him to risk his Sexiest Man Alive looks by stepping into the Octagon, but if he were to do so, then it would undoubtedly break the Internet.
8. Scott Eastwood
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Scott Eastwood is still making a name for himself in Hollywood, he could still be a box office draw for a smaller MMA promotion. However, the only discipline he trains in is jiu-jitsu, which he was introduced to by his late friend Paul Walker. It is not good to go into a fight with only one aspect to your game, but if he fights another fighter with a jiu-jitsu base, then Eastwood should stand more than a chance.
9. Mario Lopez
Embed from Getty ImagesIf Mario Lopez were to try MMA, then some of his opponents would likely be saved by the bell. Lopez often posts his boxing training on his Instagram and has a line of his own exercise equipment, showing how impeccable of shape he is in. He obviously has athletic potential, so if a promotion such as LFA or Bellator offers him a contract, he may be able to crush some fighters with questionable records.
10. Stephen Amell
Embed from Getty ImagesStephen Amell is the only actor on this list with no martial arts training, but he is perhaps the best athlete out of all ten people. He has competed in professional wrestling, utterly dominated the American Ninja Warrior course, and constantly performs his own fighting stunts. With the right trainer and enough hard work, Amell could be winning real fights in close to a year and could make a serious run with enough dedication.