Lights, Camera, Action!
In a fascinating blend of worlds, ESPN recently enlisted the help of 18 renowned MMA experts to evaluate Hollywood's most iconic action stars. The assignment? Rank them based on who would emerge victorious in a UFC-style tournament if brought to life. The results may shock you—and offer some comedic relief along the way!
Introducing the Panel
The panel featured a star-studded lineup of fighters and coaches, including Olympic champ Daniel Cormier, Randy Couture, and Holly Holm. These experts were tasked with assessing the actors at their peak athletic ability—not the characters they portrayed. Let's break down the outcomes.
The Underdogs: Starting from the Bottom
18. Steven Seagal
Seagal, normally associated with martial arts prowess, found himself at the bottom of the rankings. While Cormier defended his credibility, others were less forgiving. Comments like “a little kid could beat him up” from Merab Dvalishvili certainly didn't help Seagal's case.
“I think Seagal is trash. There are elements of aikido that are helpful...but in terms of fighting, his skill set isn't practical enough.” -- Din Thomas
17. Jake Gyllenhaal
Known for his roles in "Southpaw" and the upcoming "Roadhouse" remake, Gyllenhaal also landed near the bottom. Mixed opinions emerged about his size and capability in actual fights. One expert quipped, “How does he win in the Octagon?”
16. Ralph Macchio
As iconic as the "Karate Kid," Macchio's martial arts skills were met with skepticism. The consensus? His signature crane kick wouldn't translate to real successes in the Octagon.
The Middle of the Pack: Contenders with Potential
15. Liam Neeson
Neeson, with his tough-guy persona in films, was unable to impress the panel. “He'd have to use his voice to win,” commented one expert, highlighting his lack of actual fighting experience.
14. Tom Cruise
Despite being smaller in stature (5-7, 170 lbs), some experts felt Cruise's relentless intensity might give him an edge. He might even adopt a mean approach if it came to a street fight.
“Cruise is the kind of guy who would start studying jiu-jitsu and get his black belt in three months.” -- Julia Avila
13. Jet Li
Li's martial arts history was recognized, but his size (5-6, 150 lbs) was seen as a disadvantage. The line between movie martial arts and real fighting is a tricky one for him.
The Heavy Hitters: Stars with Fighting Spirit
12. Keanu Reeves
With a commendable martial arts background and dedication to his roles, Reeves received feedback that he would pose a serious challenge, bringing heart and tenacity that resonated with the panel.
11. Jean-Claude Van Damme
Van Damme, often mocked for his infamous splits, still garnered respect for his kickboxing foundation, leaving him as an enticing middleweight contender.
10. Patrick Swayze
With a background in dance and roles showcasing incredible agility, Swayze was viewed highly for his potential prowess in the cage.
The Top Dogs: Who Packs the Most Punch?
9. Sylvester Stallone
Despite questions about his size and defense, Stallone's box-office brawn proves he'd be a serious contender in the cage.
8. Wesley Snipes
Having a solid martial arts background is a plus, but Snipes' height presented challenges against heavier competitors.
7. Arnold Schwarzenegger
The ultimate physique at 6-2, 260 lbs, experts praised his strength but remained wary about his skill set translating effectively into combat.
6. Jackie Chan
Having mastered various forms of martial arts, Jackie Chan proved both agile and tough. Critics noted that his skills must overcome size disadvantages in true competition.
5. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
With a background in WWE and college football, The Rock showcased a formidable presence along with a robust combat foundation.
4. Dave Bautista
Having experience in professional fighting and mixed martial arts training, Bautista's size and skills position him as a strong contender.
The Cream of the Crop: Legends in the Cage
3. Bruce Lee
Though some experts pointed out physical challenges, there's no question that Lee remains iconic for redefining martial arts in cinema.
2. Jason Statham
Praising Statham's grit and willingness to fight, experts determined his skills would make him a formidable opponent.
1. Chuck Norris
In a landslide victory, Norris took the top spot with accolades for his mastery across various martial arts, ensuring that he'd dominate any Hollywood match-up.
“Chuck Norris could have finished second at UFC 1. Against these actors? Forget it, he's winning.” -- Sam Alvey
The Women Fighters
1. Gal Gadot
With extensive martial arts training and military experience, Gadot proved herself as a leading candidate in the first-ever Hollywood fighting bracket.
“Gadot's well-rounded skills make her a tough matchup in the Octagon.” -- Duke Roufus
2. Scarlett Johansson
Boasting Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise and strong physicality, Johansson would be considered a significant threat to any opponent.
3. Linda Hamilton
Known for her ferocity in roles like the Terminator series, Hamilton's tenacity and training were consistently praised by the panel.
4. Uma Thurman
Though her kung fu background raised doubts, Thurman's height and athleticism left room for serious consideration in any fight.
5. Zoe Saldana
With unique training for roles in action films, Saldana's versatility earns her a well-deserved spot on the list.
The Final Word
The variety in backgrounds and training among these Hollywood stars and MMA experts has generated entertaining discussions. Whether you're a fan of action flicks or an MMA junkie, this spotlight dive into a fantasy matchup offers unique insights that elevate the conversations surrounding both industries.
Source reference: https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/46367230/mma-ufc-best-movie-fighter-rock-gal-gadot
