In 2024, the world saw a significant shift as top UFC fighters made their mark in the entertainment industry. Although MMA stars have been appearing in movies for over a decade, this year brought a new twist to the trend. It all began with UFC megastar Conor McGregor, who took on the role of the main antagonist in the movie Road House, starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. The film achieved notable success on the streaming platform, Amazon Prime.

By the end of the year, Jon Jones also made waves with his Netflix sports drama The Cage, featuring legends like Georges St-Pierre and Cyril Gane. As we enter 2025 with a fresh start, the potential for UFC fighters to make their Hollywood debuts is highly exciting. Let’s take a look at the top three UFC stars who have a chance to break into the film industry and make a lasting impact on the big screen this year.

1. Israel Adesanya

When you think of the next UFC stars in Hollywood, the name Israel Adesanya likely comes to mind first. Known for his incredible skills inside the Octagon, Izzy also stands out for his charisma, which he frequently displays during his walkouts. Skilled in freestyle, hip-hop, and breakdancing, he has never shied away from showcasing his dancing abilities as part of his entrance.

One of the most memorable moments came at UFC 243 when he entered the arena with background dancers before knocking out Robert Whittaker in just two rounds. Beyond his dance moves, Adesanya is also a passionate anime fan, staying up to date with pop culture, and even named his moniker, ‘The Last Stylebender’ after the anime Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Now, as his UFC career seems to be winding down, Hollywood may be the next chapter for the former middleweight champion. With his former UFC rival, Alex Pereira, recently cast as the antagonist ‘The Butcher’ in Adriana Arjona’s upcoming Hollywood project, the door appears to be wide open for ‘The Last Stylebender’ to follow suit. Adesanya has always sought to stay a step ahead of Pereira, and this opportunity could be the perfect moment for him to make his mark in Hollywood.

2. Max Holloway

145lbs god-king Max Holloway has become the epitome of every fight fan’s ideal persona. His charismatic and approachable nature has earned him a dedicated fan base, a loyalty that was evident after his recent loss to Ilia Topuria. In that fight, Topuria broke through Holloway’s granite jaw, prompting tears from many fight fans who deeply admired Holloway’s toughness and spirit. This heartfelt connection with his supporters has only solidified his reputation as a beloved and relatable figure in the sport.

Additionally, Holloway’s Hawaiian heritage adds an extra layer of depth to his persona, which aligns with Hollywood’s growing emphasis on diversity, especially with platforms like Netflix promoting such representation. The former featherweight champ’s roots in Hawaii position him well for a transition into acting. His Hollywood debut came in 2018 with a minor role as a truck driver in Den of Thieves, alongside Gerard Butler and 50 Cent.

While the role was minor, it gave the Hawaiian native valuable insight into the film industry. Beyond this, Holloway also worked on the Hawaiian TV series Hawaii Five-0 back in 2010, further honing his skills in front of the camera. This experience could very well be the catalyst for Holloway to pursue a more prominent role in Hollywood this year.

3. Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about Hollywood prospects, but don’t be fooled—she has a real shot at making it in the industry. As a seasoned fighter, she stands out not only for her skills but for her unique, calm personality, which sets her apart from many other female UFC fighters matter the pressure, ‘Thug Rose’ has maintained a composed demeanor and never lost her cool in challenging situations.

Her decision to shave her head also adds to her distinctive image, making her an ideal fit for roles in gritty, dystopian films like Mad Max: Fury Road or Blade Runner, where strong, unconventional characters shine. What makes Namajunas an even more compelling candidate for Hollywood is her personal story.

She moved to the United States from Lithuania as a refugee, overcoming considerable adversity throughout her life. On top of that, she has courageously shared her experience of surviving abuse during childhood, which could lend emotional depth and authenticity to any role she takes on.

These life experiences have shaped her into a resilient individual—qualities that would serve her well in complex, nuanced roles. So, what do you think of this list of fighters who could make their Hollywood debut in 2025? While it’s not exhaustive, do you think we missed any notable names? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions!