The UFC and other promotions have built MMA into one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Alongside this rise, some fighters have become household names whose reach extends well beyond fight nights. By stepping into Hollywood roles, TV appearances and even wrestling rings, these athletes have expanded their careers and reshaped what it means to be an MMA star.
Ronda Rousey Paving the Way
Ronda Rousey is one of the first fighters to make a successful leap into mainstream entertainment. After dominating women’s MMA and becoming a UFC champion, she became a cultural icon who opened the door for female fighters worldwide. Rousey, whose biopic is in the works at Netflix, took her popularity to Hollywood, appearing in films such as The Expendables 3, Furious 7 and Mile 22.
Ronda Rousey in wrestling is the ultimate “looking back we shouldn’t have done this”.
Her runs were never game changing and all she does is talk down on it and the fans. https://t.co/meJ5k2r6gJ
— Kyle King (@KyleKingOnAir) October 6, 2025
She also became a major figure in WWE, where her athletic background and charisma helped attract MMA fans to professional wrestling. Rousey’s career is a reminder of how combat sports personalities can capture audiences outside their original niche.
Michael Bisping Building a Second Career
Michael Bisping, the first British UFC champion, has also carved out a strong career in media and film. Known for his sharp wit and charisma, Bisping moved smoothly into acting after retiring from competition. He has appeared in television series and films including xXx: Return of Xander Cage and Den of Thieves.
Beyond Hollywood, Bisping is also a commentator and analyst for the UFC, bringing his personality and knowledge to audiences around the world. His successful transition demonstrates how much he thrives by adapting to new digital formats, MMA fighters can remain relevant by reinventing themselves in new industries.
Georges St Pierre Expanding His Legacy
Georges St Pierre, one of the most respected champions in MMA history, also stepped into the mainstream spotlight. Beyond his legendary career inside the octagon, he has appeared in the Marvel film Captain America: The Winter Soldier as the mercenary Batroc. The role gave him visibility among audiences who may not have followed MMA.
Fun fact: In order to prepare for his role in “Captain America”, actor Georges St Pierre fought in the UFC for roughly 10 years and won 13 title fights pic.twitter.com/gtYzqP7a7T
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey2) January 6, 2024
St Pierre’s calm professionalism and disciplined image also made him an appealing figure for sponsors, public speaking, and media appearances. His career illustrates how MMA fighters can extend their brand and maintain influence beyond their original platform.
Brock Lesnar Crossing Worlds of Combat and Entertainment
Brock Lesnar is one of the most unique figures to move between MMA, professional wrestling and mainstream entertainment. Before entering the UFC, he was already a household name as a WWE superstar. His switch to MMA brought him immediate attention, and he quickly captured the UFC heavyweight title.
Brock Lesnar is the only person to appear in an NFL, UFC, and WWE game pic.twitter.com/9v3azUVzsY
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) September 25, 2023
After his fighting career slowed, Lesnar returned to WWE where he became one of its biggest attractions. He has also appeared in film projects and video games, cementing his crossover appeal. Lesnar’s ability to draw massive crowds in multiple industries mirrors how some forms of entertainment remain popular with very different audiences across platforms.
