MMA Stars Evaluate Hollywood Actors: Who Would Win in UFC?

Analysis of Alofoke Deportes: Which Hollywood Star Would Triumph in the Cage?

Daniel Cormier, with visible disdain, settles into his chair. The question that triggers his reaction: Which Hollywood star, with experience in wrestler roles, would dominate a UFC-style tournament? This question was posed to 18 MMA experts, and the answers, especially about Steven Seagal, generated controversy.

That’s my boy. Don’t talk bad about Steven Seagal. !Don’t do it!

Daniel Cormier

Cormier, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, where he would comment for UFC 314, fervently defends Seagal. To prove his point, he shows two videos from 2015, prior to his fight with Jon Jones. In them, Seagal (1.93 meters and about 136 kilos) dominates Cormier (1.80 meters and 95 kilos at the time) in size. In one of the videos, Seagal reveals a secret aikido move to Cormier, supposedly lethal. Cormier, however, reveals that he tried this move three times against Jones, without success. The conclusion, even with Cormier’s defense, is surprising: Seagal ranks 18th out of 18, surpassed by Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, and Jake Gyllenhaal. The panel of experts who evaluated the fighters was composed of:
Ben Askren, Julia Avila, Mike Brown, Bob Cook, Daniel Cormier, Randy Couture, Mac Danzig, Alexis Davis, Merab Dvalishvili, Clay Guida, Kayla Harrison, Holly Holm, Marcus Kowal, John McCarthy, Sean O’Malley, Juliana Pena, Chael Sonnen, Din Thomas.

Male Wrestlers: Star Ranking

• 18. Steven Seagal: The panel recognized his black belt in aikido, but the criticism was harsh.
• 17. Jake Gyllenhaal: He stood out in “Southpaw” and “Roadhouse”, but the panel doesn’t see him competing in real MMA.
• 16. Ralph Macchio: The karate from “Karate Kid” did not impress the experts.
• 15. Liam Neeson: Despite his tough guy image, experts doubt his skills in the octagon.
• 14. Tom Cruise: His size is a handicap, but some believe in his determination.
• 13. Jet Li: His kung fu is impressive on screen, but not so effective in a real fight, according to experts.
• 12. Keanu Reeves: His training in jiu-jitsu and karate is valued, especially for his role in “John Wick”.
• 11. Jean-Claude Van Damme: His kickboxing is respected, but his signature moves are the subject of ridicule.
• 10. Patrick Swayze: His athleticism and body control, thanks to dance, impressed the judges.
• 9. Sylvester Stallone: His power and determination are recognized, but his defense is questioned.
• 8. Wesley Snipes: His experience in martial arts and athleticism are valued, but his height and his possible evasion of a fight with Joe Rogan are points against him.
• 7. Arnold Schwarzenegger: His physical strength is undeniable, but his technical ability is doubted.
• 6. Jackie Chan: His experience in martial arts and his endurance are appreciated, but his size is a limiting factor.
• 5. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: His past in wrestling gives him a solid base, according to experts.
• 4. Dave Bautista: With real MMA experience, Bautista impressed despite his defeat.
• 3. Bruce Lee: His speed and skill are undeniable, but his size and the effectiveness of his kung fu in MMA are questioned.
• 2. Jason Statham: His experience in jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and kung fu, combined with his athleticism and determination, make him a formidable competitor.
• 1. Chuck Norris: The undisputed winner, with multiple black belts and a legend in the world of martial arts.

Female Wrestlers: Star Ranking

• 10. Rebecca Ferguson: Her dance experience and martial arts training are recognized, but her size is a disadvantage.
• 9. Emily Blunt: Her ability to play action roles did not convince the experts.
• 8. Charlize Theron: Her physique and strength in “Atomic Blonde” are valued, but her real ability in the octagon is questioned.
• 7. Carrie-Anne Moss: Her training for “Matrix” is respected, but her kung fu skills do not translate well in MMA.
• 6. Michelle Yeoh: Her kung fu and athleticism are impressive, but her style and height are limiting factors.
• 5. Zoe Saldaña: Her Krav Maga training and her role in “Special Ops: Lioness” position her in the top 5.
• 4. Uma Thurman: Her height and athleticism are valued, but her kung fu style is questioned.