Sydney Sweeney can act, produce, and turn heads on red carpets, but did you know she can also deliver a mean jab? The star of ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Anyone But You’ has built a name for herself in Hollywood, portraying everything from disturbed youths to romantic leads. In a new biopic directed by David Michôd, she will play boxing legend Christy Martin, her most physically demanding role to date. While the film’s title has yet to be revealed, it promises to follow Martin’s climb to prominence as America’s most recognized female boxer, as well as the tough personal fights she fought behind the scenes. And, as it turns out, Sweeney might actually be the ideal candidate for the role. Why? Well, that’s because long before stepping into the ring for the cameras, the megastar already had her own history with combat sports.
Sydney has a long history with mixed martial arts. She was only 12 when she first entered a dojo. After relocating to Los Angeles from her birthplace of Spokane, Washington, she struggled to find the same type of athletic release she had as a child. A number of her male friends were training in MMA, and she decided to join them. One class was all it took. “It was just so cool,” she told Women’s Health. “There’s this energy when you train—it’s intense, but it’s also really respectful and tight-knit. Like a little family.” Sydney didn’t simply dabble in it; she practiced consistently for years, soaking up skills and diving further into the world of martial arts.
By the age of 18, she was all prepped up to compete—and she did not hold back. Sweeney competed in her first grappling competition and won first place, despite facing opponents who were a full weight class heavier than her. “They were definitely trying,” she stated in a previous interview with Marie Claire. “Everyone was sweating. I think they were surprised.” She also revealed on The Kelly Clarkson Show that she trained with several of Ronda Rousey’s instructors! Now that surely strengthens her MMA credentials.
Her acting gig now keeps her too busy to compete seriously. And indeed, the contracts she signs frequently state “no risky activities,” which unfortunately includes grappling and sparring. However, Sydney Sweeney has not totally hung up the gloves. She still practices when she can, and in 2022, she even shared a video on Instagram of herself throwing quick punches and dodging like a pro. “Missed this,” she wrote in the caption, and judging from the passion in the video, she absolutely meant it. So, while she is most recognized for her work on the silver screen, make no mistake: Sydney Sweeney surely knows how to fight. But will she be getting back into combat training for her upcoming biopic about Christy Martin?
Will Sydney Sweeney get back into combat training for her new role?
Given how much Sydney undoubtedly misses MMA, it’s no surprise that taking on the role of Christy Martin has renewed that passion. Portraying a boxing great is more than just another acting role; it’s an emotional, physical, and highly personal undertaking, and Sweeney appears to be fully committed. “I’ve been itching to get back in the ring,” she told Deadline, and that desire has translated into action. The same zeal that pushed her to win a grappling competition as a youngster is now fueling her rise to become one of history’s most pioneering female fighters.
Christy Martin’s story is not for the faint-hearted. It’s raw and powerful, rife with trauma, perseverance, and triumph. That’s exactly why Sydney Sweeney is drawn to it. She’s been open about how much the boxing legend’s journey meant to her, not only as a lover of combat sports, but also as a woman navigating a zone where strength and vulnerability collide. You can tell this isn’t just about throwing punches on screen; it’s about honoring every scar, struggle, and victory Christy Martin has faced.
What about the training? Oh, that is intense. Sweeney hasn’t eased back into the gym; she’s thrown herself into it. One look at her recent Instagram posts revealed the grit. She’s flipping tires, shadowboxing with intent, and lifting like she’s channeling more than a character—she’s carrying a legacy. “Over the past few months, I’ve been immersed in training,” she stated, and the results show. From sweat to discipline, Sydney is developing a performance from the ground up. The actor, who once sneaked into a dojo as an inquisitive 12-year-old, is now transforming herself into the living, breathing incarnation of a warrior who changed history. What do you think? Are you excited to watch the biopic? Let us know in the comments.
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