There’s something electrifying about seeing a fighter venture into the unknown—and this time, it’s not a title fight or a grudge match. It’s Hollywood. Jon Jones, one of the most dangerous forces to ever enter the UFC Octagon, is switching up his fight gloves for something completely new. No referees. No cage. Just cameras, scripts, and explosives. And, as fans get hyped up about his first big role, ESPN just helped them look back and remember all those wild instances when fighters crossed over and lit up the screen.
Jones makes his action film debut in Edo’s Crossing, in which he plays a US Navy SEAL. From the glimpses he’s shared on social media—dressed in tactical gear, breaking phony doors, and lobbing pretend grenades—it’s evident he’s not just posing. He is pushing himself into the flames, just like he did when he first appeared on the MMA scene.
Right on cue, ESPN MMA posted a slick carousel on Instagram, as the caption read, “Swipe to see some of the biggest MMA fighters who have made appearances on the big screen.” Slide one? Naturally, it was Jon Jones. However, what followed was a who’s-who of fighters who had already dipped their toes—and, in some cases, gone headfirst—into acting. From swagger to savagery, the list had it all.
Conor McGregor brought his signature cocky attitude to Road House, while Kamaru Usman debuted in the Marvel realm with Black Panther. Max Holloway wowed audiences in Den of Thieves, while Francis Ngannou fit right in with The Fast Saga’s high-octane chaos. Then came the pioneers: Georges St-Pierre fighting Captain America, Ronda Rousey laying down the law in Furious 7 and The Expendables, and Tyron Woodley discovering his groove in Cobra Kai.
Each performance served as a reminder to fans that fighters bring more than just fists to the table—they offer presence. However, Jones’ venture feels different. This is not a cameo or a brief appearance. Edo’s Crossing appears to mark the beginning of a proper second act. “Stepping into acting feels like a whole new game,” Jones said in an interview. “And I’m ready to put in the work, just like I always have.”
It’s a modest tone from a man known for dominance. And perhaps that’s why it works. He’s not relying on his legacy; he’s starting over, ready to study, grind, and earn it all again. Although no release date has been set, teasers have begun to trickle out, and expectations are high. But what do the fans think of it? Well, they did give out their verdict on their favorite movie appearances in the comments.
Fans are divided as Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, GSP, and Rampage Jackson rule the realm
When ESPN MMA revealed the fighter cameo lineup on Instagram, the comment section erupted with fierce debate. Rampage Jackson‘s character in The A-Team quickly became a fan favorite. “Rampage on A-Team >>>>” and “Rampage was legitimately awesome as B.A. Barracus!” were two of the shout-outs.
Then there was Georges St-Pierre, who quietly stole the show in Captain America: Winter Soldier. Fans went all in, with comments like “George vs Cap is goated” and “GSP in The Winter Soldier did it for me.” It was that calm, precise brand of cool that appealed to viewers, and they weren’t afraid to praise it.
However, the love wasn’t exactly flowing Jon Jones’ way. Instead of cheers, he received a lot of shade. “You forgot Jon Jones starring in ‘Hide and Seek: Heavyweight Edition’ co-starring Tom Aspinall” fans mocked his elusive heavyweight title fight, which keeps getting postponed.
The jokes didn’t stop there: “Rumor has it he will play Donald Duck in the live action Mickey Mouse movie” or “Jon should try to be in the new Mighty Ducks movie.” Fans weren’t just talking about movies; they used these quips to criticize ‘Bones’ for avoiding his next big fight. The excitement around his acting debut was real, but so was the doubt.
Road House Special Screening – London Conor McGregor at the Road House UK Special Screening, Curzon cinema on March 14, 2024 in London, UK. Photo by Stuart Hardy/ABACAPRESS.COM London London United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxESPxUKxUSAxBELxPOL Copyright: xStuartxHardy/ABACAPRESS.COMx
Then there was Conor McGregor—the wild card who didn’t need to act, just be himself. “Conor McGregor wasn’t even acting; he was just being himself,” summed it up well for many. Playing a deranged hitman in Road House? It’s basically just an amplification of his famed, aggressive MMA character.
“McGregor had the toughest task of playing himself lmao,” one fan joked, and another said, “I hate to admit it, but Conor probably did the best acting job.” Whether you love or hate him, McGregor’s wild charm made his performance lasting, blurring the boundary between fighter and actor in ways few others can. But what do you think? Who is the acting GOAT of MMA when it comes to films? Let us know in the comments.
The post Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, & Others Land Themselves in Hollywood Debate as ESPN’s List Leaves Fans Divided appeared first on EssentiallySports.
