12 Fighters That Could Be Action Movie Stars

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The world of martial arts extends to many places, whether it be the Olympics, the silver screen or the UFC. It's easy to say that the various arts are immensely popular all over the world.

Some of the greatest action movie stars know some sort of martial art. Among these stars are Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Jason Statham and Jackie Chan. All of these men have contributed their particular martial arts in various movies.

Here are 10 fighters who could be action movie stars given the chance.

Urijah Faber

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First off, Urijah Faber's popularity alone would attract many fans to watch him in theaters. 

Faber has the action star look. He may be short, but his chiseled chin and recent training with the U.S. military would be a big help if he chose to try his hand at movies.

 

Role

I can see it now. An average citizen witnesses a murder and Faber helps this girl fight off the bad guys. He vows to stick with her until the end, using his former cagefighting skills to fight off bad guys and deliver the witness to justice. 

Faber is such a nice guy in real life, the character almost fits him to a "t."

Nick and Nate Diaz

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When the word "antihero" is used in a movie, it usually describes a protagonist who possesses villainous and heroic qualities. 

Does that sound familiar?

Nick and Nate Diaz have many fans, despite being brash and sometimes disrespectful. Though they do have these villainous qualities, they are somewhat seen as heroes to some fans. 

 

Role

The Diaz brothers were recently released from jail, but before they were released, they beat down a number of gang members in prison. When they get out, they are constantly fighting off affiliated gang members on the outside, who threaten their families as well.

The Diaz's could almost be themselves, throwing up middle fingers over dead bodies and talking smack all along the way.

Alistair Overeem

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Alistair Overeem has the movie star look. He is tall, jacked and even more than that, he hits like a freight train.

The Dutch striker is almost like a superhero, with his great size and unique look. He's like a smaller version of Lou Ferrigno.

 

Role

If you have ever seen the G.I. Joe special Sgt. Savage and His Screaming Eagles, Overeem could easily fit into that role. Savage is a soldier that is wounded in battle, but is genetically altered to become bigger, stronger and faster.

He then leads his Screaming Eagles against their enemy, showcasing his new and improved skills. 

Tell me that does not sound like Overeem.

Mauricio Rua

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Speaking of guys who have the movie star look, Mauricio Rua, a former model, could easily make the transition to the silver screen.

Although he doesn't speak much English, he could be a silent assassin. He is a legendary striker that utilized stomps and soccer kicks during his time in Pride which showcased his absolute brutality. 

 

Role

As I said, Rua could play a silent assassin in his movie. Rua could play a beloved secret service agent. Under his watch, terrorists assassinate the president, whom Rua was very close with.

In the taste of revenge, Rua vows to repay every terrorist that claimed a part in the assassination. Giving Rua a sidekick, who does most of the talking, would preserve the silent assassin part, as Rua dominates all who wronged him.

Anderson Silva

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Anderson Silva is the best fighter in the world, there is no doubt about this. Even more than that, he is so smooth in everything he does, he is reminiscent of Bruce Lee or Muhammed Ali.

These types of skills would make him flexible for many different action parts. Here is one idea.

 

Role

Silva is a hard-working construction worker during hard times. His friend tells him about an underground fight club for which he can make some extra money on the side.

Silva checks out this fight club, which is run by the mob. He begins to dominate the competition and gain favor of the club owner. The owner than uses him as his own personal champion when he pits him in a competition against numerous other mob boss's prized fighters in a tournament.

Tim Kennedy/Brian Stann

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Both former military men, Tim Kennedy and Brian Stann would not need much training should they become action stars. Kennedy is an Army Ranger, while Stann was a highly-decorated Marine.

With their popularity among MMA fans, teaming these two up in a military thriller could draw interest, kind of like Act of Valor did.

 

Role

Kennedy and Stann are Navy Seals who are sent on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. When the Seals are compromised on their mission, leaving several comrades dead, it is up to the two most experienced members to get their brothers out of harm's way.

Chael Sonnen

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Chael Sonnen is an amazing talker and has a cult following, so putting him in a movie would be a huge seller. Not only that, he has a great look and background to back it up.

Sonnen is a smooth talker that can be an absolute ass kicker. The way in which he speaks is so persuasive, which lead to amazing dialogue.

 

Role

This is going to sound cliche, but Sonnen is the President of the United States with a background as a Marine. A group of American terrorists who are tired of his policies attempt to assassinate him. While they think they have killed him, he actually survived and is ready for revenge.

Using his political connections and special skills, Sonnen tracks down the perpetrators, only to find out that his Vice President was involved. He gets back with extreme prejudice. 

Jon Jones

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Jon Jones is the hottest name in martial arts and is a physical specimen that could be a box office draw.

Jones is a freak of nature, allowing for him to create intrigue with his body and skills. He is soft-spoken and devoted to God, which could create a nice role for himself.

 

Role

Jones is a pastor at a community church. He has created a program to stop gang violence and get perpetrators off the street. 

In response to this program, the gangs begin to fight back and strike at Jones' congregation and family. Knowing that the program does good and improves the community, Jones must go back to his fighting ways which he had swore off in favor of serving God. 

In the end, he becomes a martyr, while opening the eyes of the game members he was fighting off. These actions alone motivate the wrongdoers to change their ways.

Georges St. Pierre

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Speaking of immense popularity, are there many fighters more popular than Georges St. Pierre? The guy has been a great ambassador for the sport and is seen as one of the nicest guys around.

St. Pierre is a physical specimen with a commoner's look at the same time. He has that twinkle in his eye that spells out star.

 

Role

St. Pierre is a French immigrant in the early period of the United States looking to make money to support his family. The neighborhood where he lives is all French immigrants, but are constantly harassed by others in the area.

After a Frenchman defends himself violently after a group attack, an all-out neighborhood war breaks out. St. Pierre unintentionally gets involved, and helps his fellow men fight back against the bigots that pick on them.

Mirko Cro Cop

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A former special operative in Croatia, Mirko Cro Cop has many credentials to enter an action movie right now. 

Cro Cop, a star kickboxer and trained killer, would only need to work on his acting to get big into movies. His trademark high kicks could cause much damage during his screen time.

 

Role

Cro Cop is a retired special operative from Eastern Europe living in Russia. He does small jobs for the mob there, taking paychecks for doing small tasks for them.

Once the Russians try to get rid of Cro Cop, for fear that he may be a rat, Cro Cop seeks revenge and takes down the mob by himself.