10 UFC Fighters Likely to Pursue a Career in Acting

Over the past several years, the UFC has displayed some of the greatest entertainment known to man. The sport allows fans to witness first hand, real-life excitement through fighting.

The sport of MMA is filled with hundreds of different personalities attracting fans of all kinds. We've seen fighters who aren't the slightest bit shy to say what they feel and we've seen fighters play the role of the silent assassin.

While these fighters are currently fulfilling a career in the UFC, what about after? The following slides display the Top 10 Fighters that could pursue a career in acting after their fighting careers are over.

Please sit back and enjoy.

Honorable Mention: Clay Guida

Clay Guida is best known in the UFC for his takedowns and his hair. Guida is currently on a four-fight win and has won seven of his last nine fights.

As Guida continues to build a name for himself in the UFC he also continues to build a resume for a future career in acting. Guida's personality and looks could land him a role in a comedy film in the future.

Guida earns Honorable Mention in the rankings.

10. Yoshihiro Akiyama

It appears as if Yoshihiro Akiyama's fighting career is slowly coming to an end as he has lost three straight fights. Akiyama is also 36 years old and is no longer as quick as he once was.

While Akiyama's career in the UFC may be coming to an end, his future in acting is bright. Akiyama's characteristics are similar to that of the famous Jackie Chan. Akiyama could pursue a career in a Karate film in the near future.

Akiyama earns 10th in the rankings.

9. Dan Hardy

Much like Akiyama, Dan Hardy's fighting career is heading for the drains as he has lost four straight fights. While Hardy is no longer the "Outlaw" he once was, he does possess the characteristics to star in a movie.

Hardy is best known for his "craziness" and of course, his hair. He also has a sense of humor that could be implemented in a comedy film in the near future.

Hardy earns 9th in the rankings.

8. Forrest Griffin

Forrest Griffin has recently been recognized for comments regarding his love for the sport. He stated it is no longer fun but he loves the money. What better way for Griffin to make money than to pursue a career in acting?

However, when Griffin does show up to fight he demonstrates what hard work and heart is all about. While Griffin's UFC career is far from over, he could pursue a career in acting when it's all said and done. Look for Griffin to play a role similar to that of Rocky.

Griffin earns 8th on the rankings

7. Urijah Faber

Urijah Faber is one of the most popular fighters in the UFC due to his frequent outreach to his fans. He is also known for his scrappy fights and of course, his hair.

The California Kid's career in fighting is far from over but it's not too early to look into the future. Faber has all the ingredients to make it big in acting. Faber could play the lead role on a surfing film.

Faber earns seventh on the rankings.

6. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is also one of the most popular fighters in the UFC. He is best known for his heart and knockout ability. Away from the Octagon, Rua was voted as one of the best looking fighters in the UFC.

While Rua doesn't show signs of slowing down anytime soon, his future could consist of becoming an actor. Rua's got the traits to play a role similar to that of Mark Wahlberg.

Rua earns sixth on the rankings.

5. Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva has established himself as the greatest mixed martial artist to have ever walked the earth. While Silva is all business when he enters the Octagon, he shows style outside of the UFC.

Silva's career is far from over as it looks like he won't be beaten for a long time. But, when his run is finally up Silva could take his talents to the acting field. If Silva learned to speak English fluently he could lead a big role in a future film.

Silva earns 5th on the rankings

4. Lyoto Machida

Along with Silva, Lyoto Machida is one of the greatest fighters to have ever entered the Octagon. Silva also shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. But what about when his time in the UFC is up?

Machida could be a perfect fit for several movies especially anything relating to karate or fighting. Machida could have played the perfect role for the movie, 300.

Machida earns fourth on the rankings.

3. Jake Shields

Jake Shields is one of the most underrated fighters in the UFC as he continues to climb the ranks in the Welterweight Division. Shields recently went the distance with Welterweight Champion George St. Pierre only losing the striking battle 85 to 78.

Outside of the Octagon, Shields has caught the attention of many. Shields has been referred to as Mr. GQ on numerous occasions and was ranked the best looking UFC fighter by online polls. Shields could play the role of Bradley Cooper, only with shorter hair after his fighting days are over.

Shields earns third on the rankings.

2. Chris Leben

Chris Leben is one of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC for more than one reason. Leben, who recently knocked out UFC legend Wanderlei Silva says he likes to get hit. He was quoted by saying a light switch is turned on when he's punched. Leben is also recognized for his bizarre fashion statements.

Leben is also one of the funniest fighters in the sport and has gained the hearts of many fans. If Leben were to land a career in acting it would certainly be a comedy. If Leben took the route of a movie career look for him to play a role similar to Zach Galifianakis, Adam Sandler, and Seth Rogan.

Leben finishes Runner-up on the rankings.

1. George St. Pierre

Behind Anderson Silva, George St. Pierre is the most popular fighter on the face of the earth. St. Pierre has dominated everyone who's come his way and has successfully defended his Welterweight Championship eight straight bouts.

St. Pierre is the definition of Mr. GQ as he is one of the most appealing fighters in the UFC. On top of that, St. Pierre is known to be a funny individual with a great personality. If he were to fulfill a career in acting he could play in almost any film. St. Pierre could feature in movies such as action, comedy, drama, or even a documentary.

St. Pierre finishes first on the list of UFC fighters who could pursue a career in acting.