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Alexander Volkanovski, the two-time UFC Featherweight Champion, is stepping out of the Octagon and into Hollywood. The celebrated fighter is set to make his acting debut in the highly anticipated Street Fighter movie, joining a star-studded cast that includes Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo, and WWE superstar Cody Rhodes.
Volkanovski’s UFC journey and rise to fame
Earlier this year, Volkanovski reclaimed his UFC Featherweight title at UFC 314, defeating Diego Lopes in the main event in April. It marked a triumphant comeback after suffering consecutive knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. The victory was celebrated as a cinematic moment in the UFC, highlighting Volkanovski’s resilience and determination.
Beyond his fighting career, Volkanovski has garnered a devoted fan following for his personality outside the Octagon. The Australian champion hosts his own cooking series and occasionally appears in comedy skits, showcasing a charisma that extends well beyond mixed martial arts. These experiences are expected to help him transition seamlessly into acting.
Entering Hollywood with Street Fighter
Alexander Volkanovski will portray ‘Joe’, an American kickboxing champion known for his striking blonde hair. The character, while sometimes overlooked, is an integral part of the movie’s dynamic roster of fighters.
The Street Fighter franchise is one of the most iconic fighting video game series globally, alongside Mortal Kombat and Tekken, both of which have also been adapted into feature films. The movie’s ensemble cast includes:
Andre Koji as Ryu
Noah Centineo as Ken
Cody Rhodes as Guile
50 Cent as Balrog
Jason Momoa as Blanka
David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
Roman Reigns as Akuma
Comedians Eric Andre as Don Sauvage and Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki
Volkanovski’s casting marks a significant moment for UFC athletes branching into mainstream entertainment, blending the worlds of professional fighting and Hollywood action.
What this means for fans
Fans of both UFC and the Street Fighter franchise can expect a thrilling mix of high-octane action and cinematic spectacle. Alexander Volkanovski’s athletic prowess and on-screen presence are poised to bring authenticity to the role of Joe, bridging the gap between real-life combat and video game fantasy.
As Hollywood embraces athletes like Volkanovski, audiences can look forward to an action-packed film that honors the legacy of the beloved video game while introducing new energy through a fresh, real-world fighting champion.
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