Top 5 MMA films that you should watch now

Since MMA has grown in popularity, there has been an increase in the number of MMA-based films. This is significant because many films in general are now using elements of the sport for their fight scenes. Since MMA films typically have a limited budget compared to other action films, fight choreography becomes much more important.

With a greater emphasis being put on fight choreography, it makes the final product much more impressive and authentic. The final product puts lead actors' ability into perspective because they are not being assisted with high-end CGI. In doing so, many of these films have become cult classics since their release.

Although MMA has not been around for as long as boxing, there have been plenty of excellent MMA films. Here is a list of five MMA films that you should watch.

#5. MMA movie to revisit is Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing

Kicking off this list is Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing starring Michael Jai White and Scott Adkins. It is rare to see a direct-to-video sequel of a theatrical release receive a better critical reception. This sequel to its 2002 predecessor does just that as it exceeds all expectations.

For a low-budget film, Undisputed 2 did an excellent job with the fight choreography on a limited budget. The quality of the fight scenes makes Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing an entertaining film to revisit. Many fans of the Undisputed franchise consider it a trilogy that begins with Undisputed 2 and concludes with Boyka: Undisputed.

There are many fun debates online on which Undisputed film is best. If overall importance is the deciding factor, Undisputed 2 takes that debate and that's why it makes this list.

In Undisputed 2, White takes over the role of boxer George ‘Iceman’ Chambers, who was previously portrayed by Ving Rhames. The film also introduces Adkins as feared inmate Yuri Boyka. Undisputed 2 had a completely different cast and the franchise's change of direction led to two more sequels.

Boyka was so popular that he became the main character in the sequels, Undisputed III and Boyka: Undisputed. Adkins did such a fantastic job that he became synonymous with the Undisputed franchise and the character Yuri Boyka.

Since Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, Adkins has earned a great reputation for his work in action films. Adkins has since either starred in or had significant supporting roles in many popular direct-to-video and theatrical films. Adkins’ roles include The Expendables 2, Avengement, and Ip Man 4: The Finale.

#4. MMA film that you should watch now: Here Comes The Boom

Kevin James, known for comedic roles in The King of Queens and Grown Ups, gets a crash course in MMA. 2010’s Here Comes the Boom is a very underrated film that sheds a different light on MMA fighters in general. The film does a great job of finding a balance between action and comedy.

In films like Undisputed 2, the main character is a violent individual from the moment he is introduced. However, in this film, James' character, Mr. Voss, is an ordinary high school biology teacher. Mr. Voss decides to compete in local MMA fights to raise money for activities that the school had canceled.

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This is refreshing because Here Comes The Boom became a different MMA film than what viewers had become accustomed to. With the sport now being included in the comedy genre, there was an opportunity to expand their audience.

James’ character eventually gets a fight in the UFC, where he earns $50,000 to help the school’s programs. In addition to James, Here Comes The Boom’s cast includes Joe Rogan, Bas Rutten, Salma Hayek, and Henry Winkler.

#3. Never Back Down

Never Back Down follows troubled teen Jake Tyler, who tries to stay out of trouble in his new neighborhood. That does not last very long. A video of Tyler knocking out a player during a football game circulates around his new school.

With more students recognizing Tyler, he finds himself in an awkward situation at a party he is invited to. At the party, he ends up being set-up and forced into a fight with MMA practitioner Ryan McCarthy.

After a vicious beating and video evidence circulating around his new school, Tyler begins training at an MMA gym. While there, Tyler would need to follow the rules and refrain from fighting outside the gym. Tyler is forced to break that rule by entering the Beatdown tournament after his best friend is hospitalized by McCarthy.

After McCarthy gets disqualified in his semifinal bout, Tyler forfeits and the two settle the score in the parking lot. Unlike their fight at the party, Tyler gets the better of McCarthy and knocks him out with a roundhouse kick. The film sheds light on the training that goes into MMA. In doing so, viewers gain a greater appreciation for the training and athletic ability required to be successful in MMA.

#2. Warrior

From an acting perspective, Warrior is head and shoulders above other MMA films that were usually released straight-to-DVD. The film features an award-winning cast including Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte. Warrior combines great storytelling that has a plot focusing on MMA, while also tackling many issues including alcoholism and forgiveness.

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Warrior is an excellent film that follows the journey of two estranged brothers competing in an MMA tournament called Sparta. Both brothers overcame their fair share of adversity in both their fights and personal lives. What makes this film interesting is that the brothers end up fighting each other in the finals.

The dramatic tone separates Warrior from other MMA films and provides a blueprint for future MMA films. For decades, boxing has been the default combat sports film. However, Warrior proves that MMA films could achieve the same level of critical acclaim as films like Rocky.

#1. MMA film to watch again is Bloodsport

It would be hard to come up with a top 5 list and not include the 1988 cult classic Bloodsport. The film stars Jean Claude Van Damme, who plays the role of Frank Dux, as he competes in the Kumite. Dux travels to Hong Kong and competes in the Kumite tournament to honor his sensei, Senzo Tanaka.

It could be argued that the Kumite both influenced and provided a blueprint for the inaugural UFC event. The tournament featured many martial artists of all shapes and sizes setting out to prove their fighting style was best.

Before Dux competed in the Kumite, he first had to prove that he was trained by Senzo Tanaka. Dux was asked to demonstrate the Dim Mak, which is known as the death touch.

After the impressive demonstration, Dux's invitation is honored and he then has a memorable exchange with Chong Li:

"Very good. But brick not hit back," Chong Li says.

Chong Li, played by Bolo Yeung, is dominant throughout the Kumite, which lives up to being no-holds barred. The film does an excellent job in making Li an unstoppable force and dangerous villain. Li breaks an opponent’s leg, hospitalizes an opponent, and even kills a foe en-route to the finals against Dux.

By no means does Bloodsport feature Academy Award caliber acting. But it does have everything you want to see in a martial arts movie. Bloodsport is an entertaining film that features a solid soundtrack and a great climactic fight scene between Frank Dux and Chong Li.

Edited by John Cunningham