Sherdog’s Top 10: Hollywood Crossovers

Patrick WymanMar 26, 2015

Randy Couture might just be getting started in the movie industry. | Photo: Jeff Sherwood/Sherdog.com

5. Randy Couture

Couture is one of MMA’s all-time greats, a champion at both heavyweight and light heavyweight and a truly iconic figure in the sport’s history. The former Olympic alternate in Greco-Roman wrestling was a transformative figure for MMA due to his skills, polish with the media and organizational gifts, and it was no surprise when he turned to acting to build on the massive profile he built for himself as a fighter.

“The Natural” is best known for his leading role in the three wildly popular “Expendables” movies, appearing as the demolitions expert “Toll Road.” In one extended scene, Couture even explains the origins of his cauliflower ear, giving his character’s background in collegiate wrestling. He also appeared in the lead role in the direct-to-video sequel to “The Scorpion King” and played a small part in David Mamet’s acclaimed “Redbelt” as a commentator. Always a savvy self-promoter, Couture has leveraged his stardom in MMA into a greater role in the eyes of the public. He competed on the 19th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” finishing in 11th place, and also appeared on Bellator MMA’s short-lived reality show “Fight Master.”

If his MMA career is anything to go by, Couture is just getting started in entertainment.

Number 4 » A veteran of a bewildering multitude of B-level martial arts films that starred such luminaries as Flavor Flav, he broke through with a starring turn in “The A-Team” in 2010. Starring alongside Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson, he played the role made famous by Mr. T with great aplomb, which made him one of the biggest names in MMA and a potential crossover star.