Dana White Picks Former UFC Champion as Best MMA Fighter Turned Actor in Hollywood

Dana White praises Rampage Jackson for excelling in Hollywood, recognizing the former UFC champion’s standout performance in The A-Team.

Dana White Picks Former UFC Champion as Best MMA Fighter Turned Actor in Hollywood

Dana White commends Rampage Jackson's acting in The A Team (via IMDB, Britannica)

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In recent years, the line between Hollywood and the UFC has become increasingly fluid, with fighters transitioning from the Octagon to the big screen. This connection has become stronger than ever, with UFC CEO Dana White often spotlighting fighters who can capture mainstream attention. Among those, Rampage Jackson remains one of the most recognizable names to have achieved success in both arenas.

Several UFC stars have explored acting with mixed results. Alex Pereira and Kamaru Usman have made notable appearances in blockbuster films, highlighting the sport’s growing reach. However, Francis Ngannou’s move toward outside opportunities caused friction with White, which illustrated the challenges faced by fighters in balancing competition with Hollywood ambitions.

Jackson’s relationship with White has seen both collaboration and conflict. Once one of the UFC’s most marketable champions, he faced tension with the promotion after taking on the role of B.A. Baracus in the 2010 movie The A-Team. The project strained their working relationship, though White’s recent praise for it reflects a shift in how the UFC views crossover success.

I’ve seen tons of fighters try to act, and none of them did a good job… except Rampage. Not only was he one of the stars of The A-Team, he was the biggest character in the TV show. I loved the movie, watched it a hundred times, and Rampage ******* killed it. I still stand behind him to this day.

Dana White via Pound4Pound podcast

Jackson’s success in The A-Team opened doors to new opportunities beyond the cage. He went on to appear in films such as The Midnight Meat Train, Fire with Fire, and Death Warrior, establishing himself as an action star. His charisma also translated well to television and streaming, where he continues to entertain audiences through gaming, podcasts, and reality projects.

Over the years, Jackson has reflected on his complicated history with White, admitting that their clashes affected his passion for the sport. He once blamed the UFC CEO for diminishing his love for fighting after feeling his abilities were underestimated. Despite this, Jackson has also acknowledged White’s role in helping him through a difficult phase of his life, showing the dual nature of their connection.

Dana White’s renewed appreciation for Jackson’s acting reflects the UFC’s changing outlook toward entertainment ventures. What once seemed like a distraction is now seen as proof of the brand’s global reach and its fighters’ cultural relevance. Rampage Jackson remains one of the few athletes to balance fame in both sports and cinema, marking him as a rare success story in the UFC’s crossover history.

Rampage Jackson is ecstatic after receiving his share from the UFC antitrust settlement against Dana White

The long-running legal battle between the UFC and several of its former fighters has taken a major turn, with settlements from the $375 million antitrust lawsuit beginning to reach those involved. The lawsuit, which centered on allegations that the promotion monopolized fighter contracts and suppressed wages, has been one of the most closely watched cases in combat sports.

Rampage Jackson and Dana White
Rampage Jackson and Dana White (via MMA Mania)

Among the recipients is former UFC light heavyweight champion Rampage Jackson, who confirmed receiving his portion of the payout. He was part of the group of fighters that challenged the UFC and Dana White over restrictive business practices. Jackson’s successful claim marks a full-circle moment for one of the promotion’s biggest names, whose career has reflected under White’s leadership.

I just got my money in from that ************* UFC lawsuit though. I got my money from that s**t! See that little extra bump before Christmas? You know what I’m saying… that money helped, though. You’re right, that money helped, though. My kids gonna have a good Christmas this year, everybody—except for Raja.

Rampage Jackson via X

Despite his positive reaction to the settlement, Jackson made it clear that the benefits would not extend to everyone close to him. He noted that his son, Raja Jackson, would not be sharing in the payout due to recent controversies involving the young fighter’s dispute with pro-wrestler Syko Stu. The situation underscored the complex personal dynamics surrounding Jackson’s family.

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