Hollywood Superstar Chris Hemsworth Eyes Potential MMA Stint
Chris Hemsworth, the globally recognised actor famed for his portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has revealed an intriguing fascination with the world of mixed martial arts. Years of dedicated training and sparring have apparently ignited a genuine curiosity within the Australian star, leading him to contemplate the possibility of stepping into a real fight one day.
The 42-year-old actor, who is currently promoting his upcoming thriller Crime 101 alongside Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, discussed his deep-seated connection to combat sports during a recent interview. Berry herself has a prior link to the MMA scene, having starred in the 2020 film Bruised, which even featured a cameo from the formidable Valentina Shevchenko, the reigning UFC women’s flyweight champion and widely considered the number one pound-for-pound female fighter.
Speaking in a video interview, Hemsworth didn’t shy away from naming his admired fighters, while also acknowledging the immense physical and mental fortitude required to compete at a professional level. “George St-Pierre, I love,” Hemsworth stated when asked about his favourites. He elaborated on his admiration for the Canadian legend, noting, “Because he’s one of the all-time greats, but seems like a gentleman with an intelligent soul as well.” He also expressed his support for fellow Australian and current UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, describing him as “a good friend of mine.”
For those unfamiliar with the sport, Georges St-Pierre is an undisputed icon in UFC history, boasting an impressive record that includes an incredible 13 successful title defences. Alexander Volkanovski, a more recent addition to the elite, recently recaptured his featherweight title with a decisive victory and has continued to defend his belt in the promotion headed by Dana White.
Hemsworth was quick to clarify that his interest in competing is currently more a matter of curiosity than a concrete plan. He emphasised that his training has always remained within controlled environments, far from the high-stakes intensity of a professional bout. “One of the ones who retired a long time ago. I can just run away from them until they get tired and (motions a punch),” he joked, before adding, “No, I wouldn’t put myself in the ring, but a part of me wants to, though, actually, having said that.”
He further elaborated on his experiences: “I mean, I’ve trained a lot and sparred a lot over the years, but within the realm of not killing each other. I’d love to just one day go, ‘Right, what have I gotten here?’ I’d probably end up flat on my back, starry-eyed.” This candid admission highlights the respect he has for the sport and the potential consequences of stepping into the octagon unprepared.
Hemsworth’s Longstanding Ties to the Fighting World
Chris Hemsworth’s engagement with MMA extends beyond mere casual interest. He has been a visible presence at several major mixed martial arts events, including UFC 243. This event famously saw Australian fighter Robert Whittaker relinquish his middleweight championship to compatriot Israel Adesanya in a highly anticipated main event.
During that same period, the actor also drew parallels between the fictional combat in his films and the real-world spectacle of professional fighting. He referenced the colossal global attention surrounding the boxing match between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr., one of the most commercially successful combat sports events of all time. While promoting Thor: Ragnarok, Hemsworth drew a comparison between the epic showdown between his character and the Hulk and this real-world boxing mega-fight, even suggesting that the cinematic battle held a larger entertainment value.
A Fan and Practitioner, Not Yet a Professional Competitor
Despite his evident passion and extensive training, Chris Hemsworth continues to maintain his involvement with combat sports primarily as an enthusiastic fan and dedicated practitioner. While he remains committed to physically demanding roles and maintains his fitness, he has not yet made the leap into professional competition. His current focus is on honing his skills within a safe and controlled environment, rather than facing the rigorous challenges of a sanctioned fight. His journey in the world of combat sports, for now, remains on the sidelines of professional bouts, a testament to his respect for the discipline and the athletes who dedicate their lives to it.
