Issue 138
February 2016
After portraying the most convincing big-screen MMA fighter yet, Tom Hardy tells Fighters Only how his love for the sport runs much deeper than just playing a part.
He’s one of the brightest and baddest action movie stars in Hollywood, with a résumé littered with iconic roles like Bane, Mad Max and the Kray twins. He also stands out to fight fans as the star of Warrior, which remains Hollywood’s standout MMA flick. And if you spend a few minutes with Tom Hardy it’s clear his love of mixed martial arts is paramount in his life.
The award-winning British actor played a lead role in the 2011 movie and reveals that while his love of MMA was nurtured while he prepared for the part, his appreciation of the sport dates back much further. In fact, he has been keeping up with the sport since its early days.
He tells Fighters Only: “I first came across MMA watching old UFC events – and things were considerably different then. Sumo wrestlers vs. ninjas and some healthy mullets thrown in between. Before MMA became bigger than boxing and NASCAR racing, I was watching it.
“Now it has a huge profile, of course. Today it’s a much-loved, highly-popular and entertaining sport and, although in some countries it’s still frowned upon, from my understanding at least, it is a much more widely understood and accepted, competitive and legitimate form of high-functional athletic sports and a great all-round martial arts experience.”
Growing up in London, UK, the 38-year-old admits he wasn’t ever really into fighting himself and jokes that he “couldn’t hit a barn door with a salmon.” But he was always intrigued by prizefighting men, and by the time the role of Tommy Riordan came up in Warrior he was committed to making sure his character fought like the real thing.
“I spent three months prior to shooting Warrior with Eric Hibler at his fight club in Pittsburgh,” Hardy says. “He fought Jens Pulver once, didn’t win though, but when he kicked me even softly in the thigh it really minged (hurt) so I understood my place in all this.
“Eric ‘Bad’ Apple who fought in Strikeforce was there, and Yves Edwards. We also had Nate Marquardt, Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson and Hans Marrero on set. A couple of the chaps flew out to New Mexico to meet up with Greg Jackson and his team, but not me. I potted about trying to just pick up the basics.
“The stunt team were all X-men at the time under JJ Perry, stunt coordinator, so I was the bottom of the pile. I’m just a face-puller to be fair. I know enough to know I know nothing. That’s the basic 101. Entry level for me.”
He adds: “I had a great insight though into watching what it takes to train and diet and focus on fighting at a professional level. It seemed to be a vocation and a passion. Then training on top of a natural talent. And dedication – it’s definitely a way of life. And I massively respect that.
“Above all though I was really pleasantly surprised and impressed by all of these athletes I met, who are coming from a sport that is so results-based. It was a joy to witness quite how gentle, respectful and kind they are.
“(They were) humble and generous, not only with their time and skills and heart, but also with their spirit. A camaraderie that I hadn’t expected. I suppose if you spend so much time training there is little to prove back in civvy street, and that is what makes a pro.
“Fighters are some of the most chilled and kind people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. They can do some of the most unbelievably badass things, but then also have a natter and a chill on the matt about life in general with no ego or agenda. They have an amazing range of characteristics.
“You often find that attitude in the Special Forces fraternity as well. People who can don’t really need to show off about it. And if you’re open and show willing they will help you learn what you need to learn.”
As much as Hardy appreciated the opportunity to train alongside some of the world’s biggest stars, he also admitted it was a sobering experience for a man who often contemplated the possibility of competing for real.
He says: “Like every fan, I’ve thought about it. But once I trained with these guys, no. Not during the training, surrounded by those chaps. Like I said; I knew my place. Day one, I had tremendous respect.
“I’d toy with the idea, of course. But I know too many talented athletes – young and old – from the military to professional sportsmen and women. It’s a fierce, competitive and brave world, and I have a massive respect and I enjoy watching athletes compete and enjoy what they clearly know and do best. I’ll leave that to the professionals.”
Yet when pushed for a potential ‘celebrity’ match, he caves. Well, almost... “There are several sides to me. One would answer that the other knows better than to be a gobs**te. But there is another part of me who would just like to know who was my level. And just see where I’m at.
“But the Octagon? A big showcase fight? I’m not that. So I’ll gracefully back off the opportunity to sound off like a bell end!”
His MMA experience and fandom has spilled over into his children however. Hardy’s son does karate, he reveals, while Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes too – if he fancies it – are on the agenda for the future.
“My little boy enjoys karate,” he says. “Nothing serious of course. But he enjoys it and I like him to pursue what he enjoys. BJJ would be good for him too, that’s a great sport to continue through all ages. I’ve got a one-month-old right now as well.
“I don’t think he should be throwing any bones yet though he looks like Rampage when he’s howling for his milk and I don’t have boobs. Which is a blessing actually. I do have a bottle though. And I have to keep that full. And on hand.”
As for MMA’s future, while Hardy may never venture inside the Octagon, he’s adamant it’s in safe hands and can see the sport only going from strength to strength.
He finished: “It’s been a good ride so far, watching all the stars like Liddell and Rutten, Ortiz, Shamrock, Fedor, Diaz, Penn, Alvarez, Jon Jones, Rampage, Rashad Evans, St Pierre, Arlovski, Griffin, Hughes, Velasquez, Mir, Wanderlei, Anderson Silva, the list goes on and on and on... Things have certainly taken off for MMA – UFC specifically – and the sport has really evolved into something special.”
Promoting The Pilgrim
When it comes to backing rising stars, Hardy keeps his support for homegrown talent.
Tom Hardy says he’s struggled to watch as much MMA as he’d like recently due to his schedule, but reveals he’s been drawn back in to watch the biggest stars’ ascents to the top of MMA’s money pyramid.
He tells FO: “I’ve enjoyed watching Ronda (Rousey) pile them up, and the show around Conor McGregor. It’s been quiet for me, I haven’t watched as much for a couple of years, but their success really brought me back. My friend in the States loves watching the fights and they shout me about what I ought to pay attention too.”
When asked about any young fighters he’d like to add to our Prospects Issue, he’s backing a young British talent who was featured in FO’s Class of 2015 last year. “Jack McGann has really caught my eye. He’s got me back watching MMA again big time.”
Hardy reveals he’s built up a unique relationship with the 9-2 155lb’er. McGann, 22, grew up in the shadows of ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Michael Bisping at Team Wolfslair: “I found out about Jack through a mate. A serious chap, who pointed him out and said, ‘Watch this kid, he’s special.’
“I had a look and because he’s British, he’s 22, he’s my friend’s good mate, I looked at him some more. Jack’s fought 11 times, eight KOs, one sub, all haven’t gone beyond three minutes of the first round. And he’s called ‘The Pilgrim,’ which is also something that has a personal and specific relevance to me. So that’s that, I thought, I have to support him.
“Let’s see how far he can go. I love a good fighter with a big heart and a lot of talent and homegrown. So I’m very keen, as are my friends, to see him do well. We think he’s special. I’ve enjoyed watching him and I will continue to.”
So far spectating from the sidelines and posting cool good luck video clips from movie sets is as far as Hardy has gone with McGann. Although, he tells FO, he’d love to take a lesson off the young fighter.
“I’ve not trained with Jack yet. But I’d love to have the opportunity to have a lesson from him. He’s a super-talented fighter. I already know that I could learn a lot from him. I have asked! Which was probably daft because I can see what happens next.”
He adds: “It’s just a bad idea rolling around with trouble like that. In fact, I haven’t had a worse idea since asking to roll around with the chaps from 45 Commando – when I got bent up like a pretzel! But if you don’t have a go nothing gained. It would be an honor and a pleasure. He’s from good stock.”
MMA vs the movies
Tom Hardy’s Warrior character Tommy Riordan had a brutal, no-nonsense approach to fighting that would have made him a fan favorite inside the Octagon. But which other Hollywood action characters would chase bonuses in the UFC?
Frank Dux: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bloodsport
The rogue US Army captain had it all: speed, power, and that all-important thirst for revenge. His 12-second TKO in the opening fight of the kumite – and subsequent spinning back-elbow – is worth $50,000 of anybody’s bonus cash.
Martin Riggs: Mel Gibson, Lethal Weapon
The triangle choke Riggs uses on Joshua (Gary Busey) at the end of the movie is deserving of any Fight Night bonus and was taught by UFC founder Rorion Gracie. Plus, that 80s quiff would give Bruce Buffer’s hair real competition!
The Bride: Uma Thurman, Kill Bill
While she’s at her best with a samurai sword in hand, The Bride is equally as lethal in hand-to-hand combat. Her kitchen scrap with Vernita Green (Vivica A Fox) proved she has the speed to trouble 115lb champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
Rocky Balboa: Sylvester Stallone, Rocky IV
With the ability to unify warring nations with his iron chin, Rocky may prove easy to hit inside the cage. But that winter mountain-man workout helped make him an irrepressible force once the bell rang – and could again.
Mickey O’Neill: Brad Pitt, Snatch
One-punch Irish knockout king Mickey, with his shredded abs and colorful ink, may not represent the most original addition to the UFC roster – but we’re pretty sure UFC president Dana White wouldn’t be complaining.
Neo: Keanu Reeves,The Matrix
If you can master techniques in seconds and dodge bullets too, matchmakers can use you! But while he was able to best Agent Smith in the digital realm, he’d find it harder overcoming a real-world challenge like Robbie Lawler.
Sherlock Holmes: Robert Downey Jr, Sherlock Holmes
His capacity to slow down a fight in his mind and read what his opponent is going to do three moves before he even does means Baker Street’s finest shredded sleuth would be a tough match even for cerebral master Conor McGregor.
Lee: Bruce Lee, Enter the Dragon
No list of this nature, however tongue-in-cheek, would be complete without the grandfather of MMA. His lightning reflexes, lethal striking and unreal takedown defense are why Lee and this flick are viewed as inspirations for the sport.
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