Again, it's hard to have an MMA film list and not include Bloodsport, even if it doesn't represent the sport as we know it today. There's no question that films like Kickboxer and Bloodsport motivated some early participants to get into mixed martial arts, and even if it was a questionable motivator, it was still a factor. Bloodsport, of course, is the 1988 Jean-Claude Van Damme martial arts vehicle based in part on the story of Frank Dux, who claimed to have participated in underground "Kumite" tournaments - underground fights that could end in severe injury or even death. Though critics panned it, the film would go on to achieve cult status, although Dux would later be discredited and accused of coaching a supposed witness to his participation in the events. Like Kickboxer, enough interest remains that Bloodsport is currently in development as a remake. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaT9dYalyU0
Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.
