8 MMA Fighters You Didn't Know Appeared In Big-Budget Movies

A veteran of combat sports, heavyweight contender Andrei Arlovski has diversified his resume in many mixed martial art promotions throughout his career. His longevity in the Octagon allowed him to secure roles outside of the sport, one of which he attempted to kill Denzel Washington in the opening scene of The Equalizer 2.

The movie, which itself was based on the 1980's TV series of the same name, was centred on a man who used various military skills to enact justice on those who have wrong innocents. Denzel Washington plays Robert McCall, who, in the first film, wiped out members of the Russian mafia. In the second film, McCall attempts to avenge the death of his former Defence Intelligence Agency colleague, who was killed by his own former colleague.

The overall plot kicks in immediately, but not before an opening sequence, which demonstrates McCall's expert military prowess. Aboard a train in Istanbul, McCall fights off a man who kidnapped his own daughter. The man is flanked by his crew, one of which is Arlovski. His intimidating presence is hard to miss, especially if one is familiar with his imposing stature as a heavyweight contender.

Although the gang, along with Arlovski, was quickly dispatched, it was pretty great to see Arlovski share the screen, albeit momentarily, with a Hollywood legend. 10-8 Denzel on this round?