At UFC 285, Jake Gyllenhaal’s presence sparked curiosity among fans, with some speculating if he had stepped into a real Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) match. However, Gyllenhaal’s involvement was purely cinematic. The actor was on location to shoot scenes for the upcoming 2024 remake of the classic action film ‘Road House,’ in which he stars as the lead character, a former UFC middleweight working at a roadhouse.
The production at UFC 285 included Gyllenhaal participating in a staged fight and walkout in the octagon. These scenes, featuring a faux fight and a weigh-in, were filmed during an intermission at the event. Jay Hieron, an ex-UFC middleweight, appeared alongside Gyllenhaal, engaging in a staged slap during the weigh-in and being ‘knocked out’ in the octagon scene. The film also stars Conor McGregor, a renowned UFC champion, though his exact role in the movie is yet to be revealed.
This project marks McGregor’s increasing involvement in the entertainment industry, although it’s not his first brush with Hollywood. He was once considered for the role of Hawk in ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage,’ but turned it down to focus on his MMA career, specifically a rematch with Nate Diaz. Consequently, the role went to Michael Bisping, another former UFC middleweight champion. This casting decision led to a heated feud between McGregor and Bisping, with McGregor accusing Bisping of ingratitude and even demanding a share of his earnings from the film. Eventually, their dispute subsided, and the two appear to have reached a cordial understanding.
After the filming at UFC 285, Gyllenhaal and his ‘Road House’ co-star McGregor were seen together cage-side, alongside McGregor’s fiancée, Dee Devlin. They witnessed Jon Jones’ remarkable victory over Ciryl Gane, capturing the heavyweight title. The film ‘Road House’ is slated for release on March 21, 2024, and is anticipated to be a significant addition to both actors’ careers.
