Zack Snyder, the visionary filmmaker known for his striking visuals and action-packed storytelling, is stepping into the world of combat sports with his latest project, "Brawler." This upcoming film will follow the journey of a Los Angeles fighter as he rises through the ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Not only is Snyder directing, but he's also co-writing and producing, teaming up with some major names in the industry to bring this adrenaline-fueled story to life.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is Snyder’s collaboration with Dana White, the CEO of UFC, and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and the owner of the legendary boxing magazine, The Ring. Their combined passion and expertise promise to make "Brawler" an unforgettable cinematic experience for UFC fans and moviegoers alike.
"I've been a fan of Zack's work for years," said Alalshikh. "His unique style—his iconic action sequences, sweeping visuals, and intensely emotional storytelling—sets him apart. He has a way of humanizing deeply flawed characters, making their struggles feel real and raw. I couldn't think of a better person to partner with to bring the UFC to the big screen. With The Ring Magazine’s 103-year legacy, we will ensure this project is a success."
This is a monumental moment for UFC’s presence in Hollywood. While the organization has had its branding featured in various films over the years, "Brawler" aims to give fans an inside look at what it truly takes to become a UFC champion. Dana White is fully on board, stating, "His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Zack Snyder share a vision for this film. They are both extremely passionate about showing audiences the grit, sacrifice, and intensity that go into making a UFC fighter. It’s an incredibly ambitious project, and I can’t wait to see it take shape."
Snyder isn’t tackling this project alone. He’s joined by co-writers Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad, both of whom have experience crafting gripping, high-intensity stories. Alongside Snyder, producers include Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller under their production banner, Stone Quarry. Meanwhile, Alalshikh, Johnstad, and Hatten will serve as executive producers, alongside UFC’s chief content officer, Craig Borsari.
The story at the heart of "Brawler" isn’t just about fighting—it’s about resilience. "Behind every great fighter is a story of how they got there," Snyder remarked. "UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I’m honored to be working with them to tell this incredible story."
Snyder has always been a filmmaker with a deep appreciation for intensity, whether it’s in the form of superhero battles or zombie showdowns. His previous works include DC blockbusters like "Man of Steel," "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," and "Justice League." More recently, he’s been deeply involved with Netflix, directing films such as "Army of the Dead" and the massive sci-fi epic "Rebel Moon." Even as "Brawler" begins to take shape, Snyder is still developing another untitled project for Netflix, which will focus on the Los Angeles Police Department.
UFC, founded in 1993, has become a dominant force in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Over the years, the organization has hosted over 700 MMA events, growing into one of the most influential combat sports leagues globally. In 2023, UFC merged with professional wrestling giant WWE to form a publicly traded company under the stock symbol "TKO." This merger, overseen by Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, further solidified UFC’s status as a major sports powerhouse.
UFC has also been making waves in the film industry. Recently, its branding was prominently featured in Amazon MGM’s "Road House" remake, which hit screens in March 2024. The film starred Jake Gyllenhaal as a former MMA fighter, bringing a fresh take to the classic 1989 action movie.
However, not all headlines surrounding UFC have been positive. In 2023, Dana White faced controversy when a video surfaced of him slapping his wife at a nightclub in Mexico. The incident quickly went viral, prompting White to issue a public apology. Despite this, UFC’s growth has continued, with its fanbase expanding worldwide.
Meanwhile, Turki Alalshikh has been a key player in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and sports industries. A member of the Saudi Royal Court, he was appointed chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in 2018 after previously leading the country’s General Sports Authority. His involvement in the boxing industry has been significant, and in 2024, he acquired The Ring magazine, further cementing his influence in the combat sports world. In addition to his sports ventures, Alalshikh has also explored filmmaking, writing the horror movie "The Cello," which was released in 2023.
With all these powerhouse figures behind "Brawler," anticipation for the film is already sky-high. Fans of Snyder’s signature cinematic style—marked by intense action, emotionally charged narratives, and visually breathtaking sequences—can expect an unforgettable ride. The UFC’s involvement also adds an extra layer of authenticity, ensuring that the film stays true to the sport’s brutal yet inspiring nature.
Snyder’s ability to bring larger-than-life stories to the screen makes him the perfect choice to tell this tale of grit and determination. "Brawler" isn’t just another fight movie—it’s set to be an electrifying deep dive into what it truly takes to rise through the ranks of one of the world’s toughest sports.
Snyder is represented by CAA; Sloan, Offer, Weber & Dern; and ID PR. As production details continue to emerge, fans can expect more exciting updates on what promises to be one of the most exhilarating sports films in recent memory.
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