The UFC revealed plans for a new movie called Brawler on March 31, 2025, through a press release shared by Ring Magazine. Dana White, the UFC president, is joining forces with director Zack Snyder and Saudi entertainment leader Turki Alalshikh. The film follows a young fighter from Los Angeles chasing a UFC title shot. Filming begins later in 2025, with White and Alalshikh producing and Snyder directing this big-screen story.
White’s Take
“They are both very passionate about this project to show what it takes to become a UFC champion,” White said in a statement. “It’s an incredibly ambitious project and I look forward to seeing it come to life.”
White has been running UFC since 2001, making it a global sport. This movie marks his first push into producing a major film for theaters.
Acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder has partnered with UFC and Turki Alalshikh to create the film BRAWLER. Snyder will direct the film and serve as a writer 🎬
Rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles, a young fighter gets a shot at a UFC championship, battling his inner demons… pic.twitter.com/h4GVeiMXSw
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 31, 2025
Snyder’s Words
“Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there,” Snyder said. “UFC is the world leader in combat sports and I’m honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.”
Snyder is known for directing 300 and Man of Steel. He’s also co-writing Brawler to bring the fighter’s journey to life.
Alalshikh’s Input
“I’ve been a fan of Zack’s work for years, his unique style from his iconic action sequences to his sweeping visuals and intensely emotional storytelling coupled with his humanized portrayal of deeply-flawed characters is singular,” Alalshikh said. “I couldn’t think of a better person to partner with to bring the UFC to the big screen. The Ring Magazine, with its 103-year legacy, will support to ensure the project’s success.”
With my friend @danawhite and the legendary Director @ZackSnyder and his wife the Producer Deborah Snyder and my dear friend Nick Khan…surprises on the way 🔥🤷🏻♂️❤️ pic.twitter.com/38OEBFTQRD
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) July 30, 2024
Alalshikh leads Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Ring Magazine, a boxing publication founded in 1922, shared the UFC’s press release to support the project.
This is UFC’s first major movie effort. White has done TV projects before, but Brawler steps up with Snyder’s action style and Alalshikh’s backing. The film aims to show the real challenges of a fighter’s life, with a release planned after filming ends next year.