5 UFC Fighters Who Could Have Their Own Anime Series
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Anime and combat sports share a deep connection—both tell stories of warriors pushing their limits, overcoming adversity, and chasing greatness. Some UFC fighters already feel like anime characters, whether through their fighting styles, personal journeys, or larger-than-life personas. From intense rivalries to supernatural-like abilities, these fighters could step into an anime world seamlessly. They each bringing a unique story that fans would love to see unfold.
From Israel Adesanya’s Naruto-inspired journey to Alex Pereira’s Poatan legend and Jiří Procházka’s samurai code… These fighters aren’t just warriors in the cage—they’re perfect protagonists for their own anime series.
Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya would be the perfect anime character, and the connection is undeniable. His nickname, The Last Stylebender, sounds like a title straight out of an anime. He frequently references characters and themes from Naruto. Izzy even has the Eight Trigrams Seal tattooed on his stomach, just like Naruto himself.
As a “Stylebender,” Adesanya could seamlessly blend elements from different anime worlds. He could combine the agility of a Naruto ninja, the discipline of an Airbender monk, and the relentless training of a Dragon Ball Z saiyan. His love for anime even led to his voice acting debut as Chamomile Lessen in Netflix’s popular series Baki.
With his dynamic fighting style and compelling personal journey, Adesanya isn’t just an anime fan—he’s the perfect inspiration for an anime protagonist.
Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira’s story is straight out of an anime, filled with struggle, power, and an unforgettable rivalry. His ongoing battle with Israel Adesanya provides the perfect storyline—two warriors crossing paths in different sports, locked in an eternal rivalry built on both competition and mutual respect. It’s a dynamic that mirrors Goku and Vegeta, with fans able to debate who plays which role.
Born into hardship, Pereira’s rough childhood led him to fighting, where training became his path to something greater. His indigenous roots add another compelling layer to his story. Especially how he rediscovered his ancestry with the help of his kickboxing coach.
His nickname, Poatan, meaning “Stone Hands,” sounds like the perfect name for an anime ability or special power. It’s fitting for a warrior whose presence alone commands attention. Since his UFC debut, he has taken the MMA world by storm, earning love from fight fans worldwide.
Jiří Procházka
Jiri Procházka is practically an anime character brought to life. His deep embrace of the samurai lifestyle makes him a natural fit for an anime warrior—one who follows his own unique code of honor as a lone samurai from a foreign land. Jiri’s unorthodox striking style sets him apart. His elbows are as sharp as a katana and spinning techniques so unpredictable they are whispered about like ancient myths.
Procházka’s story could take inspiration from Fullmetal Alchemist and the law of equivalent exchange—every brutal battle demanding an equal sacrifice. His rivalry with Alex Pereira only adds to the legend, intertwining their fates like the great clashes of Marvel heroes. Having already met in battle twice, their paths are destined to cross again. It would make for an epic anime saga that fight fans would love to see unfold.
Payton Talbott
Payton Talbott’s journey feels like it was ripped straight from Bleach. His Hollow tattoo is more than just ink; it represents his obsession with becoming the best and most free fighter, mirroring the transformation of Hollows in Bleach, who lose their souls in their pursuit of power.
Just like a Hollow, he must defeat and consume other fighters to evolve, chasing a hunger that will never truly be satisfied. His development as a fighter reflects the slow, grueling process of a Hollow’s transformation—one that takes months or even years.
Beyond his in-cage ability, Talbott’s story is as unique as any anime character. From his mysterious relationship with Frank Ocean to his talent as a pole dancer, he defies stereotypes in a way that anime has long embraced, showcasing characters rarely seen in modern cartoons.
As one of the most intriguing prospects in the UFC today, his talent could catapult him to the top of the sport. But he also has superstar potential we rarely see. Cementing his legend, both in fighting and in a world that feels like it was made for anime.
Kai Asakura
Kai Asakura is the perfect candidate for an anime protagonist. His journey through the world of MMA feels like it was ripped from the pages of a manga. Asakura embodies the charisma and complexity of an anime character. He’s a larger-than-life figure in Japanese MMA. His rise from RIZIN champion to the UFC is the perfect foundation for an anime series. One that could be filled with epic battles, personal growth, and the quest to prove himself as one of the best fighters in the world.
The question remains: Can he continue to rise through the ranks, putting Japanese MMA on the global map? Or are his greatest days behind him?
Asakura’s story is heavily influenced by his bond with his older brother, Mikuru. It was Mikuru who sparked Kai’s passion for fighting, calling him into street fights with boxing gloves to test his potential. These early battles in the streets were intense and gritty, but they showcased Kai’s innate talent and hunger for greatness. His journey from street fighter to RIZIN champion and eventually making it to the UFC mirrors the transformation of many classic anime characters who begin with humble or rough beginnings and rise to greatness.
The Asakura brothers’ relationship has even drawn comparisons to the iconic bond between Ace and Luffy from One Piece. Like the anime series, Mikuru could serve as Kai’s guiding light, much like Ace did for Luffy. This connection, full of admiration and shared ambition, makes Kai’s MMA journey feel like an anime saga in the making.
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