While Venom actor Tom Hardy is a regular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, is he anywhere near a professional MMA/UFC fighter? Recently, Hardy crossed paths with UFC's Paddy Pimblett at the world premiere of MobLand Season 2.

However, their conversation soon took a turn toward MMA. Liverpool's own Pimblett did not miss a chance to ask Hardy for an MMA fight. However, Hardy simply refused the offer. “I’d love to train with you, lad,” before asking, “Do you reckon you could last in the cage?” Pimblett asked. To which Hardy responded, “No.”

Despite his BJJ experience and time working in 2011's Warrior as Tommy Conlon, the veteran British actor passed up the opportunity. However, he was more than eager to train with Pimblett.

Hardy complimented Pimblett's appearance before sharing his intentions of training with him. “I don't normally wear a suit, lad. It feels a little bit weird,” Pimblett said. “Suits you, though. I’d love to train with you,” Hardy responded. Pimblett further added that a potential training session had already been discussed for years, “Been speaking about it for years, lad. I wish we’d get some rolling in.”

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Hardy is an experienced BJJ fighter. The actor has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for years now and has won multiple gold medals at UK tournaments as a blue belt. Recently, he was promoted to a brown belt in Jan. 2026.

Hardy is also the lead ambassador for the REORG Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Foundation, which is a Royal Marines-backed charity. It allows current and former military personnel to learn the martial art as part of their recovery to fight through physical and mental challenges.