From Cage to Camera
Maurice Greene, former UFC and PFL heavyweight, has stepped away from mixed martial arts after a 15-year career. His transition into acting began when a filmmaker approached him for a small role while he was training in New Mexico. Greene pursued acting classes, signed with a talent agency, and attended over 100 auditions in two years, culminating in a role in the Jordan Peele-produced horror film Him.
Career and Retirement
Greene’s MMA journey started as a way to lose weight and overcome childhood bullying. He rose through the ranks to compete in major leagues including the UFC and PFL. However, a serious spinal injury and lingering nerve issues, combined with a knockout loss in early 2025, led him to retire for the sake of his long-term health.
A New Chapter on Screen
Now focused on acting and family, Greene plays Malek in Him, a trainer with a dark agenda. The film, directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, follows a young football player recovering from a career-threatening injury. Greene draws parallels between MMA and acting, emphasizing the mental and physical endurance required in both fields. Him is set to premiere nationwide on September 19, 2025.
