Seems like crossovers are a growing theme! Especially among icons like Tom Hardy, Dave Bautista, and the most recent entrée – Dan Reynolds. He is the lead singer of the globally celebrated band ‘Imagine Dragons’.
And what do they have in common? They’ve all made headlines for their spectacular MMA/BJJ accolades.
Tom Hardy has been dominating tournament after tournament, proving his mettle extends beyond the silver screen. With a remarkable display of skill, Hardy has left audiences in awe of his abilities. Iconic WWE wrestler Dave Bautista recently achieved the highly respected BJJ Brown belt.
However, the most attention-grabbing crossover has been Dan Reynolds. While most people were immersed in Independence Day celebrations, Reynolds was competing in a jiu-jitsu tournament. He entered the Masters 2 tournament, competing in the 222 & under weight bracket at the Jiu Jitsu World League 2023 event hosted at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.
Reynolds captivated fans and critics alike with his brilliant grappling and BJJ skills. Trained at the prestigious Renzo Gracie Los Angeles school of Jiu-Jitsu, he showcased his prowess in the ring.
While he was unable to secure victory against Tyree Saxton Jr., Reynolds concluded his outstanding performance with a well-deserved bronze medal.
But Reynolds has a deeper motivation for his dedication to fitness. The lead singer of Imagine Dragons was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune disorder.
To combat the challenges posed by this condition, he turned to weightlifting as a means of maintaining blood flow and pressure. Reynolds also finds solace in yoga and stretching exercises, emphasizing the importance of recovery in his routine.
Reynolds’ first foray into BJJ tournaments was in 2021, an experience he described as “incredible.”
Another personality from the entertainment industry who has been making waves with their accomplishments in martial arts is Tom Hardy. He has been honing his skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for quite some time.
Under the guidance of former UFC competitors Tom DeBlass, Hardy has defied expectations and surprised fans with his most recent achievement – a promotion to a Purple belt.
Hardy proudly shared an image of his well-deserved promotion on his Instagram handle, leaving fans and followers in awe.