Jonah Hill is discovering that confidence built on the Brazilian jiu-jitsu mats can attract attention from unexpected corners, including a seasoned UFC veteran who appears more than willing to test the actor’s newfound martial arts swagger.
The 42-year-old actor recently appeared on a podcast with hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, where he didn’t hold back about his passion for BJJ and what it’s done for his self-assurance. When the conversation shifted to hobbies, Hill enthusiastically brought up his training, though he acknowledged the physical toll it takes.
“I love Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” Hill said. “Except my body is begging me to not love it. My wife is often like, ‘You’re not going to become like a professional fighter. You know that, right? Like you’re a comedian.'”
But Hill wasn’t about to downplay his abilities. When Bateman jokingly questioned what would happen if they got into a scrap, the actor responded with characteristic directness.
“I would f*** you up,” he said. “I would f*** all three of you, right?”
Then Hill took his challenge beyond the podcast studio, addressing anyone who still views him through the lens of his breakout role nearly two decades ago.
“My favorite thing is people are like, ‘Oh, Jonah Hill, f*** fat guy from Superbad.’ And I’m like, ‘I would f***ing annihilate you, dude. I’m not kidding you. Every time. Try it. If you see me, try it, dude.'”
Those words caught the attention of Cub Swanson, a UFC veteran with 45 mixed martial arts bouts on his record. The 42-year-old, who recently retired following UFC 327 with a victory, has trained alongside some of the sport’s top BJJ practitioners throughout his career.
His response to Hill’s bold statements was brief and pointed: “If I run into him again. I’m gonna try him.”
Now living in San Diego with his wife and two young sons, Hill has traveled far from his early Hollywood days. With two Oscar nominations, collaborations with directors like Martin Scorsese and Bennett Miller, and his own production company, the actor has built a substantial career.
