“I Became a Sparring Partner With Him”- 3 Years Ago, Michael Jai White Opened Up on Sparring Sessions With Ex-UFC Champ and MMA Legend

Although Michael Jai White is a huge name in Hollywood and is synonymous with blockbuster action movies, he knows more about UFC and MMA than most others do. With a rich background in combat flaunted by black belts across seven different combat disciplines, Michael Jai White has all the makings of a great martial artist and fighter.

Despite having the skills to compete professionally, White has opted to not compete professionally. However, that doesn’t mean that White doesn’t associate with fighters. On several occasions, White has said that he loves fighters and to spar with them to get better himself.  He has sparred with the likes of Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou among other big names from the world of MMA.

Michael Jai White’s Mentors and Trainers – A Walk Down Memory Lane

Michael Jai White is one of the biggest names that comes to mind with respect to making martial arts popular through media and entertainment. The highly decorated martial artist has directed and acted in movies like Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown and Never Back Down: No Surrender. Apart from this, he has also acted in movies like Blood and Bone and Commando.

In an interview with djvlad on YouTube, Michael Jai White once spoke about his love for martial arts and the notable fighters that he has trained with. “Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace was the undisputed – the baddest fighter on the planet… right? I became a sparring partner with him when I was 17. He was undefeated middleweight champion. Also Joe Lewis – there’s a Joe (spells out Lewis) – heavyweight champion. Rock solid. One of the baddest, most dangerous fighters there were. I… I went to North Carolina to train in… in… with him in his crazy bunch of folks and later, became… became friends and did seminars with him.“, said White. 

“Maurice Smith was the UFC champion when I went to Seattle to train and spar with him in his… in his basic… his gym!” added the martial artist turned actor. 

Michael Jai White – A Well-Balanced fighter who never stops learning

Talking about his journey to the pinnacle of martial arts and the knowledge that he has gained through his experiences, Michael Jai White said, “So that’s what I’ve done my entire life. So I’ve always wanted to test myself against the best people and… and the respect I’ve garnered from that and… you know… that’s why usually people don’t call me out. Because they know I really do this and it’s not about an ego thing. It’s about getting better and exchanging knowledge. I love this s**t.“

A man of discipline, White speaks openly about his diligence when it comes to his sharpening his martial arts skills. “So… you know, with the boxing and everything else – I’ve always done that and I still do it. Right? So… that’s my philosophy.” concluded White. 

Dive Deeper – “You Know People Don’t Realize…”: $5,000,000 Worth Michael Jai White Reveals His Thoughts on Exploring Other Film Industries That Have “More” Financial Benefits Than Hollywood

No matter how many great films White has, he never lost sight of his goal of becoming an accomplished martial artist. It takes a great martial artist to spar with the likes of UFC HW champ Jon Jones and hold their own. What is your opinion on Michael Jai White and his method of training? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story – Dana White makes a massive revelation about Kobe Bryant UFC investment