UFC fighters in Kingdom: Can the cast of the show really fight?

Which UFC fighters appeared on the show?

Matt Hughes

Producer Byron Balasco got into MMA when he was young and has been intrigued by it ever since. He wanted to bring the world of this sport alive on the television screen and make it look as close to the real thing as possible.

It was a priority for Balasco for the fights to look real and not choreographed, which is why he cast real UFC fighters in the show as opponents for his main characters.

"We hire real MMA fighters to fight with them so we don’t have to use a lot of stunt doubles. It feels real, and it feels more emotional." (Via: Deadline)

Other than Joe Stevenson, who had a recurring role on the show, several other UFC fighters made guest appearances in Kingdom.

Cub Swanson appeared as the opponent for Nick Jonas' character Nate Kulina in season one.

“Kingdom” is available on @netflix tomorrow!!!! pic.twitter.com/KiqwaWNXXh

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) June 30, 2020

Joseph Benavidez showed up in one episode of season two and Diego Sanchez was yet another opponent of Nate's in season three.

Former UFC fighter, who is currently in Invicta Fighting Championships, Pearl Gonazalez also appeared in one of the fight episodes of season two.

Greg Jackson's appearance came in season two.

Two UFC personalities had more than one appearance - Hall of Famer Matt Hughes for two episodes in season three and fighter-turned-color commentator Kenny Florian in four different episodes across the three seasons.

On the set of #Kingdom working with #ufc Vet, #BJJ black belt, TUF2 Champ & #MMA OG #JoeDaddyStevenson… http://t.co/d4qIl7BdEG

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) August 7, 2014