Split image of Jake Ellenberger celebrating and Michael Bisping weighing in: Credit: Daniel Shirey/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images/Josh Hedges

Jake Ellenberger reveals what really happened behind the scenes with Michael Bisping during the filming of new movie

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By James Sweetnam | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 9:41 AM ET

Jake Ellenberger opened up about his experience filming Atlas King with Michael Bisping.

‘The Count’ will star as the titular character — a former MMA fighter who returns from exile to bury his best friend and confront unfinished business.

Meanwhile, ‘The Juggernaut’ will play ‘Pitbull’, who, like his name suggests, loves a good old-fashioned brawl.

And in order to prepare for the role, Ellenberger underwent extensive training.

Jake Ellenberger on the differences between MMA and film fighting

Filming Atlas King was a fantastic experience for the entire cast, with Bisping enjoying working with the same weapons trainer who prepared Keanu Reeves for the John Wick films.

And Jake Ellenberger had a fantastic time honing his skills ahead of fight scenes, with the former UFC star opening up about the differences between the cage and the film set.

In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Ellenberger said: “It’s always been interesting when you go from the competitive architecture of the UFC to film fighting.

“There are lots of differences, and there are things that can translate as well. You have to be aware of performance and what that means to the viewer.

“Obviously, when you’re competing, you’re not thinking about that, you’re thinking about whatever it takes to win, and you’re problem-solving in a real fight.

“The fight scenes, we did a lot of training and a lot of choreography for. We had some great stunt coordinators. I went out there to LA and trained quite a bit, and they came to Vegas, where I’m at, and it was like training for a fight.

“We had to build up over a couple of months because it wasn’t going to be one of those fight scenes where you show up and just shoot it. That’s very rarely what happens unless you’re highly experienced in the film world; that’s very uncommon.

“We trained for it like a fight; it was a lot of build-up and transitions from scene to scene. So, overall, it was a lot of fun.

“We wanted to make sure we were ready for Nika Agiashvili and Giga Chikadze. We were completely prepared.

“We had great guys to work with, and that makes it fun and easy.”

Jake Ellenberger explains how Terence Crawford can beat Canelo Alvarez

While both Michael Bisping and Ellenberger have proven their acting skills beyond doubt, fighting will always be their first love.

The American adores MMA, but also has enormous respect for boxers, sharing a close friendship with Terence Crawford, who’ll go to war with Canelo Alvarez on September 13.

However, while many are siding with the Mexican, the ex-UFC icon thinks ‘Bud’ is capable of tearing up the script.

In a fascinating breakdown, Ellenberger explained why Crawford beats Canelo.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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