Renowned filmmaker Zack Snyder has officially signed on to direct “Brawler,” a groundbreaking feature film that delves into the life of a man from Los Angeles who rises through the ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In addition to directing, Snyder will co-write and produce the film, collaborating closely with UFC President Dana White and His Excellency Turki Alashikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and the owner of the prestigious boxing magazine, The Ring.
His Excellency Turki Alashikh expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I’ve been a fan of Zack’s work for years. His unique style—characterized by iconic action sequences, sweeping visuals, and deeply emotional storytelling—makes him the perfect fit for this venture. I couldn’t think of a better person to partner with to bring the UFC to the big screen. The Ring Magazine, with its 103-year legacy, will support this project to ensure its success.”
Dana White, the CEO of UFC, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “His Excellency Turki Alashikh and Zack Snyder share a vision to create an extraordinary film about the UFC. Their passion for this project will showcase the dedication and effort it takes to become a UFC champion. It’s an incredibly ambitious project, and I look forward to seeing it come to life.”
Joining Snyder as co-writers are Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad. Producers alongside Snyder include Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller from their production company, Stone Quarry. Executive producers for the film will also include Alashikh, Johnstad, Hatten, and Craig Borsari, the chief content officer of UFC. Snyder remarked, “Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there. UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I’m honored to partner with them to tell this incredible story.”
As the UFC project develops, Snyder is also working on an untitled feature for Netflix, which will focus on the Los Angeles Police Department. This follows his successful collaboration with the streaming giant, which includes the zombie action film “Army of the Dead” and the ambitious sci-fi duology “Rebel Moon.” Snyder's impressive filmography also includes notable titles from the DC Comics universe such as “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and “Justice League.”
Since its inception in 1993, the UFC has hosted over 700 mixed martial arts (MMA) events. In 2023, the organization made headlines by merging with the professional wrestling organization WWE to establish a publicly traded company under the stock symbol “TKO,” managed by Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel. Recently, UFC lent its branding to the Amazon MGM remake of “Road House,” which features Jake Gyllenhaal as a former MMA fighter.
Dana White has been at the helm of UFC since 2001, guiding its transformation into a major sports league. However, his recent actions drew controversy after a video surfaced in 2023 showing him slapping his wife in a nightclub in Mexico. Following the incident, White issued a public apology.
Turki Alashikh holds a notable position within the Saudi Royal Court and has served as the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority since 2018, following his tenure as chairman of the General Sports Authority. He has played a pivotal role in organizing the boxing industry in Saudi Arabia and acquired The Ring magazine in 2024. Additionally, he has ventured into film, writing the horror movie “The Cello,” which premiered in 2023.
Zack Snyder is represented by CAA; Sloan, Offer Weber & Dern; and ID PR.
