Kevin James, the beloved actor and comedian known for his roles in The King of Queens and Paul Blart: Mall Cop, has a deep-rooted passion for mixed martial arts (MMA). The 60-year-old star has become an avid supporter and enthusiast of the sport, blending his comedic charm with a genuine appreciation for the grit and discipline of MMA.
James, a Long Island native, has long been a fan of combat sports, but his love for mixed martial arts took center stage with his 2011 film Here Comes the Boom. In the movie, he played Scott Voss, a high school teacher who turns to amateur MMA fighting to raise money for his school. To prepare for the role, James trained extensively with UFC fighters and coaches, including Mark DellaGrotte and Joe Lauzon. The experience was transformative, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport.
“I didn’t just want to fake it for the movie,” James said in an interview with MMA Weekly. “I wanted to understand the heart of MMA—the training, the sacrifice, the mental toughness. I got hooked.” Sources close to the actor reveal he still trains regularly at a local gym, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai to stay in shape and sharpen his skills.
Beyond training, Kevin James has become a fixture at UFC events, often spotted cageside cheering for fighters like Sean O’Malley and Dustin Poirier. His enthusiasm has earned him respect in the MMA community, with fighters praising his humility and knowledge of the sport.
“Kevin’s the real deal,” said former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. “He’s not just a celebrity fan; he knows the techniques, the history, and he’s always supporting the sport.”
James has also used his platform to promote the sport of mixed martial arts, advocating for its growth and accessibility. In 2024, he partnered with a youth MMA program in New York to introduce underprivileged kids to martial arts, emphasizing its benefits for discipline and self-confidence.
“MMA teaches you about life,” James shared at a charity event. “It’s about getting up when you’re knocked down, and that’s a lesson everyone can use.”
Last year James even appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience where he discussed training with UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. Watch that interview below.
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