Former UFC fighter Jay Hieron attributes his success in the film and television industry to leaving MMA before it could retire him, maintaining his health and cognitive function throughout his new career.
Jay Hieron, former UFC fighter, is grateful for his health and success in the film and television industry since retiring from MMA ten years ago. Throughout his 30-fight career, Hieron avoided significant injuries, never dealing with brain damage or impaired cognitive function, which allowed him to pursue acting and stunt work. Now 46 years old, Hieron credits his health for helping him transition to his current career, “I took some damage, I had some eye surgeries and of course broken hands, but nothing major, thank God. I’ve got 30 fights and I’m healthy. My mind is pretty good. I can remember lines.”
Hieron got his start in the film and television industry through UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, who introduced him to acting and stunt work. Initially taking jobs for fun during his fight career, Hieron eventually began receiving more and more offers. A role on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 had him considering a permanent move in front of the camera, and his passion began to shift towards the film industry. It took a year for Hieron to announce his official retirement from MMA, but he knew he wanted to retire from fighting rather than having the sport retire him.
Today, Hieron is a fixture at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas whenever he is not traveling the world for various film and TV productions. He recently returned to his UFC roots, filming scenes with Jake Gyllenhaal for the upcoming Road House remake, which also stars Conor McGregor. While Hieron feels fortunate to have found success after hanging up his gloves, he acknowledges the challenges other fighters face when transitioning from a career in combat sports, “It’s hard to tell somebody, ‘Have a backup plan.’ You have to stay ready for opportunities, but you should have something else going on if you can. But then again, you’re telling a guy that’s going in there to fight for his damn life, for his livelihood, to put food on his table, take care of his kids, to have something else going on. It’s hard. These guys are going to war.”