UFC Middleweight Michael Bisping Lands Role in ‘xXx: The Return of Xander Cage’

UFC middleweight Michael Bisping will appear in the action film “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage.”

The fighter announced the role via Instagram on Wednesday. The third iteration of the action series stars Vin Diesel and Samuel L. Jackson, as well as Ruby Rose, Tony Jaa, Donnie Yen and Rory McCann. The movie is expected to hit theaters in January 2017.

Bisping has some acting experience, with roles in several movies as well as an appearance on the Cinemax series “Strike Back.” Conor McGregor was originally rumored to star in the film, but with his rematch against Nate Diaz at UFC 200 on the horizon, those plans have apparently changed.

Bisping is coming off a unanimous decision triumph over Anderson Silva at UFC Fight Night in London on Feb. 27, his third straight win in the Octagon. “The Count” does not currently have another bout booked with the Las Vegas-based promotion.

Very happy to announce that I landed a role in the new XXX movie with Vin Diesel and Samuel L Jackson. I want to thank my agent Mike Staudt, @audieattar and of course @vindiesel for the opportunity.

A photo posted by Mikebisping (@mikebisping) on Apr 6, 2016 at 3:37pm PDT