Wahlberg plans Jon Jones biopic with Aquaman star Abdul-Mateen II

Mark Wahlberg wants to produce a biopic about former UFC champion Jon Jones, with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the lead role. Wahlberg believes the Aquaman actor has the physical presence and resemblance needed to portray the fighter.

The proposal emerged during UFC 330’s broadcast before Islam Makhachev’s fight against Ian Machado Garry. Wahlberg appeared alongside Abdul-Mateen, with the pair initially promoting their film By Any Means before discussing the possible Jones project.

Wahlberg has already played a prominent fighter on screen. He portrayed boxer Micky Ward in the 2010 film The Fighter, and has received two Academy Award nominations. He also holds a stake in the UFC.

Abdul-Mateen is known for playing Black Manta in the Aquaman films. Wahlberg highlighted the actor’s sporting ability after they played baseball and basketball in Philadelphia, noting that Abdul-Mateen hit home runs and dunked during the activities.

The proposed film would focus on one of MMA’s most decorated and controversial careers. Jones has not competed since defeating Stipe Miocic by knockout at UFC 309 in November 2024 to retain his heavyweight title.

Since that fight, Jones has reversed his position on retirement more than once. He turned down or abandoned a reported £30 million bout with Tom Aspinall, disclosed that he has arthritis and had a public dispute with UFC chief executive Dana White. Jones later retired again after not being included on the UFC White House card, an event he had wanted to join. In April, he said he was no longer fighting and was content away from competition.