Ronda Rousey to play Patrick Swayze role in 'Road House' reboot

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey has added another project to her burgeoning Hollywood career.

The UFC women’s bantamweight champion has been tapped to star in a reboot of the 1980s action flick “Road House.”

According to Variety.com, Rousey was “passionately pursuing the project for some time.” MGM is moving forward on the project and currently meeting with writers for the script, according to the report.

The 28-year-old, who’s appeared in past films such as “Furious 7” and “The Expendables 3,” will actually play the role Patrick Swayze made famous in the original 1989 film.

Rousey later confirmed the news and said it’s an “honor” and that she hopes it’ll serve as a tribute to Swayze, who died in 2009 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, and his family (via Twitter):

In that role, Swayze’s character, James Dalton, is a bouncer and helps clean up a rowdy bar in Missouri that protects the town from a corrupt businessman. The film, which scored a $30 million box office for the original version, has become a cult classic.

According to Variety.com:

Rousey thought the idea of starring in a remake was a great idea but wanted to be respectful when pursuing the project. Sources say Rousey recently reached out to Swayze’s widow, Lisa Niemi, to ask for her blessing to star in the remake, which insiders say Niemi gladly gave.

Rousey has other upcoming film projects, including a starring role in her own biopic, “My Fight/Your Fight.”

Up next for Rousey (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC), who’s posted six consecutive title defenses, is a pay-per-view headliner against Holly Holm (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) at UFC 193, which takes place Nov. 14 at the 70,000-seat Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

For more on UFC 193, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.