'Never Submit:' Arlovski nabs starring role in MMA film

A good fight movie just wouldn't be complete without a Russian starring in a principal role.

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski (9-5) has earned the part of Nikolai Kruzhalov in an Imperia Entertainment movie centered around the sport of mixed martial arts called, "Never Submit."

It's a fitting role for "The Pitbull," who has never lost a fight via submission in 14 professional bouts.

Here's a snip from James Hergott, writer and director of the film, in today's press release:

"Arlovski expressed great interest in being a part of this film and showed up to his audition the same way he shows up for a fight; well-prepared and a force to be reckoned with. Arlovski was in character, knew his lines and impressed the casting panel by delivering the dialog in both English and Russian. Arlovski's display of physical skills was equally impressive... I have no doubt casting Andrei for a principal role in `Never Submit' is going to elevate this film to another level because not only is he one of the top rated fighters on the planet, his acting abilities are quite notable."

On November 19, Imperia held auditions at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, California. Chuck Liddell, Sean Sherk, Ken Shamrock, Phil Baroni, Trevor Prangley, Josh Thomson, Jon Fitch, Cane Velasquez, Paul Buentello, Jimmy Zimmerman, Bobby Southworth, Forrest Griffin, Josh Koscheck, Cung Le, Mike Swick and Rashad Evans were all scheduled to audition for parts in the film.

Pride FC studs Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio ‘Shogun' Rua have already been cast in "Never Submit."

Here's a little bit more on the plot of "Never Submit:"

... an inspirational tale similar to "Rocky," but the lead character is an intelligent young man rather than a beaten-down punch-drunk fighter. An amazing cast of characters will round out this film; each from different walks of life; each with his own set of circumstances and motivating factors driving him to be the best. It is a metaphor describing the way these athletes live their lives.

That intelligent man, according to MMAUniverse.com, is the pride of the Funky Bunch -- none other than Mark Wahlberg.

Arlovski vs. Marky Mark ... sounds like a fair fight.