LOOK: 26 celebrities who train MMA [UPDATED]

Celebrities who train MMA: Mario Lopez

Mario Lopez is well known as portraying AC Slater of the 90s show Saved by the Bell. In the show, Lopez’s character was an avid wrestler and amazing athlete, well, many times art imitates reality and in Lopez’s case, this was true. Lopez took the wrestling of his character and brought it into his real life. Lopez is a determined jiu-jitsu player.

Lopez is a blue belt who trains with Professor Robert Hill, the head instructor of Gracie Barra Glendale. Lopez has always been involved in fitness. He is vocal about the benefits of staying healthy and regular exercise.

“You know, staying healthy is a top-of-mind thing for me,” Lopez told Bodybuilding.com. “It’s woven into my DNA, I guess you could say. I just feel I’m at my best at work and at play when I’m taking care of myself physically. And I’m never satisfied, I think that helps. I always want to improve and get better. Whether I’m boxing, running or lifting weights, each day I look for a challenge and get after it.”

Staying in shape is a family affair for Lopez, he recently posted that his young son has begun his jiu-jitsu training as well.

As like many martial arts fans, Lopez’s passion does stop in the gym, he can be seen at many MMA events, as well as chatting it up with champions in EXTRA. Lopez had former champions TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo as guests on the show in the past.

Lopez recently made headlines when he was seen rolling with Saved by the Bell co-star Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Both blue belts, the two former castmates are now gym mates.