Chi Lewis-Parry is a notable figure in both combat sports and acting, known for his dynamic career trajectory. Born on August 10, 1983, in London, England, he initially made a name for himself as a professional basketball player before transitioning into combat sports. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing around 244 lbs, Lewis-Parry quickly became a dominant force in multiple fighting disciplines.
In mixed martial arts (MMA), Chi Lewis-Parry has been undefeated, holding a professional record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws. His striking ability has been particularly impressive, with 7 of his victories coming by knockout. He has also competed in kickboxing, securing a 4-1 record in the prestigious GLORY promotion, with all his victories achieved by knockout. His combat prowess has earned him a reputation for being a fierce competitor in the ring, with a 100% finish rate in both MMA and kickboxing. Before delving into combat sports, he was a professional basketball player, having represented teams in London, Guildford, and Glasgow. He was also selected for Nike’s ‘Midnight Madness’ competition, where he competed against top U.S. teams and worked with NBA franchises like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.
After his successful combat sports career, Lewis-Parry transitioned to acting, where his imposing physical presence made him a natural fit for larger-than-life roles. He appeared in the film 28 Years Later (2025), playing Samson, an Alpha infected with a mutated Rage Virus. His portrayal of the towering antagonist drew attention, particularly for a controversial nude scene that was achieved using prosthetics to comply with child protection laws during filming. He also featured in Gladiator II (2024) as Phoebus, a character who meets a dramatic end in the coliseum. Additionally, Lewis-Parry has upcoming roles in the 2026 sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and in The Running Man, alongside Glen Powell.
Personal Details
- Full Name: Chi Lewis-Parry
- Nickname: Chopper
- Date of Birth: August 10, 1983
- Place of Birth: Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England
- Nationality: British
- Ethnicity: Afro-Caribbean
- Height: 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 244 pounds (110 kg)
- Fighting Weight Class: Heavyweight
- Reach: Not publicly disclosed
- Fighting Out Of: England
- Team: American Kickboxing Academy (AKA)
Early Life and Education
Chi Lewis-Parry’s athletic journey began in his youth, where he developed a passion for basketball. Growing up in England, he honed his skills on the basketball court, eventually playing professionally. His dedication to the sport led him to represent teams in London, Guildford, and Glasgow. Lewis-Parry’s commitment to basketball was further demonstrated when he was selected for Nike’s ‘Midnight Madness’ competition, where he competed against top U.S. teams and worked with NBA franchises like the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
While specific details about his formal education are limited, Lewis-Parry’s focus on athletics from an early age suggests that his academic pursuits were secondary to his sporting ambitions.
Career in Basketball
Before venturing into combat sports, Chi Lewis-Parry had a notable career in professional basketball. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, he played as a forward for various teams in the British Basketball League (BBL). His most prominent stint was with the Guildford Heat, where he competed in the EuroCup during the 2007-08 season. Over six games, he averaged 2.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.2 steals per game, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
Despite his promising basketball career, Lewis-Parry transitioned into combat sports, seeking new challenges and opportunities to leverage his athleticism and physicality.
Transition to Combat Sports
Chi Lewis-Parry’s entry into combat sports was influenced by his background in basketball and his desire for more physical competition. He began training in kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA), quickly making a name for himself due to his size, strength, and striking ability. His transition was marked by a commitment to training and a willingness to embrace the discipline required in combat sports.
Kickboxing Career
In kickboxing, Chi Lewis-Parry competed in the heavyweight division, making a significant impact with his powerful striking and knockout ability. He joined the GLORY Kickboxing promotion, where he achieved a 4-1 record, with all four wins coming by knockout. His knockout-to-loss ratio of 4:1 underscores his effectiveness and dominance in the ring. Notably, he secured a victory over Maurice Greene at GLORY 32 Virginia, winning by knockout in the second round.
His performance in GLORY Kickboxing solidified his reputation as a formidable fighter and paved the way for his subsequent ventures in MMA and acting.
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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Career
Chi Lewis-Parry’s MMA career further showcased his striking prowess and athleticism. Competing in the heavyweight division, he amassed an undefeated professional record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws, with 7 of those victories coming by knockout. His MMA debut was marked by a first-round stoppage win over Alain Ngalani at ONE FC 18 in 2014. He continued to build his undefeated streak with notable victories over opponents like Fabio Maldonado and Mahmoud Hassan in the UAE Warriors promotion.
However, his MMA career faced a significant setback when he received a four-year suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in 2020 due to multiple banned substances and falsifying evidence. This suspension, retroactive to November 1, 2019, effectively sidelined his MMA career for the duration of the ban.
Acting Career
Following his suspension from MMA, Chi Lewis-Parry shifted his focus to acting, bringing his imposing presence and athletic background to the screen. He made his acting debut in the 2022 television series Pistol, portraying a bodyguard during the Sex Pistols’ 1978 U.S. tour. His subsequent roles included appearances in Pennyworth and Slow Horses in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
In 2024, Lewis-Parry landed his first major film role as Phoebus in Gladiator II, where his character meets a dramatic end in the coliseum. His portrayal of the Alpha zombie Samson in 28 Years Later (2025) garnered significant attention, particularly for a controversial nude scene achieved through prosthetics to comply with child protection laws during filming.
Looking ahead, Lewis-Parry is set to appear in the 2026 sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and in The Running Man alongside Glen Powell, further establishing his presence in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Chi Lewis-Parry is known for his charismatic and confident demeanor. He has expressed a desire to leave a lasting legacy in both sports and entertainment. While specific details about his personal life, including his family and relationships, are limited, his public persona reflects a commitment to his craft and a passion for his pursuits.
Major Achievements
- Basketball: Represented teams in London, Guildford, and Glasgow; selected for Nike’s ‘Midnight Madness’ competition.
- Kickboxing: Achieved a 4-1 record in GLORY Kickboxing, with all wins by knockout.
- MMA: Maintained an undefeated professional record of 9-0-2, with 7 wins by knockout.
- Acting: Portrayed Phoebus in Gladiator II (2024) and Samson in 28 Years Later (2025); set to appear in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) and The Running Man.
Conclusion
Chi Lewis-Parry’s journey from the basketball courts of England to the arenas of combat sports and the silver screen is a testament to his versatility and determination. His achievements in various fields highlight his adaptability and commitment to excellence. As he continues to expand his horizons in acting, audiences can look forward to more compelling performances from this multifaceted individual.
FAQs
What is Chi Lewis-Parry’s height?
Chi Lewis-Parry stands at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) tall.
What is his MMA record?
He has an undefeated MMA record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws, with 7 wins by knockout.
Has he ever been suspended?
Yes, in 2020, he received a four-year suspension from USADA due to multiple banned substances and falsifying evidence.
What is his kickboxing record?
In GLORY Kickboxing, he achieved a 4-1 record, with all wins by knockout.
What was his role in Gladiator II?
He portrayed Phoebus, a character who meets a dramatic end in the coliseum.
What is his role in 28 Years Later?
He played Samson, an Alpha zombie, in the 2025 film.
Is he married?
Information about his marital status is not publicly disclosed.
Does he have children?
Details about his children, if any, are not publicly available.
What is his net worth?
Specific details about his net worth are not publicly disclosed.