The Cage is Netflix’s latest knockout. It is full of grit, drama, and punches that’ll make you flinch. This French series revolves around mixed martial arts (MMA) and brings it to life.
The show is about Taylor Keita. He is a young amateur MMA fighter. He has big dreams of making it to the UFC. But before you start Googling whether The Cage is based on a true story, let’s clear it up right here, it’s not.
The show features some real MMA legends like Georges St-Pierre, Edwige Ahonto, Ciryl Gane, Anissa Meksen, and Jon Jones. But its story is fictional.
That doesn’t mean The Cage lacks realism. Co-creator Franck Gastambide crafted this gripping tale in a raw and authentic way. Melvin Boomer’s performance as Taylor gives the show punches above its weight class.
What’s The Cage all about?
At its core, The Cage is a classic underdog story. But of course, with a twist. Taylor Keita (Melvin Boomer) trains tirelessly at Boss’s (Franck Gastambide) Parisian gym. He dreams of becoming a professional fighter.
He has no family support. His mom only calls for money, and his dad’s out of the picture. So, Taylor’s determination is all he’s got.
One day, he gets an unexpected opportunity. He gets to spar against Ibrahim (Bosh), a seasoned pro. He gets warnings that he’s way out of his league and should not go for it. But Taylor ignores it all and steps into the cage.
A viral video of their face-off makes him an overnight sensation. But fame doesn’t come easy. Taylor must make his way through the pressures of celebrity, grueling training, and rivalries in and out of the octagon.
Is The Cage based on a true story?
No, not at all. The Cage isn’t based on real events. However, it’s grounded in the realities of MMA. Also, thanks to its cast of real-life fighters like Georges St-Pierre and Ciryl Gane.
Their presence gives the series an air of authenticity. The fight sequences feel as intense and real as a live UFC match.
Actor Melvin Boomer, who plays Taylor, drew inspiration from his real-life connection to the MMA world. Boomer’s father, Jean-Phael Promeneur, is an accomplished MMA fighter.
He has nine professional wins and two gold medals from the 2024 IBJJF events. Promeneur served as a guiding light for his son. Taylor’s story isn’t his dad’s. But the parallels between them add an emotional depth to his character.
Also read - The Cage: How do Taylor's family issues tie into his fighting career? Explained
What makes The Cage stand out?
It’s not just another rags-to-riches sports drama. It does have all the staples. Big dreams, intense training montages, and a rocky mentor-mentee relationship.
But the show goes deeper. It explores how social media fame can be both a blessing and a curse. Taylor’s viral success makes him a target for criticism. He is pushed to prove he belongs in the UFC.
So even though it’s not based on a true story, the inspiration behind Taylor’s character gives the series a touch of realism.
Also read - The Cage cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the MMA drama on Netflix
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