The Cage cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the MMA drama on Netflix

Netflix's latest sports drama, The Cage, dives into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Released on November 8, the series isn’t just about fights in the cage, it showcases a range of complex characters, from ambitious young fighters to seasoned veterans, with several real-life MMA legends making guest appearances that add authenticity and thrill.

Below, we’ll dive into the main characters of The Cage and the talented actors behind them. Whether you're a combat sports enthusiast or just enjoy a good drama, this guide will offer a deeper look into each character’s journey.

***The Cage*: Cast and character guide**

Melvin Boomer as Taylor Keita

Taylor’s journey reflects the battles many athletes face (Image Source - Netflix)

French breakdancer and actor Melvin Boomer takes on the role of Taylor Keita, the series’ main character. Taylor is a young MMA fighter facing inner struggles that often rival his opponents in the cage. He’s a character with a rough past, burdened by a toxic, manipulative mother whose approval he desperately seeks, and he struggles to find respect from his coach.

Taylor’s journey reflects the battles many athletes face. He isn’t a failure, yet he’s not quite a standout either, and his determination sometimes gets him in trouble.

Boomer, previously seen in Sage-homme and 66-5, brings his physical agility and emotional range to this role, making Taylor’s growth as a fighter a focal point of the series.

Melvin Boomer’s portrayal captures Taylor’s inner conflicts well, and his performance shows a genuine transformation, making Taylor’s growth as a fighter and person believable and relatable.

Franck Gastambide as Boss

He plays Boss, Taylor’s strict and somewhat jaded MMA coach (Image Source - Netflix)

Franck Gastambide stars in The Cage and also serves as the series' creator and director. He plays Boss, Taylor’s strict and somewhat jaded MMA coach.

Boss is straightforward and doesn’t give his students any illusions about the harsh realities of the sport. He sticks to old-school methods, focusing on discipline and work ethic over social media hype. Boss’s character hints at a mysterious past, suggesting that his cynicism might come from his unfulfilled dreams as a fighter.

Gastambide, an established figure in French cinema, is known for his work in Les Kaïra, Taxi 5, and Pattaya. He brings depth to this role, making Boss both a tough mentor and an insightful guide who can see through people’s intentions especially when it comes to Taylor’s so-called friend, Niko.

Bosh as Ibrahim Ibara

Rapper and actor Bosh plays Ibrahim Ibara (Image Source - Netflix)

Rapper and actor Bosh plays Ibrahim Ibara, a cocky and often aggressive fighter who serves as Taylor’s main rival in The Cage. Ibrahim’s arrogance and willingness to antagonize others highlight some of the darker aspects of MMA, where ego can sometimes overshadow talent.

Known for his work in Karnage, Bosh’s background in music and acting adds intensity to his portrayal. He uses his success as a weapon to belittle those around him, making him a formidable yet unlikeable character.

Antoine Simoni as Niko

Niko (Played by Antoine Simoni) (Image Source - Netflix)

French actor Antoine Simoni steps into the role of Niko, Taylor’s childhood friend. Niko isn’t the supportive companion Taylor needs. Instead, he embodies the negative side of competitiveness, driven by jealousy and insecurity.

Niko makes poor choices, including using drugs to improve his performance, and his destructive behavior eventually hurts Taylor’s career.

Simoni, seen in Summer of 85 and Barbara, brings out Niko’s complexity, portraying a character torn between loyalty and personal ambition. Simoni does a great job of portraying a character who isn’t openly malicious but ends up being a dangerous influence on Taylor’s life.

Supporting characters and cameos

The Cage also includes standout supporting performances and a host of cameo appearances by real MMA legends:

Bilal (Yanisse Kebbab): Bilal is a combat sports enthusiast who provides humor and energy to the series, and Kebbab makes the most of his screen time.
Elena (Edwige Ahonto): Elena, despite limited scenes, adds depth and intrigue to the story through her impactful presence.

The show’s authenticity is boosted by MMA stars like Georges St-Pierre and Jon Jones, who appear as mentors to Taylor, providing advice that helps him advance in his career.

Other fighters, such as Ciryl Gane, Anissa Meksen, Abdoul Abdouraguimov, and Souleymane Cissokho, appear in smaller roles, adding a realistic feel to the world of The Cage.

With a mix of emotional complexity and physical intensity, The Cage offers an inside look at the MMA world, bringing characters who are as human and flawed as they are skilled in the octagon.

The cast, led by Melvin Boomer and Franck Gastambide, makes each character’s journey compelling, and the appearances of real MMA legends further enhance the show's appeal to combat sports fans.