Champion MMA Fighter Boxer Jesse Swain to play Wayne Mulholland

We’re proud to announce that Jesse Swain, one of Australia’s fastest-rising MMA talents, has joined the cast of FENECH to portray Wayne Mulholland, the reigning champion who stood across the ring from Jeff Fenech during a pivotal chapter of his career.

From the cage to the canvas

Jesse Swain began training in mixed martial arts seven years ago, building his foundation on boxing and judo—a combination that forged his striking IQ, balance, and composure under pressure. That base carried him through an illustrious amateur run, where he captured two NSW State titles and narrowly missed the Victorian crown in a memorable five-round war that showcased both grit and gas tank.

Breakout momentum in the pros

In early 2025, Swain turned professional with Eternal MMA, Australia’s premier professional MMA organisation. What followed was nothing short of explosive: two emphatic first-round finishes, both inside one minute, instantly putting him in contention for Breakthrough Fighter of the Year and marking him as a problem for anyone in his division. His trajectory continues upward, now signed with an MMA management team in Colorado, USA, signalling an international future.

Why Jesse is the perfect Wayne Mulholland

Wayne Mulholland wasn’t just a name on a bout sheet—he was a champion, a physical test, and a psychological hurdle. Portraying a titleholder requires more than acting chops; it demands authentic movement, ring awareness, and the quiet confidence of a man who belongs under the lights. Jesse Swain brings that authenticity innately. He understands championship preparation, the weight of expectation, and the calm intensity that precedes the bell.

On screen, Jesse’s boxing pedigree gives the fight sequences truth—footwork, distance control, and timing that read as real because they are real. Off screen, his professionalism and discipline mirror the ethos of elite combat sport, ensuring the portrayal honours Mulholland’s status and the stakes Jeff Fenech faced.

Elevating realism in FENECH

FENECH is committed to realism—fighters who move like fighters, champions who feel like champions. Casting Jesse Swain as Wayne Mulholland reinforces that commitment. It grounds the film’s pivotal bouts in lived experience and brings a raw credibility that audiences will feel in every exchange.

We’re thrilled to welcome Jesse to the FENECH family and can’t wait for viewers to see this chapter brought to life with power, precision, and respect for the fighters who lived it. 🥊🔥