Chris Pratt's Friend and Al-Qaeda Hostage Survivor Adel Altamimi Wins MMA Debut

Adel Altamimi worked for the U.S. Marines before being captured by Al-Qaeda.

MMA fighter Adel Altamimi has one of the most unique backstories in all of sports. The Baghdad, Iraq native drove convoys for the Marines before being captured by Al-Qaeda, ultimately being saved by his fellow Marines and returned to the United States.

In addition to his military service, Altamimi is friends with Hollywood actor Chris Pratt. Altamimi trained Pratt in Los Angeles, forming a bond before Altamimi entered the professional MMA circuit. 

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A post shared by Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt)

Altamimi made his MMA debut on Saturday, fighting in Bellator 214 in Los Angeles. Altamimi submitted opponent Brandon McMahon in the first round, winning his first-ever featherweight bout. 

🔥@Kyokushininja locked in that arm quick! 🔥#Bellator214 pic.twitter.com/dA2JZKpln0

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 27, 2019

An elated Adel Altamimi celebrates, as does friend and corner man Chris Pratt. #Bellator214 pic.twitter.com/mlsCUBoHNP

— Brian Martin (@TheBMartin) January 27, 2019

Altamimi worked at Unbreakable MMA in Los Angeles before his professional career began. Unbreakable MMA trains Pratt, Demi Lovato and Wiz Khalifa among other celebrities, according to Entertainment Tonight.