Top 5 Stories of the Week

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Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s bantamweight titleholder Ronda Rousey has apparently been cast in the upcoming third installment of “The Expendables” film franchise. Series creator Sylvester Stallone tweeted the news on July 23, also revealing that former boxing champion Victor Ortiz has also been cast in the film.

Rousey, 26, signed a representation deal in February with global talent agency William Morris Endeavor. The news came just after it was reported Rousey had been offered a role in the new “Hunger Games” sequel.

In the cage, Rousey has never tasted defeat, submitting her first seven opponents with first-round armbars. The Olympic judo bronze medalist captured the Strikeforce bantamweight title from Miesha Tate in 2012 and was crowned the UFC champion upon her arrival to the Zuffa-owned promotion. Following her successful title defense against Liz Carmouche at UFC 157, Rousey was cast as a coach in “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 18, which is currently in production.

Known for his iconic roles as John Rambo and Rocky Balboa, Stallone created “The Expendables” franchise in 2010 and followed up with a sequel in 2012. The films have featured a massive cast of famous action stars, including Stallone, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren, as well as UFC hall of famer Randy Couture. “The Expendables 3” is expected to hit theaters next summer.

The stories of interest on Sherdog.com this week:

Branching Out

Familiar Territory

Political Wrangling

Foxy Final

Of Death and Double-Legs

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