Ludi Lin Packed on 40 Pounds for “Mortal Kombat II”- Here’s the Brutal Training Plan Behind His Liu Kang Transformation
Mortal Kombat II star Ludi Lin is revealing just how far he pushed his body to prepare for the highly anticipated sequel, which arrives in theaters this weekend. Best known for playing Liu Kang, Lin underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role, bulking up from roughly 165 pounds to more than 200 pounds to prepare for the increasingly dangerous battles awaiting Earthrealm.
According to a new interview with Men’s Health, Lin completely shifted his training philosophy while preparing for the film. Instead of relying primarily on martial arts and bodyweight movements, he embraced a heavier bodybuilding-style approach designed specifically for size and on-screen presence.
From Lean Fighter To Massive Action Star
Lin explained that his original physique worked for the first movie because Liu Kang was portrayed as a quicker, more agile martial artist. But with the scale of Mortal Kombat II increasing dramatically, the actor knew he needed more mass and a more imposing frame.
The result: roughly 40 pounds added during the process.
That transformation didn’t come easy. Lin admitted the constant eating was one of the hardest parts of the entire process, especially while trying to maintain conditioning and mobility for fight choreography.
Ludi Lin’s ‘Mortal Kombat II’ Training Breakdown
Lin’s prep blended classic hypertrophy training with athletic performance work and martial arts conditioning.
Key Elements Of Ludi Lin’s Training
- High-volume bodybuilding workouts focused on hypertrophy
- Martial arts skill sessions and fight choreography
- Heavy emphasis on upper body mass and shoulder development
- Increased calorie intake to support muscle growth
- Calisthenics incorporated for mobility and control
- Functional conditioning to maintain speed during combat scenes
- Recovery-focused approach to handle long filming schedules
Building A Bigger Liu Kang
One of the more interesting revelations from the interview was Lin’s shift away from purely athletic training into more traditional bodybuilding territory. He reportedly focused heavily on adding visible muscle size instead of simply staying lean and explosive.
That’s a major change for an actor already known for martial arts ability and conditioning.
Lin also discussed the challenge of balancing aesthetics with movement. Packing on mass for Hollywood action roles can often reduce mobility, but the demands of Mortal Kombat II required him to stay fluid enough for complex fight sequences while looking physically dominant on camera.
Mortal Kombat II Raises The Stakes
The sequel appears significantly larger in scope than the 2021 reboot. Early reports and reviews have pointed to bigger fight scenes, more elaborate choreography, and higher-level action sequences involving Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Shao Kahn, and several fan-favorite characters.
That escalation likely explains why Lin pushed his physique to another level this time around.
For bodybuilding and fitness fans, the transformation is another reminder that modern Hollywood action stars are increasingly borrowing from bodybuilding-style training methods to create larger-than-life physiques for the screen.
And with Mortal Kombat II arriving in theaters this weekend, fans are about to see the final result of that brutal preparation firsthand.
Featured image via Instagram @ludilin and @mortalkombatmovie
