Of all the onscreen portrayals of Commodus, Sergio Ciani's is probably the closest to the real emperor. The real Commodus was athletic and muscular. In reality, Commodus, as in the film, did enjoy performing as a gladiator. He was also said to have been a skilled swordsman and marksman.
Sergio Ciani, who would go on to play Hercules, plays Commodus, who in reality, believed he was Hercules reborn.