Channing Tatum, the Hollywood heartthrob, has a hidden passion for MMA and a unique connection to the world of video games. But who knew his love for fighting started way back in high school? Tatum, the versatile actor known for '21 Jump Street' and 'Magic Mike', revealed his long-standing admiration for the sport, which even influenced his role choices.
Before donning the cape as 'Gambit' in the Marvel universe, Tatum starred in the 2009 film 'Fighting', alongside MMA legend Cung Le. This experience left a lasting impression, as Tatum fondly recalls attending Le's UFC fights years later, praising his unique style. But here's where it gets intriguing: Tatum claims Le's moves were straight out of the iconic video game, Tekken!
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Tatum reminisced about his high school days, where UFC tapes circulated among students. He admired Le's fighting prowess, stating, "He was pulling moves that you only do in video games." Le's performance in the cage, according to Tatum, mirrored the flashy combos and techniques seen in Tekken.
Cung Le, a former Strikeforce and Sanda champion, had a stellar record of 7-1 in Strikeforce and 2-2 in the UFC. His success in the ring translated to the big screen, as he landed the role of 'Marshall Law' in the live-action Tekken movie (2010). The film's attention to detail in replicating the video game's characters and costumes was remarkable, even if it flew under the radar for some.
And this is the part most people miss: Could Le's real-life fighting style have influenced his casting in the Tekken film? It's a fascinating connection between MMA and pop culture, leaving fans wondering if reality inspired fiction or vice versa.
What do you think? Is there a blurred line between MMA and video game combat, or is it a mere coincidence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
