The COVID-19 pandemic has caused virtually all live sporting events to close for the foreseeable future. The president of theUltimate Fighting Championshipdoesn’t agree with that, however. The UFC’s key figurehead is pushing to get the fighting promotion’s next event going no matter the cost. Rumors state he’s planning tohost UFC 249 somewhere US law can’t stop it. The decision is leading to some saying Dana White is starting up his ownMortal Kombattournament, with White playing the role of Shang Tsung.
To commemorate the occasion, or perhaps just Dana White’s audacity, artist BossLogic has created a piece envisioning the UFC president in just such a role. The piece features Dana White with Shang Tsung’s recognizable leather jacket and plumage from the 1995Mortal Kombatfilm. Instead ofactor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Dana White’s taken his place. BossLogic has even added some more classical Shang Tsung flair, adding some glowing green effects to the art.
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While the art is unquestionably fun and well-executed, a dissection of it reveals some funny truths. It seems like BossLogic photoshopped three different specific images together to make the art. First, a photo of Dana White looking suitably focused. Second, a screenshot of theMortal Kombatfilm’s fight scene between Sonja Blade and Kano. During this scene, Shang Tsung sits on a throne of sorts with peacock feathers and an odd painted plate decoration behind him. Third is a screenshot fromMortal Kombat 11, which features a Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa skin in which he’s wearing a weird gauntlet.
Regardless of the source material for the art, it’s still an impressive piece that’s certain to please bothMortal KombatandUFC fans. Just the look of Dana White alone gives him an appropriately creepy presence.
What really elevates the piece of art is just how surreal the situation is. Dana White really is planning a sort ofMortal Kombatevent. Obviously, no one is going to be killing each other. But going to a private island or a reservation where state law can’t reach is incredibly beyond normal.
For the time being, UFC 249 remains scheduled for April 18. The location of the event remains a complete secret, though there’s rampant speculation about the UFC’s plans. Fighters will be flown via a private jet to the location and there will be no audience. IfDana White’s sitting on a throne watching, starting each match by saying, “Round one, fight!” then it’s time to start worrying.
UFC 249airs April 18 live on ESPN and Pay Per View.
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