Actor Channing Tatum, known for his roles in films like `21 Jump Street` and `Magic Mike,` has long been a dedicated fan of combat sports. His fascination with fighting dates back to his high school days when he would enthusiastically circulate UFC fight tapes among his classmates.
Tatum`s deep-rooted interest in mixed martial arts led him to star in the 2009 movie `Fighting,` where he met and befriended former MMA fighter Cung Le. Years after their collaboration on set, Tatum continued to follow Le`s career, even attending his UFC bouts. He often noted that Le`s distinctive and dynamic fighting style strikingly reminded him of moves seen in video games.
Tatum on Cung Le`s `Tekken-like` Moves
During an appearance on Ariel Helwani`s show, Tatum playfully dismissed a rumor that Le had once suggested Tatum himself possessed the potential to be a skilled fighter. Speaking fondly of his `Fighting` co-star, Tatum emphasized their enduring friendship and Cung Le`s humorous personality.
Tatum reiterated his lifelong passion for fighting, recounting how early UFC tapes would make their rounds through his high school. He described Cung Le as an exceptionally thrilling fighter, whose techniques transcended typical martial arts. Tatum specifically highlighted how Le executed moves that seemed to belong exclusively to the popular video game franchise, `Tekken,` calling his prowess “crazy.”
Cung Le boasted an impressive professional record, including a 7-1 run in Strikeforce before concluding his UFC career with a 2-2 record. A former Strikeforce and Sanda champion, Le was renowned for his powerful striking, with nearly all of his professional victories achieved by knockout or technical knockout.
Cung Le`s `Tekken` Role
Le`s uniquely cinematic fighting style might have directly influenced his casting as Marshall Law in the 2010 live-action `Tekken` movie. In the film, he portrayed the beloved character, a staple of the video game series.
While `Tekken` (2010) largely flew under the radar, much like many video game adaptations, it was notable for its remarkable fidelity to the source material in terms of character portrayal and costume design. Le, in particular, famously sported one of Marshall Law`s classic outfits during his on-screen confrontation with the protagonist Jin Kazama, played by Jon Foo.