The most interesting stories in combat sports always start with a character. The human element is often times the parts of stories in sports that makes them so intriguing and in comic books, there is much of the same. Whether we are dealing with a world guided by a hero, anti-hero or villain, it is the character that makes or breaks the intrigue of a story. The unique thing about the sport of MMA is the fighter’s own ability to sell themselves as they are.
MMA’s human element is an enormous part of why we love the sport and the fighters in it. Once you really look at it, the MMA world and comic books share many similarities such as the element of chaos. Stepping into the octagon to challenge the man standing in front of you is the closest idea we can have of what it would be like in the endeavours of an adventurous comic book character.
But which UFC fighters’ personalities, marketability, story-lines and career antics reflect that of a comic book character? Here are Sportskeeda’s 5 UFC fighters and their comic book equivalents.
#5 Conor McGregor - Deadpool
The similarity between these two characters is uncanny in many ways. The MMA community knows Conor McGregor as the former two-weight world champion who parades his gold belts on the stairway of his private jet, trash talks like no one else in the modern fight game and calls out just about every relevant name in the business.
However, it is McGregor’s unmatched wit – a trait that even his haters find admirable – that he shares with Deadpool. Both characters carry a dark and quick wit that is usually followed up by a threat, or in Deadpool’s case, a pretty insane fight scene. The UFC 205 press conference where McGregor just about threw a chair at Eddie Alvarez is the closest example of such.
It is true that the Irishman doesn’t carry around two deadly weapons but one could say his left hand – often deemed “the touch of death” – could count as a weapon. Both of these characters are energetic, fantastic martial artists and filled to the brim with quality wit. A perfect pairing.
#4 Joanna Jedrzejczyk - Catwoman
The strawweight champion is one of the most feared female fighters on planet earth right now. Her perfect record in professional MMA is one of the most fearsome things about her.
But what makes Jedrzejczyk even more intimidating is the way she picks her opponents apart with her stellar Muay Thai and stand up game. On plenty of occasions, we have seen the 115-lb queen demolish her opponent on the feet.
Catwoman’s personal story is definitely different than the Polish champions, but their vicious fight style, one that has no mercy, is very similar. Catwoman is known to pounce on her opponents and fluidly dismantle them in encounters. Jedrzejczyk is no different in her approach. In fact, some of the greatest striking seen on the UFC canvas has come from the Women’s Strawweight Champion.
#3 Roy Nelson - Thing
When one thinks of Nelson, one thinks of his incredible knockout power. Considering his lack of conditioning and striking experience leading into his UFC debut, the ability he has with his hands is astounding.
Now, when one thinks of Thing of the Fantastic Four, one thinks of his trademark quote “it’s clobbering time!”, a quote well suited to describe Nelson in the octagon. Although as of late, he hasn’t graced us with too many highlight-reel performances, his abilities are well documented.
Also read: Top 10 most infamous post-fight interviews in UFC history
The comparisons between these two characters also include their appearances, with both characters being heavyset and gigantic men in their own right and always ready for a fight. The only thing that sets them apart is that Nelson doesn’t have a trio of superheroes like Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman to call his own like Thing does. But if he does, he has yet to let us know.
#2 Nick & Nate Diaz - The Punisher
The Punisher’s series of stories have always been rooted in tragedy. This character comparison could work for both the Diaz brothers particularly because the Punisher is more of an anti-hero than a conventional one.
We know the Punisher because of his thirst for revenge on those who killed his family and both the Diaz brothers have spent most of their UFC career’s calling out fighters they felt weren’t deserving of their place atop the rankings such as Georges St-Pierre or Conor McGregor.
They are two very vocal men and they are never afraid to accept, challenge or take on any fighter brought to their attention. This character comparison also works because both brothers are non-stop workers in terms of training, always looking towards a greater goal, much like the Punisher in his endless quest for vengeance. Overall, it is their pugilist attitude; gritty fight style and excessive bad guy image that makes them perfect real life versions of the Punisher.
#1 Jon Jones - Wolverine
The main reason Jones is compared to Wolverine is for his notorious eye poking. However, to broaden the comparison, it is true that both characters have been through major adversary in their respective careers. The former UFC light heavyweight champion has spent a majority of his UFC title defences defending and denying his excessive eye poking.
So, what better character to compare him to than a man who has long and sharp steel knives protruding from his knuckles? Wolverine’s story is also another reason why these two men can be compared. Both men have faced major difficulty in their lives and emerged better but found themselves taken down again by consequences such as Wolverine’s struggle with his mutation and Jones’ run in’s with the law and troubles with substance abuse.
Overall, though, the comparison lies in Jones’ ability to bounce back from adversity in title fights, life obstacles and even career obstacles much like Logan himself in his various comic book stories.
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