Channing Tatum's MMA Journey: From High School Tapes to 'Tekken' Moves (2025)

Get ready for a thrilling tale of Hollywood and MMA colliding! Channing Tatum, the charismatic actor, has an unexpected passion for the world of fighting sports.

Tatum, known for his roles in '21 Jump Street' and 'Magic Mike,' has a long-standing love for combat. Before he took on the role of 'Gambit' in Marvel's 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' he starred in the movie 'Fighting' (2009), where he met his MMA co-star, Cung Le. This is where the story gets interesting.

Tatum attended Le's UFC fights years later, and here's where it gets controversial... Tatum claimed Le's moves were straight out of a video game! He said, "He was doing things that you literally were like, that only is in Tekken." But here's the twist: Le's fighting style wasn't just a video game fantasy; it was a reality.

Cung Le, a former Strikeforce and Sanda champion, had an impressive record of 7-1 in Strikeforce and 2-2 in the UFC. Almost all of his professional wins came by KO/TKO, showcasing his explosive and unique fighting style.

And this is the part most people miss: Le's fighting prowess landed him a role in the live-action 'Tekken' movie! He played 'Marshall Law,' a beloved character from the video game, and his performance was spot-on. The film, though under the radar, was a visual treat for fans, with its cast and costumes mirroring the game perfectly.

So, was Le's fighting style in the UFC a direct inspiration for his role in 'Tekken'? It's a question that sparks debate. What do you think? Do you agree that Le's moves were straight out of a video game? Or do you have a different take on this story? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your opinions on this unique intersection of Hollywood and MMA.

Channing Tatum's MMA Journey: From High School Tapes to 'Tekken' Moves (2025)
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