UFC 244 takes place on Nov. 2 at Madison Square Garden, and it will mark the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s introduction of the “BMF” belt, which will be awarded to the baddest motherf****r who wins the main event between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz.
Now, regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of this sort of fun being had at the highest level of MMA, I couldn’t help but notice that two of my favorite universes have come together, with the “BMF” belt conjuring up memories of Jules Winnfield’s wallet from “Pulp Fiction.”
For context: If there’s any type of film that I’ve watched more than fight tape, then it’s most certainly the marvelous world of cinema, as I was a film major in college for some time. And like any film buff who grew up in the ’90s (an era when it was much easier for young kids to get into R-rated movies/rent a UFC event on VHS), I gravitated more toward movie covers like “Reservoir Dogs” when perusing the aisles of my local Blockbuster – thus introducing me to the universe of director Quentin Tarantino.
Tarantino, like many people or promotions in MMA, is not without quirks or polarizing characteristics. That said, no matter how large the Hollywood director gets, Tarantino – as seen in his most recent release of “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood” – still seems to use his mainstream platform to speak to audiences of the early days, which, at least in spirit, is something that hardcore MMA fans who still exist can appreciate.
In fact, you could say that Tarantino is akin to Japanese MMA in the way in which he’s not afraid to celebrate days of old through pageantry and production, as well as his recruitment of familiar faces who were thought to be past their primes. So, with both the landscapes of MMA and the film industry currently suffering from similar themes of saturation, audiences of each arena are equally hungry for substance (as is evident with dwindling box office numbers and buy rates).
Now, will the UFC’s attempt at a shakeup be a success like Tarantino’s latest flick? I honestly have no clue.
And rather than argue the merits of a fun contest between two proven commodities, I’ll instead ask you to humor me in a harmless tour of my two favorite worlds on the ensuing pages, using the format of a fantasy cast to help convey their similarities as MMA crosses into Tarantino’s universe.
(Warning: Clip contains NSFW langauge)
Django / Nate Diaz
Both Django and Nate Diaz have had “the man” sticking it to them and their loved ones for some time, but fortuitous circumstances involving European counterparts have allowed them to rise above the working-class ranks they were unfairly stuck in. Now Diaz, like Django, has finally earned himself a deserved seat at the proverbial table. How he plays his hand is up to him.
“Revenge is a dish best served cold.”
Jules Winnfield / Jorge Masvidal
Unquestionable “OG’s” of their perspective universes, Jules Winnfield and Jorge Masvidal each find themselves amidst a late-career renaissance after experiencing their own versions of divine intervention. And with said moments of clarity causing them to split with longtime partners and re-examine their line of work, they now find themselves as spiritual gangsters who walk the earth to the beat of their own drum.
“Want a bite? They’re real tasty.”
(Warning: Clip contains NSFW langauge)
Donald Cerrone / Cliff Booth
You’ll be hard-pressed to find cooler cats in either universe, as I wouldn’t be surprised if Cliff Booth and Donald Cerrone are brothers from another mother. Both Cliff and “Cowboy” are living, breathing, unapologetic archetypes of “a man” in a world that is seemingly shifting around them. But through danger, lost loyalties and an ever-evolving environment – they remain unchanged.
“I think that lethal weapon horsesh*t is just an excuse so you dancers never have to get in a real fight.”
The Bride / Valentina Shevchenko
Now, I’m not saying that Valentina Shevchenko is well versed in multiple martial arts and deadly with many forms of weaponry because she’s a member of a special assassination squad … but if she was … would you really be surprised?
“It’s mercy, compassion and forgiveness I lack. Not rationality.”
Dana White / Calvin Candie
Neither Calvin Candie nor Dana White are the type of tycoons to let go of top talent, but if you come to the table with bold proclamations and promises of performance, you may – for better or worse – get the big man’s attention. Questionable business practices aside, both characters are hardcore fight fans at heart who, oddly enough, seem to enjoy winning more than anyone else that exists in their respective universes.
“Come on over. We got us a fight going on that’s a good bit of fun.”
Winston Wolf / Lorenzo Fertitta
When the face of the organization is unable to solve a situation, you send in “The Wolf.” Lorenzo Fertittta, like The Wolf, is always dressed to the nines and ready to negotiate potentially sticky situations with superb subterfuge and a smile.
“Perfect. We couldn’t have planned this better.”
(Warning: Clip contains NSFW langauge)
Mr. Blonde / Greg Hardy
With both universes being violent, it’s hard to deny the parallels between two of their most polarizing guns for hire. Each man has a shaded past with the law, as well as a penchant for indiscriminate violence that even makes their colleagues uneasy. Still, say what you will about Greg Hardy, he – like Mr. Blonde – stays calm, cool and collected in the face of finger pointing.
“Are you gonna bark all day little doggie, or are you gonna bite?”
Scott Coker / Dr. King Schultz
Both Dr. King Schultz and Scott Coker find themselves in universes/positions that allow for them to use humans like products. And though they’re not beyond exercising their rights, they each understand the delicate nature of the symbiotic circles they reside in, earning them a special kind of respect amongst their peers and working partners. They are men who honor contracts and abide by the letter of the law, but they’re also not opposed to getting their hands dirty and thinking outside the box.
“Everybody calm down. I’m simply a customer trying to conduct a transaction.”
(Warning: Clip contains NSFW langauge)
Jackie Brown / Cris Cyborg
Original gangsters in their own right, Jackie Brown and Cris Cyborg are strong women who have spent the majority of their careers tempting fate, whether it be by risky acts on the job or negotiations with unscrupulous or unknowing parties. And though some have accused them of playing both sides, they are just simply streetwise veterans who have learned from past lessons.
“I’ll send you a postcard.”
Nobuyuki Sakakibara / Ordell Robbie
Gangsters in the business world, both Ordell Robbie and Nobuyuki Sakakibara are uniquely slick and savvy in the way in which they go about their dealings. They know how to dress up a deal accordingly (even if only one side stands to benefit) and prefer using hard currency when it comes to trading for services.
“Gonna have to use cash.”
O-Ren Ishii / Weili Zhang
No, I’m not casting Weili Zhang as O-Ren Ishii just because they’re both Asian. But as someone who is both of Chinese and Japanese descent, I do think it’s pretty badass to see these two fighting females come to power in what are traditionally male-dominated worlds.
“You didn’t think it would be that easy, did you?”
Jeff Novitzky / Hans Landa
In what are worrisome times in each universe, the powers that be have seen fit to enlist the help of some notorious hunters. And though it’s much easier to get behind the guise that Jeff Novitzky is selling, it’s hard not to see the similarities between him and Hans Landa. They both have keen senses, a knack for analogies and are not shy when it comes to cutting deals for those who offer information.
“I, on the other hand, love my unofficial title, precisely BECAUSE I’ve earned it.”
