The famous quote on tattoos, “I think it’s a good way to express myself,” by WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is not just a mere combination of words but a profound reality in the world of combat sports, which is frequently echoed by fighters in the MMA realm. When discussing MMA tattoos, the image of UFC superstar Conor McGregor comes to mind, as he has inked his chest and stomach with a gorilla and tiger, both dominant animals of the jungle that represent his cocky persona.
Following this trend of animal tattoos, UFC’s ranked #14 featherweight contender Dan Ige took it a step further by embracing the world of mythical creatures with his deadly dragon tattoos, which intrigue fans even more than his fighting skills. So, are you excited to learn more about ’50K’s dragon tattoos? So, without wasting any more time, let’s dive into the meaning behind them.
Dan Ige and his chest tattoo- Meaning and significance
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Dragons have been a part of human civilization since the beginning, appearing in various forms such as folklore and stories across different cultures and religions. Two places that prominently feature dragons are China and some countries in Europe, where perceptions of these mythical creatures differ significantly. In China, dragons are regarded as benevolent and auspicious beings, while in European folklore, they are often seen as malevolent creatures associated with destruction and chaos. Despite these contrasting interpretations, dragons share some similarities in physical appearance.
The dragon tattoo that Dan Ige has inked on his body resembles the Chinese dragon, often depicted as a serpent symbolizing power, wisdom, and protection. This particular representation of dragons emphasizes their positive attributes, reflecting the cultural reverence for these creatures in various societies.
New ink power level going pic.twitter.com/VEfolA6Qhh
Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) February 1, 2023
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Meanwhile, Dan Ige’s love for tattoos doesn’t stop there, he has further adorned his body with iconic mythological beings. Scroll down to learn more about his impressive collection.
Other tattoos on the fighter’s body
Last year, after putting Damon Jackson to sleep in a gruesome square-off, Dan Ige bounced back from his consecutive three losses. To honor his win, ’50K’ added a new tattoo of an Odin-like figure on his left hand, just below the elbow where his serpent dragon tattoo ends.
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Odin, known as the ‘All-Father,’ is a Norse mythological figure associated with fate and wisdom. Ige took to his X account to unveil his new tattoo, writing, “New ink, power level going up.” Additionally, this featherweight contender has a tattoo on his right leg, which seems more like an artistic design rather than depicting another mythological figure.
Now, all eyes are on the upcoming UFC 308, where Dan Ige will square off against Lerone Murphy, who is riding a six-fight winning streak, in a bid to break into the top 10 of the featherweight rankings. Will he succeed? Well, to find out, you’ll have to stay tuned!