MMA Fighter Claims Mortal Kombat X Ripped Off Her Likeness

Did NetherRealm Studios ripoff UFC fighter Felice Herrig's likeness to design Cassie Cage in Mortal Kombat X? We don't think so, but you can check the evidence for yourself.

Kotaku reports that UFC and MMA vet Felice Herrig has gone to social media to spout her disapproval in what she believes to be NetherRealm's unapproved use in her character and likeness in developing the image and attitude of Cassandra Cage, one of the new characters included in Mortal Kombat X. Cassie Cage is the daughter of MK vets Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade. A few months ago, Herrig mentioned the resemblance offhandedly on her Instagram account. Now that Mortal Kombat X has launched and is in the spotlight, she's been rather vocal in regards to how Cassie looks. After seeing Cassie's bubble gum Fatality, Herrig thinks that NetherRealm Studios went full force in using her likeness.

We have to put our foot down here, be honest to our readers and say we disagree. Sure, they're both fit blondes with short hair, a chiseled jaw and muscular bodies, but we don't think they look the same, especially the whole bubble gum Fatality thing. Sorry Ms. Herrig, we're a big fan of your MMA accolades, but this is just pushing it. You're not the first beautiful blonde to take a selfie while blowing a bubble made of gum. Let's break things down based on the photo collage she posted (provided below). The upper-left picture does not look like her. The upper-right picture is probably the biggest likeness, due to both Cassie and Herrig having very heavy jawlines. The hair is obviously different and so are their eyebrows. When they're both looking forward, Herrig's pointier jaw becomes much more evident. The lips are similar in shape and width, but their eyes are quite different. It's unconfirmed if the green, glowy hand picture in the bottom-left of the picture is even NetherRealms' concept art or just something a fan made. Even then, the hair, face, outfits, muscles are all different. The only thing similar are their hair color (not even), muscles, and poses. The bottom-right picture is just both characters doing them same thing, because who hasn't blown a bubble with gum before.

Here's to hoping that she doesn't go off the deep-end and start pursuing legal matters, like Lindsay Lohan did about the GTA character that looked nothing like her.