I’ve condensed my art studio into an efficient portable setup that fits in a backpack that I take all over New York City to create whenever and wherever possible. The only drawback is that it can be left behind...vsomewhere. While the backpack is in a safe place, that place is far away from me and my deadline. I made do with what was available and today’s MMA Squared was created using my children’s crayons.

Perhaps it’s fitting that I use tools available to me as a father to honor “The Daddest Man on the Planet” after Daniel Cormier became the first MMA fighter to win an ESPY. Let’s look back at his accomplishments in 2018.

First he thrashed Volkan Oezdemir to defend his light heavyweight belt. It was an expected outcome, but Cormier weathered a blitzing first round and rebounded from a crushing knockout loss to his nemesis Jon Jones.

This drawing is ridiculous. I ran out of space and foreshortened Oezdemir’s legs to painfully comic proportions. I do like the arabesque of DC’s torso into right hand.

Then Cormier won the heavyweight title to become a champ champ by knocking out Stipe Miocic. The outcome was a result of excellent game planning and even fans who anticipated a DC win were shocked at the execution. This drawing was the first I made and I am sickened by its existence. It shames like a child who farts at a funeral.

Finally, Daniel Cormier saved a UFC card, headlining their annual Madison Square Garden PPV and defending his heavyweight title against Derrick Lewis. At this point I’m starting to get the hang of crayons and wondering whether it’s a legit option or if the novelty will wear out over time. The shading is kind of fun and I’m starting to layer blues and greens along with that one brown every pack has. Also I’m getting closer to fitting both fighters on a page.

Thanks for checking out MMA Squared, now and every time. I love making this cartoon and this week has been especially fun. The readers & commenters at Bloody Elbow are really fun to interact with, I read all of your comments and want to say thank you. Take care of yourself and I’ll talk to you next week.

Chris