Overwatch unveiled Mei's new Legendary skin.

The MMA-inspired skin MM-Mei appeared in the Overwatch League store yesterday, wearing the fighter's robes, gloves, and championship belt. Mei, a Chinese hero, has also been given a traditional black haircut, the square-cut.

The inspiration for this hairstyle seems to come from Chinese MMA fighter Zhang Weili, who has a similar hairstyle. Tight braids are common among MMA fighters with long hair, but cornrows are generally not worn by non-black fighters.

This hairstyle was criticized by the fighters, who pointed out that there are many other MMA-inspired hairstyles. In addition to issues related to cultural appropriation, black hairstyles have also been criticized for appearing in games before black female heroes; Sojourn appears in Overwatch 2, but Blizzard has not released a black female hero in the game's five-year history None.

Blizzard has a history of twists and turns in how it handles diversity and representation in Overwatch. The Mexican map "Dorado" is based on an Italian city. Sigma's appearance was riddled with toxic and outdated mental health representations, and the decision to make him barefoot was "to sell the 'mental hospital' look" (via Polygon).

Blizzard has yet to respond to feedback, and the MM-Mei skin is currently on sale through May 11.