MMA Junkie reports that Jon Jones will be on the cover of the UFC’s latest video game, “EA Sports UFC.” A second UFC fighter will be featured and chosen based upon a MetroPCS-sponsored vote on the UFC web site.
Chris Weidman, Georges St. Pierre, Jose Aldo and Ronda Rousey are among the 16 fighters in the running for the second spot on the video game cover. EA Sports is widely known among video gamers for its Madden/NFL Franchise.
Payout Perspective:
I am a little surprised that Georges St. Pierre wasn’t picked here although he may eventually be on the cover through fan vote. While Jones’ PPV appeal has been on the slide, it makes sense that the UFC/EA would want him to be the face of its new video game. He’s a recognizable figure, young and his best days should be ahead of him. The MetroPCS-sponsored vote for the second fighter is another way to utilize UFC sponsors and create consumer interaction as it gives fans the chance to pick the next fighter on the cover.
There was really only two choices here. Jones and Pettis. Pettis also seems to have his best days ahead of him and also seems to be more likely to get over than Jones. That said Jones as a 205 champ has a head start in popularity. It will take some doing for Pettis to be the draw and ge the eyes Jones is already getting.
The problem with GSP is most of his fanbase is Canadian. Im not sure how big his fan base is throughout the US. The fact his career is almost over and may lose his next few fights would not look good as poster boy for EA. Considering this game has to last like 2 years. I don’t see him lasting that long. Weidman is a great talent but we don’t know how people are going to take to his personality yet. Silva is on his way down already.
I would have liked to see them go with Pettis here and get behind him. He could easily have the 145 and 155 belts and his fights are more exciting than Jones for the most part. Not to mention his highlight moves are going to be in the game so putting him on the cover would be a better chance to promote those moves, the game, and the fighter.
Barao should be on the cover. Pettis has not been nearly as dominant as Barao. GSP is over the hill. Plus, everyone knows GSP. Time for the UFC to push Barao. If Dana White wants smaller fighters to be popular he needs to do this. I would even settle for Demetrious Johnson.
Neither of those guys are marketable. Barao will never be a draw in the US. Putting him on the game as interim champ and no personality or English would be crazy. He couldn’t even be used to promote the game. Johnson cant finish a sandwich. His fights are long drawn out which will eventually become a problem. Pettis has been more exciting, more marketable, and heads up would beat Barao. He has also beat MUCH better competition. IM not a huge fan of any of these guys. But Pettis would be the best option. If I was selling a product. I wouldn’t put Barao’s ugly mug on anything and expect anyone to buy it.
Little guys are marketable enough to headline events. This push would convey legitimacy if Dana White were to make the push. Dj woulda finished Dodson if the fight wasn’t timed out halfway through the fifth. Dodson was done and got over a minute to rest. All they have to do is show Baraos highlight reel knockouts. Pettis’ best isn’t even a KO and that didn’t stop the ufc from pushing it. Just because the ufc isn’t doing something doesn’t make some not viable, unless you are a shill.
In case you haven’t noticed this isn’t the UFC. BUt an EA sports game. You don’t even know if the UFC controls who is on the cover. Also there is no proven record of the guys you names being able to sell anything. Even the events they have been headlining are on free TV. EA and the UFC cant afford to have the video game bomb because they put someone on it no one cares about. This game cover isn’t going to put anyone over nor is it the point of it. They are looking for someone who will create sales and be the face of the game.
Ok, you got me, UFC fans just might be stupid enough to buy something just because someone is on the cover. Wait until after Barao stomps Cruz in their upcoming TITLE HEADLINER. The COULD use the title to get Barao over, especially if it is an alternate cover. It’s not as if it is one or the other, they are going to do two, or have you forgotten?
UFC can’t afford for the game to bomb because they are up to their eyeballs in debt!
No offense but I don’t listen to anyones opinion on business or the UFC’s so called debt who would put Barao on the cover of EA video game. If you don’t understand the effects of packaging and why having a big name fighter improves the image of the product and why who is on the cover is such a big deal. Then there is nothing you can say about the UFC financial status that anyone wants to hear. Maybe you don’t realize just about all companies carry debt.
The WWE took out a 200 million loan 2 years go.
I agree with Doc. Barao could be viable if given that push. He is already headlining 169 over Aldo. Dana might as well get behind his guy since he has already delivered more highlight reel knockouts than most will in a career.