With just about a month away from the official release date, EA Sports has finally released details for the career mode in the video game. The big news here is the addition of The Ultimate Fighter as a prerequisite for fighters to enter the UFC, which is something THQ never incorporated into their UFC video game in the past.
Payout Perspective:
Its actually surprising that the UFC has not previously incorporated TUF into any of their previous video games. There are many naysayers when it comes to TUF, whether it’s the stale format, the lack of talent the show produces, or the declining ratings. The addition of TUF to the video game once again illustrates what type of value the show still has for the UFC in their eyes. Not only is TUF how the UFC has previously reached out to casuals and has converted many of them to PPV buyers, but its also their number one tool they will utilize towards breaking into new international territories. This is the reason why I have repeatedly argued that TUF is more important than most fans realize. Not only did it save the company from going bankrupt when it was $40M in debt almost ten years ago, but it continues to be a key component in their business model. Of course, no one can argue that the effectiveness of the show hasn’t considerably decreased since the explosion of free MMA programming all over network and cable television. Especially now that the UFC is on free network TV after their FOX TV deal.
Along with the TUF, career mode will also allow the fighters to sign deals with UFC approved sponsors. The video features the following sponsors: EA Sports, Affliction, RVCA, Musclepharm, Bruce Lee Enterprises, Training Mask, Topps, Alienware, Bony Acai, and Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery to name a few. The number of sponsors for a fighter are directly correlated to their popularity and success during their career. Their unlocked sponsors allow fighters to fill up their sponsorship banner and use their gear in the game.
As for the fighters MMA skill set, they will build up experience points throughout their career which can then be used to evolve and level up a fighter. The more experience and evolution points, the more advance moves a fighter can unlock. There are three ability categories for each fighter, which consist of Ground, Stand-up, and Physical. These abilities can then be applied to fighter game-plans which give a fighter performance boosts in those areas. Career longevity will be calculated for a fighter depending on his/her fighting style. If you fight smart and don’t take too much damage, you will have a longer longevity as supposed to an exciting brawler who takes a lot of damage.
is there every anything positive said about MMA on this site? EA Sports release a cool clip and they attack the TUF show. If you don’t like MMA don’t watch it, simple. I’m sure the WWE will be glab to have you back as fans
Randy,
On the contrary, I am defending the value of the show as almost every other fan out there is tearing it down. I think you may have missed that part.