EA UFC 4: 10 Things We Want To See

Can EA finally make an MMA game as good as boxing's Fight Night Champion?

EA UFC Glitch Conor Tony
EA Sports

Ever since EA Sports acquired the license to produce video games based on the world's largest MMA promotion in 2012, we've seen some significant leaps forward hampered by some notable steps back in terms of UFC games. The most recent of these, EA UFC 3 was undoubtedly the best title in the franchise so far, but still garnered divisive reactions among MMA fans.

The fact that the UFC and EA had teamed up to create a game together came as a surprise to many long-time MMA fans who distinctly remember UFC president Dana White's feelings towards the company when they previously rejected the idea of making a game based on mixed martial arts.

But time (and a multi-million dollar deal) does tend to heal all wounds, so with a new EA UFC game likely out this year based on their current 24-month release cycle, here are 10 things we want to see in it.

10. More MMA Organisations

EA UFC Glitch Conor Tony
THQ

Throughout its tenure as an MMA juggernaut, the UFC has established a near-monopoly on the mixed martial arts fight business in North America.

By purchasing Strikeforce, World Extreme Cagefighting, World Fighting Alliance, and of course, PRIDE Fighting Championships, the UFC has acquired the rights to some of the most beloved organisations in the history of the sport.

So why then, haven't any of these organisations properly made their way into the EA UFC games?

Including a separate real-world organisation in which to start your career in career mode would make finally reaching the UFC much more special. And it's not like it can't be done. The THQ-produced UFC Undisputed 2010 game saw the player character do just that, embarking on their first professional bouts in the WFA before getting signed to the UFC, and while EA UFC 3 also sees you start your career in the WFA, you only get one fight before getting the call-up.

Another feature that would be an absolute treat if reintroduced during the next-gen title would be the PRIDE Mode seen in UFC Undisputed 3. The PRIDE era is hugely nostalgic to many MMA fans, and because the rules and settings of the Japanese organisation's bouts are significantly different from those seen in the UFC, a distinct Pride mode would provide players even more things to do in-game.

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Adrian Bishop hasn't written a bio just yet, but if they had... it would appear here.