Two MMA video games? Over the UFC's dead body

When Electronic Arts announced that they were developing an MMA game many mixed martial arts fans were left scratching their collective heads. 

Didn't THQ already own the UFC license? Would EA's game be connected with a major promotion, surely none of the UFC's remaining rivals are a strong enough brand to generate sales. 

Despite these doubts EA still felt confident that there would be large enough market for two MMA video games. G4's Blair Herter (of Road Rules fame) agrees with EA's assessment. Herter believes that the upcoming battle between EA and THQ will be more about gameplay and options than the license connected to the game. 

If a recently floated rumor is true than it appears that the UFC also believes Herter's assessment. 

According to a new report on the Under Ground Forums, the UFC is letting managers and their fighters know if they sign up to take part in EA's game they will not fight for the UFC in the future.

Kenny Pavia of MMA Agents confirmed the Rumors and said that the UFC wants the agents to make it known to all fighters.

"It's true.  And they told me want the word out."

This is an interesting development but until WKR sees some more reporting on the issue it is still a rumor. 

What makes this interesting is that THQ is by no means out of the woods with regards to their financial difficulties. Yes, UFC Undisputed was hit and should continue to be a hit but that doesn't mean that THQ will not have difficulties with some of their other products being released later this year and early next year. Now if THQ does get into serious financial trouble, the chances are more remote now, then there is a possibility that the UFC could find their license up for sale, akin to what happened with Setanta. If they are playing hardball with EA today it is more than possible that EA could play hardball later down the road.  

The possibilities of this happening are extremely remote, but burning bridges in the lucrative video game industry may not be a prudent decision. Not just for the UFC's video game license but by continuing their aggressive and controlling actions the UFC is fast approaching a fighter lawsuit or a potential formation of a fighter's union, something the UFC desperately doesn't want.