Possible fighters for EA Sports MMA Video Game
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Shinya Aoki and Hidehiko Yoshida latest additions to "EA Sports MMA"
http://mmajunkie.com/news/17357/shi...yoshida-latest-additions-to-ea-sports-mma.mma
Two more fighters were today confirmed for the forthcoming "EA Sports MMA" video game, and both share honors as the first Japanese competitors in the game.
Company officials today announced that DREAM lightweight champion Shinya Aoki and former judo Olympic gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida will be featured in EA Sports' first mixed martial arts title.
The game, available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010.
The fighters join an official roster that currently includes Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Jay Hieron.
Several other fighters have confirmed their involvement but haven't been announced by EA.
"EA Sports MMA" faces tough competition from the "UFC Undisputed" franchise. The UFC-backed THQ release debuted with a 2009 version of the game, which recently was named the best sports title at the 2009 VGA Awards. The title features nearly 100 past and present UFC fighters and could top four million units sold by year's end.
Earlier this year, UFC president Dana White said EA Sports had no interest in an MMA title when he first approached the company a few years back. As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported in July, White said EA "doesn't give a [expletive] about mixed martial arts" and decided to do an MMA title only after seeing the UFC and THQ's success.
However, EA SPORTS President Peter Moore said the company's been working on an MMA title since 2007.
Regardless, White had banned any UFC fighters from appearing in the game, though Couture signed a deal during his 2008 contract dispute with the promotion.
EA Sports, founded in 1982, has produced additional sports titles geared around NCAA football and basketball, the NBA, NHL, FIFA and NASCAR, among others. The California-based company has delivered massively popular videogame series such as "Madden NFL" and "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR."
CANT WAIT TILL THIS GAME COMES OUT
http://mmajunkie.com/news/17357/shi...yoshida-latest-additions-to-ea-sports-mma.mma
Two more fighters were today confirmed for the forthcoming "EA Sports MMA" video game, and both share honors as the first Japanese competitors in the game.
Company officials today announced that DREAM lightweight champion Shinya Aoki and former judo Olympic gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida will be featured in EA Sports' first mixed martial arts title.
The game, available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010.
The fighters join an official roster that currently includes Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Jay Hieron.
Several other fighters have confirmed their involvement but haven't been announced by EA.
"EA Sports MMA" faces tough competition from the "UFC Undisputed" franchise. The UFC-backed THQ release debuted with a 2009 version of the game, which recently was named the best sports title at the 2009 VGA Awards. The title features nearly 100 past and present UFC fighters and could top four million units sold by year's end.
Earlier this year, UFC president Dana White said EA Sports had no interest in an MMA title when he first approached the company a few years back. As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) reported in July, White said EA "doesn't give a [expletive] about mixed martial arts" and decided to do an MMA title only after seeing the UFC and THQ's success.
However, EA SPORTS President Peter Moore said the company's been working on an MMA title since 2007.
Regardless, White had banned any UFC fighters from appearing in the game, though Couture signed a deal during his 2008 contract dispute with the promotion.
EA Sports, founded in 1982, has produced additional sports titles geared around NCAA football and basketball, the NBA, NHL, FIFA and NASCAR, among others. The California-based company has delivered massively popular videogame series such as "Madden NFL" and "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR."
CANT WAIT TILL THIS GAME COMES OUT
Nick Diaz, Marius Zaromskis, Joe Riggs and Melvin Manhoef also in for "EA Sports MMA"
Shortly after Bobby Lashley was announced on today's edition of ESPN.com's "MMA Live" as the latest addition to "EA Sports MMA," four more fighters involved in this weekend's "Strikeforce: Miami" event were also confirmed for the game.
Nick Diaz (20-7 MMA, 2-0 SF), Marius Zaromskis (13-3 MMA, 0-0 SF), Joe Riggs (32-10 MMA, 3-2 SF) and Melvin Manhoef (24-6-1 MMA, 0-0 SF) will all appear in the upcoming rival to THQ's "UFC Undisputed" franchise.
The latest additions to the forthcoming video game's roster were announced in an ESPN.com interview with Lashley.
Diaz and Zaromskis will be featured in the main event of Saturday's "Strikeforce: Miami" event in Sunrise, Fla., when the pair contests the promotion's vacant welterweight title
Diaz enters the title fight with a five-fight win streak and a 9-1 record since May 2006. (The lone loss came to Strikeforce signee K.J. Noons under the EliteXC banner in late 2007.)
Diaz was originally slated to fight Jay Hieron for the title this past August but skipped a mandatory pre-fight drug test and wasn't licensed for the bout. Hieron, who instead defeated Jesse Taylor at the show, had hoped he'd get the fight with Diaz, but it instead went to Zaromskis, who announced a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce this past October.
Zaromskis enters the bout with a five-win streak, which included a successful run to win the DREAM welterweight grand prix in late 2009. After defeating Seichi Ikemoto via decision, the Lithuanian fighter knocked out Hayato "Mach" Sakurai and Jason High to win the tournament and DREAM's welterweight title. Most recently he knocked out Ho Bae Myeon in a non-title fight at DREAM.12 this past October.
Riggs will be featured in a "Strikeforce: Miami" preliminary card bout with Jay Hieron that will stream live on EASportsMMA.com. Both Riggs and Hieron are considered top welterweight contenders and could be in line to face the winner of the Diaz vs. Zaromskis contest.
Finally, Manhoef will also be seen on the main card of this weekend's Showtime-broadcast "Strikeforce: Miami" event when he meets fellow middleweight slugger Robbie Lawler.
The four fighters join an official "EA Sports MMA" roster that currently includes Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Jay Hieron.
Several other fighters have confirmed their involvement but haven't been announced by EA. For instance, the ESPN.com interview features screenshots of Lashley alongside veteran heavyweight Jeff Monson, who also has not been officially announced for the "EA Sports MMA" title.
EA Sports, founded in 1982, has produced additional sports titles geared around NCAA football and basketball, the NBA, NHL, FIFA and NASCAR, among others. The California-based company has delivered massively popular videogame series such as "Madden NFL" and "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR."
Shortly after Bobby Lashley was announced on today's edition of ESPN.com's "MMA Live" as the latest addition to "EA Sports MMA," four more fighters involved in this weekend's "Strikeforce: Miami" event were also confirmed for the game.
Nick Diaz (20-7 MMA, 2-0 SF), Marius Zaromskis (13-3 MMA, 0-0 SF), Joe Riggs (32-10 MMA, 3-2 SF) and Melvin Manhoef (24-6-1 MMA, 0-0 SF) will all appear in the upcoming rival to THQ's "UFC Undisputed" franchise.
The latest additions to the forthcoming video game's roster were announced in an ESPN.com interview with Lashley.
Diaz and Zaromskis will be featured in the main event of Saturday's "Strikeforce: Miami" event in Sunrise, Fla., when the pair contests the promotion's vacant welterweight title
Diaz enters the title fight with a five-fight win streak and a 9-1 record since May 2006. (The lone loss came to Strikeforce signee K.J. Noons under the EliteXC banner in late 2007.)
Diaz was originally slated to fight Jay Hieron for the title this past August but skipped a mandatory pre-fight drug test and wasn't licensed for the bout. Hieron, who instead defeated Jesse Taylor at the show, had hoped he'd get the fight with Diaz, but it instead went to Zaromskis, who announced a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce this past October.
Zaromskis enters the bout with a five-win streak, which included a successful run to win the DREAM welterweight grand prix in late 2009. After defeating Seichi Ikemoto via decision, the Lithuanian fighter knocked out Hayato "Mach" Sakurai and Jason High to win the tournament and DREAM's welterweight title. Most recently he knocked out Ho Bae Myeon in a non-title fight at DREAM.12 this past October.
Riggs will be featured in a "Strikeforce: Miami" preliminary card bout with Jay Hieron that will stream live on EASportsMMA.com. Both Riggs and Hieron are considered top welterweight contenders and could be in line to face the winner of the Diaz vs. Zaromskis contest.
Finally, Manhoef will also be seen on the main card of this weekend's Showtime-broadcast "Strikeforce: Miami" event when he meets fellow middleweight slugger Robbie Lawler.
The four fighters join an official "EA Sports MMA" roster that currently includes Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Jay Hieron.
Several other fighters have confirmed their involvement but haven't been announced by EA. For instance, the ESPN.com interview features screenshots of Lashley alongside veteran heavyweight Jeff Monson, who also has not been officially announced for the "EA Sports MMA" title.
EA Sports, founded in 1982, has produced additional sports titles geared around NCAA football and basketball, the NBA, NHL, FIFA and NASCAR, among others. The California-based company has delivered massively popular videogame series such as "Madden NFL" and "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR."
Joachim Hansen joins “EA Sports MMA” roster
Former Dream lightweight champion Joachim “Hellboy” Hansen is the latest fighter expected to take part in the upcoming “EA Sports MMA” video game.
The title is expected to be released late this summer on the Playstation 3 and XBox 360 consoles.
A native of Oslo, Norway, Hansen is widely respected as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport with notable victories over the likes of Shinya Aoki, Caol Uno, Yves Edwards and Takanori Gomi to his credit.
FiveOuncesofPain.com was the first to report the news that Joachim would be dropping from lightweight to featherweight to challenge Bibiano Fernandes for the Dream 142 pound title, and Dream officials have since confirmed 5 Oz.’ report.
Fighters made official through the company for “EA Sports MMA” include Randy Couture, Fedor Emelianenko, Shinya Aoki, Frank Shamrock and many more.
Former Dream lightweight champion Joachim “Hellboy” Hansen is the latest fighter expected to take part in the upcoming “EA Sports MMA” video game.
The title is expected to be released late this summer on the Playstation 3 and XBox 360 consoles.
A native of Oslo, Norway, Hansen is widely respected as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport with notable victories over the likes of Shinya Aoki, Caol Uno, Yves Edwards and Takanori Gomi to his credit.
FiveOuncesofPain.com was the first to report the news that Joachim would be dropping from lightweight to featherweight to challenge Bibiano Fernandes for the Dream 142 pound title, and Dream officials have since confirmed 5 Oz.’ report.
Fighters made official through the company for “EA Sports MMA” include Randy Couture, Fedor Emelianenko, Shinya Aoki, Frank Shamrock and many more.
Tim Kennedy latest addition to "EA Sports MMA" videogame roster
Strikeforce middleweight Tim Kennedy is the latest addition to the "EA Sports MMA" videogame roster.
Kennedy previously announced his involvement in the project, as MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) previously reported, though EA Sports officials made it officially only overnight.
The game, available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010.
Kennedy (11-2 MMA, 2-0 SF), a veteran of the U.S. Army (7th Special Forces Group) who later joined the Texas National Guard so he could continue his fighting career, previously competed in the WEC and IFL before signing with Strikeforce in 2009.
Competing on two Strikeforce Challengers cards, Kennedy picked up a TKO victory over Nick Thompson and submission win over then-undefeated Zak Cummings. He's now won 11 of his past 12 fights since suffering a TKO loss (due to a cut) to Scott Smith in his pro debut.
Kennedy joins a quickly growing list of confirmed fighters for the game, which includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Jay Hieron.
EA Sports, founded in 1982, has produced additional sports titles geared around NCAA football and basketball, the NBA, NHL, FIFA and NASCAR, among others. The California-based company has delivered massively popular videogame series such as "Madden NFL" and "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR."
"EA Sports MMA" goes head to head with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and THQ's immensely and critically claimed "UFC Undisputed" franchise, which has sold approximately 4 million units since its debut 2009 release.
Strikeforce middleweight Tim Kennedy is the latest addition to the "EA Sports MMA" videogame roster.
Kennedy previously announced his involvement in the project, as MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) previously reported, though EA Sports officials made it officially only overnight.
The game, available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010.
Kennedy (11-2 MMA, 2-0 SF), a veteran of the U.S. Army (7th Special Forces Group) who later joined the Texas National Guard so he could continue his fighting career, previously competed in the WEC and IFL before signing with Strikeforce in 2009.
Competing on two Strikeforce Challengers cards, Kennedy picked up a TKO victory over Nick Thompson and submission win over then-undefeated Zak Cummings. He's now won 11 of his past 12 fights since suffering a TKO loss (due to a cut) to Scott Smith in his pro debut.
Kennedy joins a quickly growing list of confirmed fighters for the game, which includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Jay Hieron.
EA Sports, founded in 1982, has produced additional sports titles geared around NCAA football and basketball, the NBA, NHL, FIFA and NASCAR, among others. The California-based company has delivered massively popular videogame series such as "Madden NFL" and "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR."
"EA Sports MMA" goes head to head with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and THQ's immensely and critically claimed "UFC Undisputed" franchise, which has sold approximately 4 million units since its debut 2009 release.
UFC welterweight Frank Trigg latest addition to "EA Sports MMA" videogame roster
UFC welterweight and former PRIDE and Strikeforce fighter Frank Trigg is the latest addition to the "EA Sports MMA" videogame roster.
EA Sports marketing executive Randy Chase made the announcement while a guest on tonight's "PRIMETIME" edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).
The game, available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010.
Trigg, who re-signed with the UFC in 2009 after a four-year break from the organization, negotiated the "EA Sports MMA" deal prior to the new UFC contract. Otherwise, he wouldn't be allowed to be part of the game since UFC president Dana White allows UFC fighters only to be part of the rival game, THQ's "UFC Undisputed" title, which has already sold 3.5 million units.
Couture, who brokered his EA Sports deal while in a contract dispute with the UFC, and Trigg are the only current UFC fighters officially announced for the game.
"His college roommate is actually on the [development] team developing the game," Chase said of Trigg. "He's been very helpful and supportive. ... He's definitely a friend of the project."
Trigg (19-7), 37, wrestled at the University of Oklahoma before making his pro MMA debut in 1997. He twice fought for the UFC welterweight title and spent a couple years ranked in or near the top-10 for middleweight fighters worldwide. The Las Vegas resident owns career wins over the likes of Jason "Mayhem" Miller (which earned Trigg the IconSport middleweight belt), Kazuo Misaki, Falaniko Vitale and Dennis Hallman.
Trigg, 4-1 in his past five fights, next competes at Saturday's UFC 109 event, when he takes on former champ Matt Serra in a pay-per-view bout.
Trigg joins a quickly growing list of other confirmed "EA Sports MMA" fighters, which includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Tim Kennedy and Jay Hieron.
UFC welterweight and former PRIDE and Strikeforce fighter Frank Trigg is the latest addition to the "EA Sports MMA" videogame roster.
EA Sports marketing executive Randy Chase made the announcement while a guest on tonight's "PRIMETIME" edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio).
The game, available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010.
Trigg, who re-signed with the UFC in 2009 after a four-year break from the organization, negotiated the "EA Sports MMA" deal prior to the new UFC contract. Otherwise, he wouldn't be allowed to be part of the game since UFC president Dana White allows UFC fighters only to be part of the rival game, THQ's "UFC Undisputed" title, which has already sold 3.5 million units.
Couture, who brokered his EA Sports deal while in a contract dispute with the UFC, and Trigg are the only current UFC fighters officially announced for the game.
"His college roommate is actually on the [development] team developing the game," Chase said of Trigg. "He's been very helpful and supportive. ... He's definitely a friend of the project."
Trigg (19-7), 37, wrestled at the University of Oklahoma before making his pro MMA debut in 1997. He twice fought for the UFC welterweight title and spent a couple years ranked in or near the top-10 for middleweight fighters worldwide. The Las Vegas resident owns career wins over the likes of Jason "Mayhem" Miller (which earned Trigg the IconSport middleweight belt), Kazuo Misaki, Falaniko Vitale and Dennis Hallman.
Trigg, 4-1 in his past five fights, next competes at Saturday's UFC 109 event, when he takes on former champ Matt Serra in a pay-per-view bout.
Trigg joins a quickly growing list of other confirmed "EA Sports MMA" fighters, which includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Tim Kennedy and Jay Hieron.
"EA Sports MMA" adds Strikeforce's Dan Henderson to videogame roster
After failing to reach terms for a new deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and recently signing with rival Strikeforce, Dan Henderson has also inked a deal with the UFC's rival videogame: "EA Sports MMA."
EA Sports officials announced that Henderson signed his contract while at Wednesday's Madden Bowl, an annual videogame competition for "Madden NFL" held on Super Bowl week.
"EA Sports MMA," available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010.
Henderson, a character in THQ's wildly successful "UFC 2009 Undisputed" videogame franchise, now heads to EA Sports' Strikeforce- and DREAM-friendly title.
Henderson (25-7 MMA, 5-2 UFC), the first fighter simultaneously to hold two PRIDE belts, recently concluded his second stint in the UFC.
The former top UFC middleweight and light heavyweight contender fulfilled the fight terms of his previous contract with a knockout of Michael Bisping at UFC 100. However, while UFC officials hinted at a likely title shot for the winner, Henderson was passed over in favor of a bout between Vitor Belfort and UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Henderson then opened talks with Strikeforce and signed with the promotion in December. He's now expected to fight Strikeforce middleweight champ Jake Shields during the organization's April return to CBS airwaves.
Henderson, a collegiate wrestler at Cal State Fullerton and Arizona State University, represented the U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team in 1992 and 1996 before turning pro in MMA in 1997. The UFC 17 heavyweight tournament winner then held the two PRIDE titles in 2005. He returned to the UFC in 2007 following the UFC's purchase and eventual disbanding of the Japanese-based organization.
Henderson joins a quickly growing list of other confirmed "EA Sports MMA" fighters. As EA Sports announced on Wednesday's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), current UFC fighter Frank Trigg recently joined the roster, which also includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Tim Kennedy and Jay Hieron.
After failing to reach terms for a new deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and recently signing with rival Strikeforce, Dan Henderson has also inked a deal with the UFC's rival videogame: "EA Sports MMA."
EA Sports officials announced that Henderson signed his contract while at Wednesday's Madden Bowl, an annual videogame competition for "Madden NFL" held on Super Bowl week.
"EA Sports MMA," available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010.
Henderson, a character in THQ's wildly successful "UFC 2009 Undisputed" videogame franchise, now heads to EA Sports' Strikeforce- and DREAM-friendly title.
Henderson (25-7 MMA, 5-2 UFC), the first fighter simultaneously to hold two PRIDE belts, recently concluded his second stint in the UFC.
The former top UFC middleweight and light heavyweight contender fulfilled the fight terms of his previous contract with a knockout of Michael Bisping at UFC 100. However, while UFC officials hinted at a likely title shot for the winner, Henderson was passed over in favor of a bout between Vitor Belfort and UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Henderson then opened talks with Strikeforce and signed with the promotion in December. He's now expected to fight Strikeforce middleweight champ Jake Shields during the organization's April return to CBS airwaves.
Henderson, a collegiate wrestler at Cal State Fullerton and Arizona State University, represented the U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team in 1992 and 1996 before turning pro in MMA in 1997. The UFC 17 heavyweight tournament winner then held the two PRIDE titles in 2005. He returned to the UFC in 2007 following the UFC's purchase and eventual disbanding of the Japanese-based organization.
Henderson joins a quickly growing list of other confirmed "EA Sports MMA" fighters. As EA Sports announced on Wednesday's edition of MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), current UFC fighter Frank Trigg recently joined the roster, which also includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Tim Kennedy and Jay Hieron.
"EA Sports MMA" adds top Strikeforce prospect Tyron Woodley to videogame roster
Fast-rising Strikeforce welterweight and former University of Missouri wrestler Tyron Woodley is the latest addition to the "EA Sports MMA" videogame roster.
An EA Sports official today confirmed the addition with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
"EA Sports MMA," available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010 as a rival to THQ's "UFC Undisputed" title.
Woodley hinted at the signing in a recent Facebook update, though it wasn't clear if he simply began talking to officials from the videogame maker or had actually signed a deal.
Woodley, a two-time All-American and Big 12 champion at Mizzou, shifted to MMA following his college graduation in 2005. After posting a 7-0 amateur record, he turned pro in early 2009 and has quickly become one of the sport's most promising 170-pound fighters.
Strikeforce quickly signed the 27-year-old after just two pro bouts, and Woodley has improved to 5-0 while fighting under the promotion's banner. With a fast-paced, high-energy style in which he often sends opponents airborne, Woodley has posted submission victories over each opponent with crowd-pleasing performances.
Woodley's two most recent wins, which came over Zach Light and Rudy Bears, came in Strikeforce's prospects-driven "Challengers" series.
Woodley joins a quickly growing list of other confirmed "EA Sports MMA" fighters, which includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Tim Kennedy, Jay Hieron, Frank Trigg and Dan Henderson.
Fast-rising Strikeforce welterweight and former University of Missouri wrestler Tyron Woodley is the latest addition to the "EA Sports MMA" videogame roster.
An EA Sports official today confirmed the addition with MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
"EA Sports MMA," available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010 as a rival to THQ's "UFC Undisputed" title.
Woodley hinted at the signing in a recent Facebook update, though it wasn't clear if he simply began talking to officials from the videogame maker or had actually signed a deal.
Woodley, a two-time All-American and Big 12 champion at Mizzou, shifted to MMA following his college graduation in 2005. After posting a 7-0 amateur record, he turned pro in early 2009 and has quickly become one of the sport's most promising 170-pound fighters.
Strikeforce quickly signed the 27-year-old after just two pro bouts, and Woodley has improved to 5-0 while fighting under the promotion's banner. With a fast-paced, high-energy style in which he often sends opponents airborne, Woodley has posted submission victories over each opponent with crowd-pleasing performances.
Woodley's two most recent wins, which came over Zach Light and Rudy Bears, came in Strikeforce's prospects-driven "Challengers" series.
Woodley joins a quickly growing list of other confirmed "EA Sports MMA" fighters, which includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Tim Kennedy, Jay Hieron, Frank Trigg and Dan Henderson.
EA Sports fighter Ken Shamrock says rival videogame could turn industry "on its head"
"EA Sports MMA," a soon-to-be-released rival title to the UFC and THQ's bestselling "UFC Undisputed" franchise, will be a phenomenal game that could revolutionize the MMA-videogame industry.
That's the word from MMA legend Ken Shamrock, who's admittedly a bit biased since he's in the EA Sports game.
Shamrock, who told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) he became "unglued" when he saw his likeness on a World Wrestling Federation figurine, said he's even more excited about the highly anticipated videogame.
"I went down and had a meeting with those guys, and it was a really, really good meeting," Shamrock said of EA Sports. "Those guys seem very, very professional."
EA Sports releases the game, which is available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, later this summer. And despite the "UFC 2009 Undisputed" game already selling 3.5 million copies and the 2010 version hitting stores in May, Shamrock thinks "EA Sports MMA" – which features many Strikeforce and DREAM fighters, as well as some early MMA stars – will have a big impact.
"I think when they come out with this game, I think it's going to turn the MMA videogame world on its head," Shamrock said. "I think it's going to be a phenomenal game. It even sounds really exciting."
Shamrock, of course, is excited to see his likeness in the game alongside those of Fedor Emelianenko, Dan Henderson, Gegard Mousasi, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Frank Trigg and dozens of others, including Ken's adoptive brother, Frank Shamrock. Despite the UFC having a stronghold on the world's top talent and featuring them in "UFC Undisputed," EA Sports has put together a solid roster of other fighters.
Shamrock, who parlayed his early UFC dominance into a contract with the WWF (now known as the WWE), said a trip to the toy store gave him his first taste of merchandising fame.
"When I was in the WWF, I actually walked into a Toys'R'Us store when I was going Christmas shopping for my kids," Shamrock said. "And I actually saw a doll of me on the shelf.
"I just went unglued. I was like, 'That's the coolest thing in the world.' And it didn't even look like me; it looked like Frankenstein."
Of course, Shamrock is also happy to sign a contract with EA Sports to assure the videogame has "Ken Shamrock" and not a similar-looking character named something like "Ken Slam-rock." Shamrock, who's long had a big following in Japan thanks to his Pancrase and PRIDE fights, once learned that the country had comic books and cartoons based on him. He said they'd have his trademark garb – red trunks, red knee pads and red wrestling shoes – and even his hair, distinct jawline and muscular frame.
"But they said it's something like Ken Slam-rock, not Ken Shamrock, and that it wasn't me," he said. "That way they said they didn't have to pay me."
"EA Sports MMA," a soon-to-be-released rival title to the UFC and THQ's bestselling "UFC Undisputed" franchise, will be a phenomenal game that could revolutionize the MMA-videogame industry.
That's the word from MMA legend Ken Shamrock, who's admittedly a bit biased since he's in the EA Sports game.
Shamrock, who told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) he became "unglued" when he saw his likeness on a World Wrestling Federation figurine, said he's even more excited about the highly anticipated videogame.
"I went down and had a meeting with those guys, and it was a really, really good meeting," Shamrock said of EA Sports. "Those guys seem very, very professional."
EA Sports releases the game, which is available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, later this summer. And despite the "UFC 2009 Undisputed" game already selling 3.5 million copies and the 2010 version hitting stores in May, Shamrock thinks "EA Sports MMA" – which features many Strikeforce and DREAM fighters, as well as some early MMA stars – will have a big impact.
"I think when they come out with this game, I think it's going to turn the MMA videogame world on its head," Shamrock said. "I think it's going to be a phenomenal game. It even sounds really exciting."
Shamrock, of course, is excited to see his likeness in the game alongside those of Fedor Emelianenko, Dan Henderson, Gegard Mousasi, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Frank Trigg and dozens of others, including Ken's adoptive brother, Frank Shamrock. Despite the UFC having a stronghold on the world's top talent and featuring them in "UFC Undisputed," EA Sports has put together a solid roster of other fighters.
Shamrock, who parlayed his early UFC dominance into a contract with the WWF (now known as the WWE), said a trip to the toy store gave him his first taste of merchandising fame.
"When I was in the WWF, I actually walked into a Toys'R'Us store when I was going Christmas shopping for my kids," Shamrock said. "And I actually saw a doll of me on the shelf.
"I just went unglued. I was like, 'That's the coolest thing in the world.' And it didn't even look like me; it looked like Frankenstein."
Of course, Shamrock is also happy to sign a contract with EA Sports to assure the videogame has "Ken Shamrock" and not a similar-looking character named something like "Ken Slam-rock." Shamrock, who's long had a big following in Japan thanks to his Pancrase and PRIDE fights, once learned that the country had comic books and cartoons based on him. He said they'd have his trademark garb – red trunks, red knee pads and red wrestling shoes – and even his hair, distinct jawline and muscular frame.
"But they said it's something like Ken Slam-rock, not Ken Shamrock, and that it wasn't me," he said. "That way they said they didn't have to pay me."
Strikeforce middleweight prospect Luke Rockhold latest addition to "EA Sports MMA" roster
It's not the biggest name in MMA today, but those that watched his dominating win at "Strikeforce Challengers VI" on Friday night might certainly be pleased with the announcement.
EA Sports announced that American Kickboxing Academy middleweight Luke Rockhold (7-1 MMA, 6-0 SF) is the latest addition to the "EA Sports MMA" roster.
"EA Sports MMA," available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010 as a rival to THQ's "UFC Undisputed" title.
While an official announcement wasn't made on the evening's Showtime broadcast, EA Sports released the report late Friday night.
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt under famed instructor Dave Camarillo, Rockhold also trained judo as a youth before turning to wrestling in high school.
After opening his career just 1-1, Rockhold was signed by the California-based Strikeforce organization, where he has since become a mainstay. Rockhold has earned six-straight first-round stoppage wins for Strikeforce – a stretch that includes five submission and a dominating TKO win over Paul Bradley in Friday night's "Strikeforce Challengers VI" event.
Rockhold will likely soon find himself on the main card of Strikeforce's big show with his current impressive run.
Rockhold joins a quickly growing list of other confirmed "EA Sports MMA" fighters, which includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Tyron Woodley, Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Tim Kennedy, Jay Hieron, Frank Trigg and Dan Henderson.
It's not the biggest name in MMA today, but those that watched his dominating win at "Strikeforce Challengers VI" on Friday night might certainly be pleased with the announcement.
EA Sports announced that American Kickboxing Academy middleweight Luke Rockhold (7-1 MMA, 6-0 SF) is the latest addition to the "EA Sports MMA" roster.
"EA Sports MMA," available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, is expected to be released in late summer 2010 as a rival to THQ's "UFC Undisputed" title.
While an official announcement wasn't made on the evening's Showtime broadcast, EA Sports released the report late Friday night.
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt under famed instructor Dave Camarillo, Rockhold also trained judo as a youth before turning to wrestling in high school.
After opening his career just 1-1, Rockhold was signed by the California-based Strikeforce organization, where he has since become a mainstay. Rockhold has earned six-straight first-round stoppage wins for Strikeforce – a stretch that includes five submission and a dominating TKO win over Paul Bradley in Friday night's "Strikeforce Challengers VI" event.
Rockhold will likely soon find himself on the main card of Strikeforce's big show with his current impressive run.
Rockhold joins a quickly growing list of other confirmed "EA Sports MMA" fighters, which includes Strikeforce, DREAM and other fighters including Tyron Woodley, Bobby Lashley, Shinya Aoki, Hidehiko Yoshida, Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, Josh Thomson, Nick Thompson, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Frank Shamrock, Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Gegard Mousasi, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Tim Kennedy, Jay Hieron, Frank Trigg and Dan Henderson.