Rumor: UFC May Ban Fighters Who Sign with EA
A big rumor has been floating around regarding UFC fighters and EA’s upcoming game, MMA. Apparently, UFC president Dana White is threatening to blacklist any fighter who chooses to partake in EA’s MMA game.
What this translates to is that if a fighter is represented in that title, they will never be endorsed by the association or asked to join. It’s a crazy situation that, if true, shows the UFC using strong-arm tactics very early on. Though we understand that they’re scared of EA signing exclusive deals with UFC’s fighters, this decision could quickly backfire on the association, especially if their monetary offers are lower than EA’s.
This wouldn’t have been the first time that White has released fighters who refused to give into his videogame demands. For instance, Jon Fitch was dropped in November for his unwillingness to sign a lifetime contract to use his name and likeness in all UFC games.
It’s a worrisome situation that could leave a lot of fighters in a pickle. Take an unspecified monetary compensation from UFC for a videogame contract, or leave UFC forever. We’ll make sure to keep you posted as this story develops.
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4 Responses to “Rumor: UFC May Ban Fighters Who Sign with EA”
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July 4th, 2009 at 11:47 PM
More than likely, it’s true. Although, in the end I imagine that EA will pick up the license. They are patient when it comes to this. Dana White has done this sort of thing to his fighters before and they usually sign since there isn’t really anywhere to go to make that sort of money.
July 5th, 2009 at 1:53 AM
Makes you wonder who has more money, EA or UFC, because what could stop EA from developing its own MMA league?
July 5th, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Seems extreme by Dana, but at the same time, no matter how much money it is why would you sacrifice your career by either signing with another video game company or refusing to be in the game altogether. I would accept $50 compensation for someone to make me into a video game character and I know these guys are getting WAY MORE than that.
July 6th, 2009 at 8:05 AM
@MaxPower
exactly.