🔧 The Proposal
Replace generic star ratings with a discipline-based rank system, tailored to each martial art’s real-world structure. Not one-size-fits-all—each discipline has its own rank progression, unlockables, and meaningful milestones:
- 🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: White → Blue → Purple → Brown → Black → Coral
- 🥊 Boxing: Amateur record tiers + Golden Gloves, regional/national titles
- 🦶 Muay Thai: Stadium titles (Lumpinee, Rajadamnern), Mongkhon/armband ranks
- 🏋️♂️ Wrestling: Tournament wins → All-American → NCAA Champion
- 🥷 Karate: Traditional belt path (White → Black)
- 🥋 Judo: Traditional belt path
- 🥋 Taekwondo: White → Black belt system
- 🥊 Kickboxing: Pro fight record + IKF/WKL titles
- 🥋 Sambo: Master of Sport ranks
- 🕺 Capoeira: Cordão rope system
🎮 How Career Mode & CAF Work with This
- Choose 2–3 core disciplines for your fighter.
- Train in discipline-specific academies or gyms.
- Level up through drills, matches, promotions, or tournament wins.
- Rank progression unlocks advanced moves—combat flow, submissions, striking combos, and transitions.
- Your profile displays belts, cords, medals, or titles—showcasing style identity.
✅ Why This Is a Game Changer
- Authentic Fighter Identity: Earned milestones, not slider stars.
- Deeper Immersion: Real progression tied to actual martial systems.
- Enhanced Replay Value: Build a wrestler, Muay Thai kickboxer, or a hybrid specialist with purpose.
- UFC Branding Alignment: Mirrors real fighter journeys—rankings, titles, belts.
🎯 Benefits for EA & Players
- Better retention: players chase real milestones, not abstract stats.
- Easier community engagement: we’ll talk about belt ranks and stadium titles—content spikes.
- Marketing hook: “Earn your belt” campaign could draw in BJJ/Muay Thai communities.
- Legacy momentum: sets UFC 6 up with Career Mode depth unmatched in fighting games.
✅ TL;DR
Move from stars to real rankings—belts, awards, titles. Add meaning, style, and emotion to CAF and Career Mode. It’s authentic, measurable, shareable—and beyond just stat upgrades.
I believe this framework could become the signature progression system of UFC 6 and beyond. I’m ready to jump into detailed doc outlines, move unlock trees, or mock-ups if this resonates. Appreciate you reading—looking forward to helping shape the future of UFC gameplay.
– Mike Alessi (lifelong fan & franchise veteran)
