General Feedback & Wishlist From a Hardcore Fan

As a die hard UFC fan and longtime player of the EA UFC franchise, here’s some feedback to help truly evolve the next installment into the most immersive MMA experience yet. UFC 5 had some good steps forward, but there’s still room for major polish and innovation.

Fighter Select Lock-In

Once a fighter is locked in, it should stay locked. Currently, if your opponent scrolls through their roster, it unlocks your selection that’s frustrating and unnecessary. 

** fighter select menu should be different on ranked so that opponent doesn’t know which fighter you choose and vice versa

Ranked Improvements

Able to choose weight class. Quitting gives the opponent a lock out timer and gives you extra points or something.

 incentivize playing ranked for exclusive rewards

also add progress bar for badges. For example if I wanted unlock the 1,000 submissions badge I should know how many more I need in order to unlock it.

Quick Fight Improvements


Players seem to feel intimidated when they see a rank 20 badge or 99 overall level and leave before the match even starts. Incorporate something in which these can only be seen after the match. Also punish players for quitting early during game. Maybe introduce a “throw in the towel” option and create a badge or player card which reflects how many players you’ve made throw in the towel lol. 

Visual Realism

Fighter tattoos in UFC 5 are way too dark and bold. In real life, they often appear more faded and worn-in. Reduce opacity for a more authentic look.

Skin tones, sweat, and damage should feel organic. Swelling and cuts should build progressively and realistically.

Unique Fighter Builds & Animations

Fighters shouldn’t all share the same body model or posture. Jon Jones should move like Jon Jones. Khabib’s wrestling stance and pressure style should feel different from Gaethje’s bouncy, forward movement.

Add signature movements, taunts, and idle stances.

Octagon Environment

The Octagon looks identical every fight. In real life, we get new sponsors, logos, and even lighting differences based on event and location. Replicate that.

Venues should feel different: Apex should feel smaller and tighter than MSG or T-Mobile. Crowd noise, lighting, and energy should reflect that.

** Add more camera styles and angles.. through settings

Movement & Physics

Fighters need real weight. Footwork should feel deliberate every step should have weight, balance, and risk.

We need better transitional animations: momentum based movement, off-balance recoveries, and realistic cage interactions.

Sound Design

Improve the variety and realism of strike sounds. Right now, leg kicks triggering health events sound like cartoon bone snaps lol use authentic fight audio as reference.

Punches, slams, mat noise, corner advice it all matters. Add crowd reactions to momentum shifts and near finishes to keep the game fresh

Grappling & Clinch Control

Bring back full control of every position like in UFC 3 especially in clinch and ground. No auto breaks or time-outs from dominant positions!

Grappling should be its own art form! Give us tools, not shortcuts

Add the body triangle! And “Dagestani handcuff” position. Grappling cage side should be different than grappling out in the open.

Scoring System Overhaul

Winning shouldn’t just be KO or submission. Reward octagon control, takedown defense, clinch pressure, strike accuracy, ground control, and cage clinch control time.

Judges should score fights based on a realistic breakdown similar to real judging criteria.

Fighter Ratings

Ditch the “star” system. It feels like an arcade game. Go back to detailed stats (e.g. striking, grappling, stamina, chin, etc.). Let players understand fighter strengths and weaknesses at a glance.

Practice Mode Improvements

Add live video demonstrations for every move and combo in the practice mode. Don’t make players guess what the animation looks like or how to chain combos.

Damage System & Fight Dynamics

Clean well timed shots should be fight changing. Let a counter elbow turn the tide. Momentum swings make for exciting gameplay.

Consider a mini-game or skill check during stuns/wobbles to determine whether a fighter stays standing, clinches up, or gets dropped.

UI & Menus

Simplify and modernize the UI. Clean fonts, minimal clutter, sleek design  let the content shine

Commentary & Presentation

Commentary needs more depth and variety. Let’s get multiple commentary teams (Rogan/DC, Anik/Bisping, Fitzgerald/Felder) and more dynamic reactions.

Let presentation change based on card tier: Fight Night vs PPV vs Title Fight with matching commentary energy, overlays, and walkout vibes.

Gameplay Tips & Learning Tools

In-game tips should be contextual and useful not just reminders to “press X to punch.” Educate players on deeper mechanics and strategy.

We want to hop on the game after watching a real UFC event and feel that same energy. Whether we’re climbing through Career Mode or grinding in Online Championships, it should replicate the beauty and brutality of real MMA.

Thanks!