EA Sports has surprised fans by announcing the development of UFC 5. Interestingly, UFC 4 was recently made available for subscribers of Xbox Free Play Days for Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Live Gold. This timing doesn't appear to be a mere coincidence.
The UFC series by EA Sports first debuted in 2014, over two decades after the establishment of the MMA organization. Throughout the years, these games have maintained their popularity. Unlike other sports games that adhere to traditional seasons, EA Sports doesn't have to release new UFC titles annually, as seen with FIFA and Madden NFL. Consequently, the studio has the luxury of taking their time with the UFC games. The most recent installment was launched in August 2020.
EA Sports has officially announced on Twitter that UFC 5 is on its way. Although details about the game are scarce, a full reveal is scheduled for September 2023. This confirms previous rumors from 2021 that EA was indeed working on the next installment of the franchise. Looking at the previous release pattern, with UFC 4 being announced a month before its release in July 2020, it's clear that EA Sports doesn't shy away from quick turnarounds. Considering this, it's safe to assume that UFC 5 will likely be released later this year, as going past the three-year mark without a new release would be unexpected.
The UFC games have evolved over time, gradually working towards creating the ultimate mixed martial arts video game. Being the leading MMA promotion worldwide, the series hasn't faced intense competition. However, with the development of UFC 5, there is anticipation regarding its content. One intriguing aspect will be the selection of the UFC cover athlete this time around. Given the rapid evolution of the sport and the emergence of new talents, the possibilities are endless.