Fan-favorite and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin will grace the worldwide cover of the upcoming UFC 2009 Undisputed videogame. Griffin, a prominent fighter with solid striking skills, earned his initial UFC contract in 2005 after winning the first season of Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter" reality show.
In addition, a special cover of the game will be made available in Canada featuring current UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre. Recognized for his tremendous athleticism and strengths in several mixed martial arts disciplines, St-Pierre is a Quebec native who recently received the prestigious "Canadian Athlete of the Year" award for 2008. UFC 2009 Undisputed is scheduled for release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as the PLAYSTATION computer entertainment system, on May 19, 2009.
"We are honored to have Forrest Griffin and Georges St-Pierre as our cover athletes for UFC 2009 Undisputed," said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, publishing, THQ. "Both fighters are proven champions and great ambassadors for the sport of mixed martial arts."
"Forrest Griffin and Georges St-Pierre helped elevate UFC to the place we are today," said Dana White, president, UFC. "We are confident that these two fighters' many strengths both inside and outside the Octagon will have the same effect on UFC 2009 Undisputed as we prepare for the game's worldwide launch on May 19."
UFC 2009 Undisputed is an explosive fighting game that will demonstrate the action, intensity and attitude of a UFC live event. Players will explore a deep roster of more than 80 top fighters in UFC competition across all five weight classes. In addition, they will enter the Octagon surrounded by the sport's renowned announcer, commentators, referees, trainers, Octagon Girls and more. Photorealistic models are at the forefront, as players will view amazing ripple effects across the faces and bodies of their fighters from the impact of devastating punches and kicks.
A brand new fighting game engine designed specifically for next generation systems will deliver innovative, responsive and easy-to-play controls that give unparalleled command of fighters, as players take down opponents with a variety of mixed martial arts disciplines, including Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In addition, the game's Create-a-Fighter system will jumpstart the careers of future champions through character customization, while a robust Career Mode will develop a fighter's attributes and skill sets while fighting to enter the UFC Hall of Fame. Furthermore, players will be able to enhance their UFC 2009 Undisputed gameplay experience through online support, including downloadable content.