“EA Sports MMA” Preview

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Heavy.com got a first-hand look at the latest build of “EA Sports MMA” today at a media conference at the Bridgestone Arena.

The game, due for a late 2010 release, is the first mixed martial arts game from legendary sports game publisher Electronic Arts.

“With EA, they have a saying: ‘if it’s in the game, it’s in the game,” said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. “In our house, we play lots of EA games, and we know that’s true.”

Strikeforce is featured as the pinnacle of MMA promotions in the game, and many Strikeforce fighters are included on the 60+ fighter roster. Current UFC star Randy Couture is also featured in the game, having signed a contract with EA while in the middle of a contract despite with the UFC.

Strikeforce isn’t the only promotion in the game. There will be “several” Japanese promotions included, but EA officials declined to reveal which ones.

Notes:

— Gamers can choose between Strikeforce rules, Japanese rules and other unspecified rule sets.

— There are two types of cages in the game, including the Strikeforce hexagonal cage. A boxing ring is also included for Japanese MMA purists.

— Fighters who have fought in multiple weight classes in their careers will be able to do the same thing in the game, but just like the UFC game, you can’t match a heavyweight against a lightweight. This will be a bummer for the 3% of you hoping to match Fedor Emelianenko against Shinya Aoki.

— The game features full entrances, including lights and special effects. Fighters also wear their championship belts to the cage.

Stay tuned to Heavy.com for more on “EA Sports MMA” as the release date nears.