UFC 4, the latest game in the EA Sports franchise, has been released on all good consoles and sees a whole lot of changes and improvements from UFC 3, the previous iteration from two years ago.
Despite the small matter of a global pandemic making life a lot harder, EA might just have produced the most complete game in the series to date and one that should bring plenty of excitement for fight and gaming fans.
SPORTbible was lucky to be afforded some hands on time with the game prior to its launch, so here are five things we've enjoyed:
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Battle of the backyard:
It's all well and good fighting under the bright lights at the T-Mobile Arena but what about in someone's back garden? Well, in UFC 4, an all-new fighting location called 'the Backyard' draws inspiration from the late Kimbo Slice and his street fighting episodes.
In UFC 4, you can take cover star and BMF champion Jorge Masvidal back to his gritty roots. There's no judges and barely a referee, instead it's all about punishing the fighter opposite you.
Anyone can step into this world in UFC, with fighters even turning up in the traditional attire of jean shorts, backyard MMA gloves, backyard camo shirt, skull cap and gold chain as a homage to Kimbo.
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Players can also mix it up in 'The Kumite' - a cinematic location that looks like an underground temple you'd find in 80's and 90's MMA films - or the UFC Apex facility which has been staging its fair share of bouts behind closed doors in recent times.
Career Mode has been given a brilliant overhaul:
You can't beat a bit of Career Mode and the popular area of the game is better than ever this time around thanks to a series of alterations.
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The new storyline has a simple goal: go from complete novice to UFC Hall of Famer in an incredible journey from the ranks.
The fighter evolution system is absolutely essential in this and gives you a new level of control when it comes to decision making - your 'create a fighter' improving in the gym and octagon thanks to your calls.
Though weight class, fighting style and nicknames are open for selection, all players start at 'Action Avenue', an all new fight location in a parking lot where you are spotted by central character Coach Davis - the former UFC fighter who is looking to help the talent of tomorrow.
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Davis is there to guide you every step of the way but it's up to you how you carve your path. Should you want to fight in the amateur circuit and build your name in the World Fighting Alliance - or skip that and head straight for the UFC through Dana White's 'Contender' series, the choice is yours.
You will be able to interact with fans, fighters and promoters as the journey advances - including inviting champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones to train with you in the gym and even spark a feud by leaking sparring footage on social media.
Amanda Nunes is unbeatable:
There are more than 200 fighters playable in UFC 4 but it's 'The Lioness' who sits right at the top of the mountain.
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The undefeated women's bantamweight and featherweight champion is the highest-rated player on the game - which only seems right given her sheer dominance in two divisions in UFC.
The Brazilian is one of four fighters to receive a perfect five-star ranking, alongside flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko as well as fellow champions Jon Jones and Khabib.
With four-and-a-half star grappling, four-and-a-half star health and five-star striking (better than Conor McGregor Justin Gaethje and Francis Ngannou, Nunes is a force to be reckoned with and one of the most fun fighters to play with this year.
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury inside the Octagon:
The biggest fight in British boxing history is yet to happen inside the squared circle in real life, but you can go ahead and play it out inside the Octagon in UFC 4.
Having had Bruce Lee and Mike Tyson involved in the past, the two world champions have been added to the roster as special pre-order bonuses - although they can also be accessed if you achieved 'GOAT' status in Career Mode as they make a virtual cross-over into the sport.
Someone's already simulated the bout on the game and it really does dip the toe in the water in regards to the excitement that would be on the cards if a new 'Fight Night' was announced after years of waiting.
New commentary pairing gets a thumbs up:
There's a real freshness to the commentary in UFC 4. Joe Rogan does not feature because he "absolutely hates" the recording process and so instead we have the team of Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik calling the action.
Whereas UFC 3 featured bits of Rogan's commentary piped in, Cormier and Anik did several four hour sessions in the booth for UFC 4 and though their voices were no doubt sore by the end of it, it's easily the best quality commentary in the series.
The natural chemistry really pulls through when you're playing the game and it should go down well. The fact you can also have Cormier losing his marbles during a Cormier fight is also hilariously brilliant.
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