Back in October, EA Sports released the fifth installment of its coveted UFC franchise ending a three-year wait for a new MMA simulation game. Unfortunately, however, to say fans are disappointed would be an understatement. It only takes one small Google search to see just how the game has gone down with its beloved followers, with it garnering over 350 one-star reviews, leaving it with a paltry 1.4 out of five overall.
But while the game hasn’t given a glowing review of itself, it has certainly given a rub to 11 of the planet’s finest fighters. That’s how many have received a five-star rating by the Canadian game developer. So, without further ado, here they are.
Alexander Volkanovski
The current featherweight champion of the UFC, Alexander Volkanovski is the first fighter with a five-star rating in the game. With exceptional striking and wrestling skills, The Great’s in-game character is a force to reckon with. The Wollongong-born fighter is the current number three ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the planet however, he is looking to bounce back from a devastating first-round knockout loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, his second straight defeat to the Dagestani submission machine.
He will get the perfect opportunity to do exactly that when he battles Georgian wrestler Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in a bout that UFC odds have made the featherweight champion a -160 favorite to retain his strap.
Anderson Silva
Although no longer an active fighter in the UFC, Anderson Silva remains one of the greatest fighters in the game. Known for his deadly Muay Thai skills and slick submission techniques, The Spider’s five-star rating is well-earned, especially considering that he is without a doubt the greatest middleweight champion of all time. He defended his 185-pound strap against all comers, racking up ten straight defenses including two victories against arch-rival Chael Sonnen.
Georges St. Pierre
GSP is a legendary fighter in the UFC, having held the welterweight title for a record 3,628 days. His five-star rating in the game comes as no surprise, considering his well-rounded skill set that includes exceptional wrestling, striking, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He even managed to return to the summit of the sport in 2017 after four years away and successfully choked out Michael Bisping to become UFC Middleweight Champion.
Fedor Emelianenko
Widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Fedor Emelianenko is a five-star-rated fighter in the game. The Russian fighter’s game character boasts high power, durability, and grappling skills. He is considered the best fighter to have ever fought in the UFC and he holds victories over luminaries such as Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Mark Coleman.
Islam Makhachev
Although he’s still making a name for himself in the UFC, Islam Makhachev is already one of the most lethal fighters in the game. The Russian fighter’s in-game character has a five-star rating due to his exceptional grappling and ground-and-pound skills. He is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion and he is expected to defend his title against Charles Oliveira in the coming months, the man he defeated for the gold back at UFC 280.
Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya is one of the most exciting fighters in the world today, and his five-star rating in the EA Sports UFC video game reflects just that. The Last Style Bender’s striking is second to none, and his ability to evade his opponent’s attacks and counter with deadly accuracy makes him a dangerous opponent to face. He was one of the longest-reigning middleweight champions in history with five title defenses. However, two losses in his last three bouts – the latter of those a dropping of the title to Sean Strickland – mean that his future may lie at light heavyweight and a trilogy bout against nemesis Alex Pereira.
Jon Jones
It’s no secret that Jon Jones is one of the most impressive fighters to ever grace the Octagon, and it’s no different in the EA Sports UFC video game. With his incredible reach, power, and grappling ability, Jones has a five-star rating that makes him a formidable opponent in the virtual world. Jonny Bones is the current heavyweight champion, pound-for-pound number one and the consensus pick as the greatest fighter that’s ever lived.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov may have retired from the sport, but his virtual presence is still felt in the EA Sports UFC video game. Known for his incredible wrestling and ground-and-pound, The Eagle shot to prominence with his dominant submission against Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in the highest-grossing UFC pay-per-view event of all time, securing the lightweight title in the process.
Successful defenses against Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier allowed him to retire from the sport undefeated, something that the aforementioned Jones cannot replicate.
Amanda Nunes
One of the most dominant female fighters in UFC history, Amanda Nunes boasts a five-star rating in the game. With exceptional striking skills and Brazilian jiu-jitsu abilities, Nunes’ in-game character is one of the hardest to beat.
Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina Shevchenko is a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division and has a five-star rating in EA Sports UFC 5 to match her dominance. The Bullet’s striking and grappling game are both top tier, making her one of the most well-rounded fighters in the game.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Former Strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s in-game character boasts a five-star rating thanks to her Muay Thai skills, coupled with her ability to defend against takedowns and ground-and-pound attacks.
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