Ultimate Fighting Championship

Ultimate Fighting Championship is a game from the early 2000s, when mixed martial arts was just gaining popularity, and it tried to reflect this in the career structure. You will start as an ordinary guy who goes out to fight in the yard, and end up as a recognized fighter with a name and money in his account. The unique thing is that sports here are linked to the economy: fees, training and preparation cost money, so the path to the top also depends on calculation. The character is created manually, and then the martial art that he masters is selected: karate, boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and other styles behave completely differently in the stand and on the ground. This determines what techniques are available and how quickly the fighter gets in shape - there is no universal option that will suit everyone. In addition to the career, there are single fights where you can simply go into the cage against league fighters. Victory goes to those who know how to combine accuracy, strength and patience: a missed blow can end the fight instantly, and the struggle for position on the ground does not forgive panic. Fights are based on a combination of striking techniques and wrestling: knocking an opponent down and holding a position is a separate skill, and an unsuccessful attempt to transition results in loss of strength. The cage judge is closely monitoring what is happening, so in the ring you have to follow the rules, and not just wave your fists. Each fight has its own drama, and victory over a more experienced opponent feels like a personal achievement. The graphics are certainly dated, but the career structure, school choice, and tournament feel remain interesting. For fans of the genre, this is an interesting page in the history of martial arts games.