Can UFC Undisputed change the MMA World?

The release of the highly-anticipated UFC Undisputed is nearly upon us. Some analysts are projecting over 2 million games sold in nine months. There has been a great deal of hype revolving around Undisputed and Kelvin Hunt at MMAforreal.com recently discussed the possible ramifications of the game on the ever-expanding MMA fan base.

Kelvin highlights his own experience in deciding to buy a console just for the game and he brings up some salient points.

The gaming world from the 80s probably couldn’t have predicted that as kids got older they wouldn’t put down their joysticks and Nintendo controllers. Instead they’d just be adults still hammering the buttons in order to shoot up bad guys or score game-winning touchdowns.

It is true, I was one of those who saved the princess (I think she was a princess) on Super Mario Bros. and until recently (only because I’ve been too busy) I still fired up the Playstation on a regular basis.

Now comes along UFC Undisputed. It has guys like me itching to blow the dust off the console and it will have a ton of kids staying up late into the night perfecting a GSP super punch or “Rampage” Jackson slam.

The game will actually serve as an introduction into the sport for a number of people. They will play it, learn about the UFC, and be compelled to watch. As their interest grows they will look forward to the next Undisputed and the game’s momentum will increase.

This cycle could push the game into the realm of other huge games that are updated and released on a regular basis and will only add to the growth of the UFC fan base.

Now this might all happen, and it kind of has to happen for THQ. The video game publisher is struggling financially and needs UFC Undisputed to be a big hit probably even more so than the UFC needs Undisputed to be a big hit. And we also have to consider the detractors. Those against the UFC and MMA will voice their distaste for the game, using the argument that it promotes violence. This could hurt sells, then again it could help.

It will be really interesting to see how it all plays out. Will the UFC pay-per-view numbers jump in the next few months like they did after The Ultimate Fighter Season One Finale in 2005? Or will the game have no bearing on them? Will it bolster the critics? Or will they be swallowed up by the MMA monster?

I guess will have the answers to at least some of these questions in the next few months.