The action looks convincing, but THQ are being tight-lipped about exactly how the grappling works in terms of specific button presses - so it’s difficult to tell how realistic it’ll feel. Still, the presentation’s spot on, from the over-the-octagon camera angles to the pre-fight Tale of the Tape and soaring score. Tentatively speaking: brilliant.

Griffin vs. Jackson: Q&A with two of the UFC’s top light-heavyweights

Forrest Griffin

You look pretty ripped in the gameplay. Are you happy with your appearance?

I think it kind of looks like the UFC DVDs. They&rsqu🐻o;ဣve got my ears right, unfortunately.

Do you get any input into the stats your character gets in the game?

Yeah... no. If the fighters got their way, everybody would be unbeatable.
I personally would be a ninja.

UFC 2009: Undisputed is going to have Create-A-Fighter mode. Who are you going to pit yourself against?

I’d really🍃 like to fight Genghis Khan. I want UFC rules, though.

Have you got a signature move in the game?

Yeah! The eye-gouge.

Wait a minute. We thought that was Chuck Liddell’s signature move...

Heyo! I was ꧑thinking that myself. I w𒐪onder if he punches open-handed.

The UFC is massive in America, but it hasn’t quite taken off in the UK yet. Why do you think that is?

You guys need to quit playing football. I’m sure it will grow though, I don’t know why it isn’t mor๊e ꦓpopular. You guys seem to like fighting.

That’s true but, unfortunately, we mainly do most of our fighting at football matches.

Ha! ꦇYeah, then 🙈you need to set up some sort of tournament there.

Quinton Jackson

Rampage, we’ve heard you’re a bit of a gamer. What stuff do you play?

I love Contra, all💖 that kind of old stuff. I loved 𝐆Road Rash, taking batons off the police and hitting them with them. They need to make a new Road Rash, I could consult.

You’re famous for your slams in UFC, but you haven’t done it for a while. Are you going to be able to do it in the game?

Yeah, because the game doesn’t come out until 2009, I still got time to slam somebody. They&rsq𒅌uo;ve been watching me and strategising, but sooner or later somebody’s gonna make a mistake. And I’m gonna slam their ass through the floor.

Who are you going to create in the Create-A-Fighter mode?

I’d like to create you so I can whup your ass, because I’ve gotta train and you’re holding me up. I’m gonna create someone who looks just like you and beat the l𒈔iving dog crap out of them.

Do you like English fans?

Yeah. To be honest with you, when I fought Chuck Liddell and knocked him out they booed me. I used to fight in Japan and they never booed me because I always had exciting fights. Then I went to London and the 02 Arena and they really 🤡cheered for me and brought my spirits up. I stayed in England for a month, and everyone was really nice. That really meant a lot to me. I have nothing but respect for English fans, they’re some of the coolest ꦺpeople on Earth.

Aug 19, 2008