Jorge Masvidal, Israel Adesanya revealed as EA UFC 4 cover athletes

The two fighters who shared various nominations for 2019 “Fighter of the Year” now grace of the cover of the EA UFC 4 video game.

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and “BMF” champ Jorge Masvidal, who meets Kamaru Usman for the welterweight belt tonight at UFC 251, have been announced as the dual cover athletes of the next edition of the UFC’s official video, which is set for release Aug. 11 on Xbox One and Playstation 4.

“I am the face of the new wave of UFC fighters, so it feels right to represent the sport on this new generation UFC game,” Adesanya said. “I look forward to my fans playing as me as much as I have enjoyed playing as myself.”

“MMA is more than about the belt,” Masvidal said. “It’s about who you are as a person and the determination that drives a fighter to go from unknown to selling out arenas all over the world. I grew up backyard fighting so it’s exciting for me to see that style of fighting come to UFC 4 where players can bring out their Gamebred mentality.”

According to a release, the EA UFC 4 video game will featured an overhauled takedown system and ground game as well as updates to other various aspects of the game. Some specialty players will be included too, with top-level heavyweight boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua available as playable character.

More details on EA UFC 4 gameplay and career mode can be found below, courtesy of the official announcement from EA.

In gameplay, fluid clinch-to-strike combinations offer more responsive and authentic stand-up gameplay experiences, while overhauled takedown and ground mechanics deliver more control in those key phases of the fight. No matter how or where players play, EA SPORTS UFC 4 puts them at the center of every fight. Fluid clinch control brings RPM into the art of the ‘clinch’, adding a key element of strategy to the striking system. RPM Tech drives a takedown overhaul, with a slew of new takedown animations, driven by player control and fighter attributes. A new submission system was built to offer a simplified player experience, with more ways to transition into submission attempts, accelerate a finish, or deploy high-impact slams to escape them.

Additionally, an overhaul to Career Mode introduces a brand-new way to develop fighter backstories and offers an in-depth evolution process for the duration of the fighter’s career. The new fighter evolution feature lets players dictate a fighter’s skillset, as every punch thrown, or every takedown executed builds fighters up in that specific discipline. Relationship Building brings the impact of partnerships and rivalries into UFC 4, learning from both friend and foe to gain experience and learn vital skills. Players can pick their path, which allows them to choose the fights, weight class and rivalries they want, ensuring no two careers are alike.

Check out the EA UFC 4 release trailer above.