UFC Undisputed 3 entering ring in January

WWE '12 isn't the only new fighter that THQ is announcing this week in the lead up to the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo. The publisher also officially confirmed development on UFC Undisputed 3, the latest installment in its mixed martial arts simulation. The game is currently scheduled to ship for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

As THQ indicated in a postearnings conference call last year, the UFC Undisputed franchise is transitioning away from a yearly release schedule. Therefore, UFC Undisputed 3 is slated to arrive in January 2012, nearly two years after UFC Undisputed 2010 met with flagging sales over 2009's top-performing original.

With the additional development time, THQ has implemented a number of new features to the game. Central to these additions are Pride matches, which are based on the defunct Pride Fighting Championship organization. These matches feature a more brutal, eccentric take on the already aggressive fighting franchise, offering relaxed rules and outdoor venues.

THQ has also implemented a number of changes to UFC's classic striking and grappling systems. However, despite the new options, THQ is hoping to make the gameplay experience more user-friendly, by way of an alternate, simplified control scheme and in-match tutorials. On the other hand, the publisher has also implemented a simulation match variant designed at better replicating the actual in-ring dynamic.

For more information on UFC Undisputed 3, check out GameSpot's exclusive hands-on preview.