UFC Undisputed 3 to let fans pick cover athlete

THQ is letting its fans fight it out to see who gets to grace the cover of its next UFC mixed martial arts game. The publisher today launched an online poll that runs until September 30 and allows visitors to vote for one of five fighters to appear on the front of UFC Undisputed 3 when the game arrives in January.

The quintet of quarrelers up for the distinction consists of five different weight-class champions. Fans can pick their favorite from lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, middleweight champion Anderson Silva, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, and heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez.

UFC Undisputed 3 is slated to arrive nearly two years after UFC Undisputed 2010 met with disappointing sales, and the turnaround time is allowing THQ to implement a number of new features in 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 is also making 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 previous coverage.