MMA HQ - Mixed Martial Arts News and Analysis

For those of you who just can’t wait until 1 AM tonight to see some live gameplay footage from the upcoming UFC 2009: Undisputed video game, here are some screen grabs from the game.

[Photos taken from 1up.com]

Just a reminder that The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale is tomorrow night.

This will be the next event of season 3 for the MMA HQ fight camp at MMAPlayground.com, so don’t forget to get your picks and wagers in for the event.

If you want to join the fight camp and haven’t yet, let me know.

Many mixed martial arts fans are also video game fans and those fans have been waiting with baited breath for the upcoming UFC 2009 video game.

Well, SpikeTV’s GameTrailers TV (GTTV) will have the first gameplay footage trailer of the anticipated THQ video game this Friday night. The show, which will air at 1am, is hosted by Geoff Keighley and will also feature an appearance by Dana White who will announce two “key” fighters in the game.

“It’s always an honor when GTTV has the opportunity to debut the first look at a brand new game, and unveiling THQ’s UFC 2009 trailer is no exception,” said Geoff Keighley, host of GTTV. “This game trailer takes fans into the Octagon™ with some of the best UFC fighters in the world and will leave their ears ringing with excitement.”

UFC 2009 is the first videogame to be released as a part of THQ’s agreement with the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization, which continues to experience sold-out crowds at live events, grow its worldwide pay-per-view audience and reach its key demographic through the Spike TV reality television series “The Ultimate Fighter®,” now in its seventh season. The videogame is expected to feature a number of UFC fighters and champions, as well as all other UFC event content, including the famed Octagon. UFC 2009 is tentatively scheduled for release in spring 2009.

So, set your DVR’s MMA fans and get ready for a quick peak at the upcoming UFC video game.

Kendall Grove interview:

Evan Tanner interview:

Evan Tanner vs Kendall Grove - I have been, and will continue to be, one of Evan Tanner’s biggest fans but I just don’t see this fight being a good matchup for him. Kendall Grove’s size will be a huge advantage for him and Evan Tanner’s time away from the cage and personal struggles will be a huge disadvantage for him. After winning his first three UFC fights, Grove has struggled as of late losing his last two matches both in the first round. Grove holds the edge on the ground with solid submission skills and will be able to use his reach advantage to keep Tanner at a distance with his jab. Evan Tanner will need to show up to fight with good conditioning and look to get into a dirty boxing clinch game with Grove. If Tanner can get comfortable again in the cage and fall back on his past experience he may be able to outpoint Grove to a decision victory, but I think this fight is Grove’s to lose. Winner: Kendall Grove

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The UFC is quickly filling up the recently announced UFC Fight Night 14 event for July 19.

Jake O’Brien, who was recently released by the UFC with two fights still remaining on his contract, has been resigned by the promotion and will fight Cain Velasquez in a heavyweight matchup. O’Brien won his UFC debut against Heath Herring and then lost his next fight against Andrei Arlovski after a full year layoff after spinal surgery. Velasquez made his UFC debut at UFC 83 where he defeated Brad Morris via first round TKO.

Also added to the fight card is a matchup between explosive striker Anthony Johnson and Kevin Burns. Burns made his UFC debut a few weeks ago with a surprising submission victory over Roan Carneiro at UFC 85. Johnson last fought at UFC Fight Night 10 where he defeated Tommy Speer via KO in the first round.