UFC to ban fighters who sign with EA’s MMA Game?

A rumor popped up on the UG forum today, which happens all the time of course, but this one might have some truth. It was rumored that the Ultimate Fighting Championship is blacklisting anybody that wishes to be involved with Electronic Arts’ upcoming martial arts game, MMA. UFC currently has a deal with THQ to create official games based on the sport, with UFC 2009: Undisputed proving hugely successful, and it seems that UFC wishes to guard its position in the videogame world jealously. This rumor was soon confirmed vaguely by well-known MMA manager, Ken Pavia of MMAagents.com

If the rumor is true, no fighter can lend his name and face to MMA without UFC refusing to endorse them or letting them sign up for the organization. With UFC being such a hugely popular outlet for mixed martial arts, this will likely have a serious effect on EA’s ability to bring star power to its game. We have recently seen UFC ban more sponsors and this is something I have been wondering about lately too.

EA promotes their Fight Night series of boxing games all the time at UFC events, however now that they are a competitor in the gaming industry, will the UFC continue to have a relationship with EA or will they be banned as well? All signs point to yes to the banning, all we have to do is wait a few months as production continues of this game to see if we can confirm all of this news. What are your thoughts on this rumor if it turns out to be true?