The upcoming UFC 5 is a title still wrapped in mystery, with a more detailed reveal for the project being expected to come in September. With EA officially confirming the game's development, fans are already starting to wonder what kind of title the release will shape up to be.
While the offered gameplay of UFC 5 is something that can only be discussed as more information becomes available, there are some aspects, such as the cover star of the release, that are already ripe for exploration. The UFC franchise has historically taken from the real-life top stars of the UFC in the portrayal of its cover star. Being the cover star of any sports game is a huge achievement for an athlete, and there are some key names that are in contention for the cover of UFC 5.
UFC 5: Israel Adesanya
One of the immediate names that will be in contention for the coveted cover spot is the UFC's Israel Adesanya. A veteran of the UFC and a dominant force within the sport, Israel has already appeared as a cover star for UFC 4 alongside Jorge Masvidal.
While this may impact the likelihood of Israel appearing again on the cover of UFC 5, the franchise has historically re-used athletes for multiple covers, as seen with Conor McGregor’s appearances on the covers of UFC 2 and UFC 3. Israel’s success has only continued since his appearance on the cover of 2020’s UFC 4, currently holding the UFC Middleweight Champion belt. With Asedanya's growing dominance within the UFC, he is in prime contention for the cover spot of UFC 5.
UFC 5: Alexander Volkanovski
Another exciting talent within the UFC's roster is Alexander Volkanovski, who currently holds the UFC Featherweight Champion belt. Nicknamed "The Great," Volkanovski has a growing reputation as one of the most proficient fighters in the UFC; he's billed as the UFC's current best pound-for-pound fighter across the entire organization.
Volkanovski is yet to appear as a cover star for the UFC games, and his current standing within the world of MMA makes him a huge contender for the upcoming UFC 5. If his fantastic form continues, it is hard to see anyone else contest him for the release's cover spot.
UFC 5: Alexa Grasso
Mexican-born fighter Alexa Grasso is another big name in the UFC that deserves some serious recognition, perhaps through the UFC 5 cover. Grasso currently holds the women's UFC Flyweight Champion title as well as being officially recognized as the organization's best pound-for-pound female fighter.
The UFC games have a past precedent of featuring the best from the male and female worlds of MMA on its covers, as evidenced with UFC 2's dual showcase of Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey. If this same ethos is to be employed in the upcoming UFC 5, then Grasso is a leading contender for the title's cover.
UFC 5: Jamahal Hill
Jamahal Hill is another established fighter that could be in prime position for a UFC 5 cover appearance. Hill was the holder of the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion belt until recently, when he had to vacate the title due to a ruptured Achilles. His standing in the sport is still massive despite this unfortunate development, only losing one of his 13 UFC fights. If Hill can swiftly return from injury, then he would be one of a select few titles that is in with a good chance of featuring on UFC 5's alluring cover spot.
UFC 5 is currently in development.