Summary
- EA Sports UFC 5 releases new update for January 9, available at 1 PM ET for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- Patch 1.18 for EA Sports UFC 5 adds undefeated fighter Azamat Murzakanov and makes numerous bug fixes.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play EA Sports UFC 5 via EA Play from January 14.
EA Sports UFC 5 is gearing up for an exciting update on January 9, set to roll out at 1 PM ET for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S users. This update, patch 1.18, introduces the undefeated Light Heavyweight fighter Azamat Murzakanov to the roster, bringing his impressive stats to the game. With a power punch rating of 97, 95 accuracy, and 94 ground striking, Murzakanov is a formidable addition to the Light Heavyweight division. Alongside Murzakanov, the update will also feature three new alter egos, although the specific fighters for these alter egos have not yet been disclosed.
Since its release in October 2023, EA Sports UFC 5 has faced criticism for its initial fighter roster. In response, EA Vancouver has been diligently working to enhance the game by incorporating more ranked fighters across various weight classes. This effort has successfully brought the game to 98% parity with the current UFC top ten rankings, showcasing EA Vancouver's commitment to improving the gaming experience.
In addition to the new fighter and alter egos, patch 1.18 includes several bug fixes and gameplay adjustments. A notable change is the reduction of the stamina cost for the muscle modifier, dropping from x3.125 to 2.5. This tweak aims to enhance the gameplay dynamics. The update also addresses issues such as incorrect translations in multiple languages and a glitch in the Stand and Bang mode of Ranked Championships, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience for players.
As EA Sports UFC 5 continues to evolve, the latest update marks the beginning of its second year with fresh content and improvements. Moreover, starting January 14, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will have the opportunity to dive into EA Sports UFC 5 through EA Play, expanding its reach to a broader audience. While the standard tier of Xbox Game Pass will feature other titles like Road 96, Lightyear Frontier, and My Time at Sandrock, EA Sports UFC 5 will be exclusively available on the Ultimate tier.
For a detailed look at the changes, here are the patch notes for the January 9 update:
EA Sports UFC 5 Patch Notes for January 9 Update
General
- New Fighters
- Azamat Murzakanov
- Three new Alter Egos
- More Offers Store - Sort by Release Series (ie Pride, Prime, Champion, etc)
- New assorted vanity rewards added
Gameplay
- Reduced the stamina cost of the muscle modifier from x 3.125 to 2.5.
Bugs
- Fixed incorrect translations in some languages
- Fixed an issue where the match result method (KO/TKO, etc) wouldn’t appear in Ranked Championship: Stand and Bang
- Updated AE UFC 309 Stipe and Jones portraits to match their glove update
