EA Sports Partners with STRIKEFORCE for New MMA Fighting Game

Fans of mixed martial arts video game fighting can get a bit of a preview of an upcoming game from Electronic Arts on Nov. 7 when Brett Rogers takes on Fedor Emelianenko and Jake Shields faces Jason "Mayhem" Miller in contests broadcast on CBS.

Rogers, a heavyweight, and Shields, in a middleweight championship match, have agreed to be in EA Sports "MMA" video game, joining Miller who had already agreed. The game will be released in 2010.

Another feature recently announced is a partnership between EA and STRIKEFORCE, a promotion organization for mixed martial arts fighting. STRIKEFORCE will be featured as a premier league in the "MMA" video game, including the use of its commentators Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo. Ring announced Jimmy Lennon Jr. will also be included. Even iconic referee "Big John" McCarthy will be used in the game, offering his extensive knowledge of the sport to enhance game play.

The CBS broadcast will show off the skills of four STRIKEFORCE fighters that will be included in EA's "MMA." The game will feature a broad spectrum of fighters from the sport, as well as their styles. It will be available on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 platforms.

Emelianenko, known as The Last Emperor, recently signed with STRIKEFORCE after turning down a $30 million deal with Ultimate Fighting Championship. Reportedly, Emelianenko refused the deal because he wanted to become a partner with UFC and was denied. The Russian Emelianenko will also be featured in the "MMA" EA Sports game.

In addition to Rogers, Shields, Emelianenko and Miller being in the "MMA" video game, Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal will also be featured. Miller is also well known as a co-host of "Mayhem Monday's" on the Sirius satellite radio syndicated talk show "The Jason Ellis Show," and he also hosts the MTV reality show "Bully Beatdown."

The live fight will be telecast from the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill., on CBS beginning at 8 p.m.