Gisteren konden we zien hoe Dana White (die er uit zag als een Engelse hooligan) bij de Electronic Arts presentatie aan kwam met de game UFC: Ultimate Fighting Championship. Wat opvallend is omdat THQ al sinds 2009 deze licentie in bezit heeft. Maar vandaag werd bekend dat THQ deze verkocht heeft aan EA voor een onbekend bedrag en ook gelijk de deuren sluit van studio die verantwoordelijk was voor de UFC Undisputed franchise. Heel erg jammer, maar THQ verkeerd nou eenmaal niet in een zorgeloze financiële positie.

"Over the last three years, THQ has delivered best-in-class, all-encompassing experiences to MMA fans, sports enthusiasts and fighting gamers around the globe with its UFC Undisputed series. We want to thank them for their stewardship of our brand," said Dana White, President, UFC. "We look forward to joining forces with EA to leverage their sports platform, and expand our brand in the video game space."

Brian Farrell, THQ's Chairman and CEO, commented, "We have relished our relationship with UFC over the last several years and believe that the UFC gaming brand is in great shape. THQ's more focused strategy moving forward meant that transferring the license to EA made sense to all parties. We would like to thank UFC for their great support and partnership and wish EA all the best moving forward."

The agreement results in an undisclosed cash payment to THQ. Additionally, THQ will continue to publish its existing console and mobile titles through March 31, 2013.

As a result of the license transfer to EA, THQ has shut down the development studio in San Diego, which was currently working on UFC Undisputed 4, resulting in the employees being laid off.