THQ Locks Down UFC License Through 2018

THQ has announced that it has extended its "exclusive, worldwide" videogame licensing agreement to the Ultimate Fighting Championship property through the year 2018.

"We're very excited to extend our relationship with Zuffa and the Ultimate Fighting Championship," said Danny Bilson, executive vice president, THQ. "Working closely together with Dana White and the incredible team at UFC, we plan to continue to deliver outstanding interactive UFC experiences to gamers around the world".

THQ has released two games in its UFC Undisputed franchise thus far, with the most recent released this May. This agreement does not mandate annual releases, but it would be safe to assume that THQ will release a lot of UFC titles over the next 8 years. Well, as long as they remain profitable.

The agreement covers "all current and next-generation consoles, PC and handheld platforms, in addition to certain social media and wireless rights, including iPhone and iPad," as well as "online, downloadable and multi-player capabilities in connection with the various gaming systems."

THQ's announcement is timed perfectly to the release of rival Electronic Arts' competing product, EA Sports MMA, which has the Strikeforce license.