5 fighters that should be added to EA Sports UFC 4

EA Sports UFC 4 recently had its biggest update in quite some time. UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev, as well as six new prime icon fighters, have been added to the game, much to the delight of the UFC 4 fanbase.

The prime icons included an altered model of Alistair Overeem from his Pride days. This tribute to old school MMA fans indicates that UFC 4 may have more to give, despite many believing the game was on its last legs.

Prior to the Makhachev addition and the prime icons, the last DLC character EA added to the game roster was Action Bronson, an American rapper who has never competed in professional MMA.

However, with the latest update bringing UFC 4 back on track, fans have speculated which fighters may be added next. In the following list, we break down five potential additions to EA Sports' UFC 4. Honorable mentions go to Shane Burgos, Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira.

#5. Chris Daukaus - UFC heavyweight

EA Sports' UFC 4's heavyweight roster currently contains 34 fighters, with only 15 now competing in the UFC. The rest of the weight class is made of either retired legends: e.g. Dan Severn, Mark Coleman, and Daniel Cormier, DLC fighters from other sports: e.g. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, or people who have never competed in the sport of MMA: e.g. Dana White and Action Bronson.

That noted, it is high time the division is fleshed out. Tom Aspinall, Marcin Tybura and Augusto Sakai would all be great additions. Chris Daukaus, however, is the one fighter who truly deserves to be added in the near future.

The former policeman is now the seventh-ranked UFC heavyweight, and is coming off an incredible highlight-reel KO of Shamil Abdurakhimov. He is currently undefeated inside the UFC and has a fight booked against Derrick Lewis.

Should Daukaus be victorious against Lewis, he will be placed right into the heavyweight top contender discussion. Any fighter in that position should surely be part of the UFC's licensed video game.

#4. Marina Rodriguez - UFC strawweight

UFC strawweight Marina Rodriguez has risen from relative obscurity to prominent contendership over the past year. Three consecutive victories against three top-115lb fighters now has Rodriguez ranked within the top-five of the division.

Entering 2021 Marina Rodriguez was coming off the first loss of her career, dropping a split-decision against Carla Esparza. However, Rodriguez didn't let the loss faze her, if anything, it appeared to incentivize the dynamic Brazilian.

A subsuquent KO victory over Amanda Ribas, whom the UFC appeared to be trying to push as their next big prospect, instantly grabbed the attention of fans. She then stepped in on short notice to headline a Fight Night against Michelle Waterson, and once again left with her hand raised.

Most recently, Rodriguez headlined yet another UFC Fight Night, this time against surging Mackenzie Dern. Rodriguez was able to keep the fight standing and comfortably outpointed Dern through five rounds.

Considering there is so much momentum behind Rodriguez right now, it's a travesty she is not on the roster of the UFC's licensed video game.

UFC Fight Night: Whittaker v Till Weigh-in

#3. Giga Chikadze - UFC featherweight

Another of the UFC's most recent breakout stars, Giga Chikadze, has been on an incredible run since signing with the promotion in 2019. 'Ninja' is currently undefeated inside the UFC and is ranked eighth in the featherweight division.

Off the back of a nine-fight winning streak, which includes victories over Edson Barboza and Cub Swanson, Chikadze is scheduled to face the fifth-ranked Calvin Kattar.

A win here would be enough for the kickboxer turned mixed martial artist to lobby for a title shot. Chikadze's exciting style has made him a fan favorite, and he may pose a new threat to Alexander Volkanovski.

#2. Marlon 'Chito' Vera - UFC bantamweight

Marlon 'Chito' Vera has steadily risen the UFC's bantamweight division with impressive victories over high-level opposition. Following the recent rankings update in the aftermath of UFC 268, Vera now sits 12th in the 135lb division.

Having previously stilled the Sean O'Malley hype training by TKO'ing the prospect in one round, Vera has also picked up impressive victories over Davey Grant and Andre Ewell.

However, at UFC 268, 'Chito' picked up his biggest win yet. He took on former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in a main card bout. Despite falling behind in the first round, Vera quickly adapted to Edgar's veteran guile, before picking up an exquisite highlight-reel front kick KO.

Vera now has legitimate hype behind him and could well begin a run at the bantamweight title. He is an iconic fighter who has been with the promotion since 2014, and surely deserves to be in EA Sports UFC 4.

#1. Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett - UFC lightweight

The UFC's latest breakout superstar, Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett, would undoubtedly be the perfect new addition to UFC 4. The Scouser is already a huge fan favorite despite only being one fight into his UFC career.

Pimblett is known for having an incredibly exciting style, both evident from his days at Cage Warriors as well as his recent UFC debut. His iconic blonde mop of hair would also provide a welcome change from the relatively generic look much of UFC 4's current roster has.

It is hard to tell how far Pimblett will rise within the UFC's lightweight division, but considering the huge international following he has amassed off the back of just one fight, the UFC would do well to capitalize on 'The Baddy's' popularity as soon as possible.

Edited by Joshua Broom