EA UFC 6 Character Design Sparks Criticism From UFC Champion Islam Makhachev

Pound-for-Pound No. 1 Islam Makhachev does not like the way his character model looks in the latest iteration of EA Sports UFC 6.

EA UFC 6 Character Design Sparks Criticism From UFC Champion Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is not a fan of his character model in the latest UFC game [via Reddit and Instagram]

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev criticized his character model in EA Sports' upcoming UFC 6 game, expressing disappointment on social media.
  • He is one of only four active champions rated 5-stars in the game, alongside Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira, and Alexander Volkanovski.
  • Makhachev's next title defense remains uncertain, with multiple contenders, including Michael Morales and Ian Garry, vying for a shot.

Islam Makhachev is not a fan of his character model in the new UFC game. EA Sports UFC 6 is set to release worldwide next month on June 19, five days after the UFC Freedom 250 event. As such, the American game studio recently unveiled the models and ratings of the 5-star fighters in the game with the Dagestani double champion being among them.

Not only that, Makhachev is also one of only 4 active champions to get such a rating in EA’s upcoming title. The other champions to be rated similarly are Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira, and Alexander Volkanovski. Nonetheless, despite stellar stats like 98 for takedowns, 97 for submission offense, and 96 for cardio, Makhachev is dissatisfied with the game’s character design.

The former lightweight champion struck out against it on his Instagram story. He questioned who the character model used in the game was, implying that it looked nothing like him, with facepalm emojis signalling his disappointment. Many fans on social media agreed with the Dagestani, voicing their own displeasure at some of the character designs.

Who even is that?

Islam Makhachev via Instagram

The wait for UFC 6 has been long, with the game being teased for over 2 years at this point. However, the UFC pound-for-pound king’s character model has not lived up to the hype.

That said, Makhachev wasn’t the only fighter whose character model drew criticism. Fans were also not happy with the way Conor McGregor looks in the latest iteration of EA Sports’ UFC. Many alleged that the Irishman looked better in his appearance on Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare compared to the latest UFC game.

Character models aside, the UFC welterweight champion is currently preparing for his first defense. Even so, the identity of his next challenger for a rumored fight in August remains unknown. Amid the confusion, many welterweights have called out the champion, including a certain undefeated Ecuadorian.

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Michael Morales claims to be next in line for Islam Makhachev

The UFC’s welterweight division is incredibly stacked right now with 4 former champions in the top 10. Yet even among the elite, a few viable contenders stand out for Islam Makhachev. With wins over two former champions on his resume, Carlos Prates is well-poised to fight for the title. However, after just headlining UFC Perth, he admitted to wanting some, opting to face the winner of the Dagestani’s first title defense.

Michael Morales vs. Islam Makhachev for the welterweight championship
Michael Morales vs. Islam Makhachev for the welterweight championship might happen next (via X)

Ian Garry has also been heavily rumored to be the next in line for a title shot at 170lbs. The Irishman is ranked No.1 at welterweight, having defeated former champion Belal Muhammad in his last fight. ‘The Future’ has mocked the current pound-for-pound king on numerous occasions. Recently, Garry hinted that he agreed to a fight with Makhachev, blaming the Russian for holding up the fight.

Nonetheless, the Dagestani champion categorically denied this, expressing interest in the Prates fight. However, there is another welterweight with a strong case for fighting Islam Makhachev. With an undefeated record and a 7-fight winning streak in the UFC, Michael Morales is definitely a legitimate title contender. Moreover, he just hinted at his next fight being at UFC 330 for the title.

I always create my own luck and that’s why I’ll be the next champion. 15-08-26.

Michael Morales via Instagram

The UFC will head to Philadelphia on August 15 for UFC 330. The promotion is reportedly gearing up to announce a title fight on the card with Mackenzie Dern defending her UFC strawweight title against Gillian Robertson. Morales seems to be hinting that the upcoming event will also see him challenge the Dagestani champion for the 170lbs belt.

This statement from the Ecuadorian has further muddied the waters of the welterweight title picture. Who Islam Makhachev faces for his first title defense is still anyone’s guess, even as the rumored date inches closer.

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