Summary

• EA Sports UFC 5 releases a new update on January 9, available at 1 PM ET for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
• Patch 1.18 for EA Sports UFC 5 introduces undefeated fighter Azamat Murzakanov and includes numerous bug fixes.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play EA Sports UFC 5 via EA Play starting January 14.

EA Sports UFC 5, developed by EA Vancouver, is set to release an exciting new update on January 9. This update, Patch 1.18, will be available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S users at 1 PM ET, with no anticipated downtime. The patch introduces Azamat Murzakanov, an undefeated Light Heavyweight fighter with impressive stats, including a 97 power punch rating, 95 accuracy, and 94 ground striking. Alongside Murzakanov, three new alter egos will also be added, though specific details about these fighters remain under wraps.

Since its launch in October 2023, EA Sports UFC 5 faced criticism regarding its initial fighter roster. In response, EA Vancouver committed to enhancing the game with regular updates to include more ranked fighters across various weight classes. These efforts have successfully brought the game to 98% parity with the current UFC top ten rankings.

Patch 1.18 also includes several bug fixes and gameplay adjustments. Notably, the stamina cost of the muscle modifier has been reduced from x3.125 to 2.5, aiming to improve gameplay dynamics. Other fixes include correcting translation errors in multiple languages and resolving an issue with the match result method display in the Ranked Championship: Stand and Bang mode. Additionally, the update refreshes the portraits of Stipe and Jones from UFC 309 to reflect their updated gloves.

This update marks the beginning of EA Sports UFC 5's second year, demonstrating EA Vancouver's ongoing dedication to enhancing the game's content and addressing community feedback.

Starting January 14, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will have the opportunity to experience EA Sports UFC 5 through EA Play. While the standard tier of Xbox Game Pass will feature other new additions like Road 96, Lightyear Frontier, and My Time at Sandrock, EA Sports UFC 5 will be exclusive to the Ultimate tier.

For a detailed look at what's new, check out the full patch notes below:

EA Sports UFC 5 Patch Notes for January 9 Update

General

• New Fighters
  • Azamat Murzakanov
  • Three new Alter Egos
• More Offers Store - Sort by Release Series (e.g., Pride, Prime, Champion, etc.)
• New assorted vanity rewards added

Gameplay

• Reduced the stamina cost of the muscle modifier from x3.125 to 2.5.

Bugs

• Fixed incorrect translations in some languages
• Fixed an issue where the match result method (KO/TKO, etc.) wouldn’t appear in Ranked Championship: Stand and Bang
• Updated AE UFC 309 Stipe and Jones portraits to match their glove update