‘Spider’ Wins Fan Vote for ‘UFC Undisputed 3’ Cover Athlete

UFC President Dana White revealed the next cover athlete in the promotion’s video game series at Saturday’s UFC Fan Expo in Houston, confirming that Anderson Silva will adorn the cover of “UFC Undisputed 3.”

Over 120,000 fans voted for the fighter they would most like to see on the cover, according to the promotion. Five UFC titleholders were among the candidates voted for by the fans: Silva (Pictured, file photo), Frankie Edgar, Georges St. Pierre, Jon Jones and Cain Velasquez.

The UFC’s reigning middleweight champion, Silva is regarded by many as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. The rangy Brazilian has not lost since 2006, when he was disqualified for landing an illegal upkick to the jaw of Yushin Okami. “The Spider” recently avenged that loss, however, finishing Okami with ease at UFC 134 in August.

“I’m so happy,” said Silva during Saturday’s announcement. “Thank you, Dana. Thanks, [to the fans]. It’s very important for me.”

For the first time in the series, “Undisputed 3” will showcase featherweight and bantamweight fighters. The game will also feature a “Pride mode,” wherein players may adopt the rule set of defunct Japanese promotion Pride Fighting Championships. As a result, gamers may knee, kick and stomp the heads of downed opponents if they so choose. Calling the action in “Pride mode” will be the seminal Pride commentary team of “The Fight Professor” Stephen Quadros and onetime UFC heavyweight champion Bas Rutten.

The game, which will be developed by Yuke’s Co. and distributed by THQ, is also expected to feature enhanced animations, fighter walk-outs and new camera angles. “Undisputed 3” is currently slated for a January 2012 release.