This Friday night, the first gameplay footage of "UFC 2009" by THQ will be unveiled:

UFC president Dana White and host Keighley will unveil the first gameplay footage trailer of the upcoming video game, and they'll also feature "two key fighters" who will be featured in the game.

"UFC 2009" is the first videogame to be released as a part of THQ's multi-year deal with the UFC. As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) previously reported, a five-year contract gives THQ (which also develops the WWE line of games) exclusive rights to publish the UFC games through the end of 2011 for all console and portable platforms, as well as wireless devices.

It's easy to underestimate how important the game is.  It's not just a big source of revenue, it is a catalyst for growth.  One of the more understated factors in World Championship Wrestling's growth in the nineties was the video game series by THQ.  A great fighting game transcends all boundaries, and will help make fans at home familiar with fighters they see on TV, even if they have never even seen them fight before.  It will also provide revenue to fighters, if Dana White's recent statements are to be believed.