Pride Mode is a distinct gameplay feature found in certain UFC video games, most notably UFC Undisputed 3, designed to replicate the rules and atmosphere of the former Japanese mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, Pride Fighting Championships.
Understanding Pride Mode in UFC Video Games
Pride Mode serves as a homage to the legendary Pride Fighting Championships (Pride FC), an iconic Japanese MMA promotion that ran from 1997 to 2007. Known for its explosive fights and unique ruleset, Pride FC carved out a significant place in MMA history. When included in UFC video games, Pride Mode allows players to experience fights under these distinctive rules, offering a different strategic and visual experience compared to the standard Unified Rules of MMA governing real-life UFC events.
Key Characteristics and Rule Differences
The most significant distinctions of Pride Mode lie in its allowance of specific ground strikes that are strictly prohibited in the UFC under the Unified Rules.
- Face Stomps and Soccer Kicks: In Pride Mode, players can perform face stomps while their opponent is downed on the ground, a move that is forbidden in the UFC. This also extends to soccer kicks to a downed opponent's head or face. These highly impactful and often brutal techniques were a staple of Pride FC fights but are illegal in modern UFC bouts due to safety regulations. This rule difference dramatically alters combat dynamics, encouraging different ground strategies.
- Ring Environment: Instead of the iconic UFC Octagon, fights in Pride Mode typically take place within a traditional boxing ring, mirroring Pride FC's preferred fighting environment.
- Aesthetic and Presentation: The mode often includes visual elements, commentary styles, and fighter entrances that emulate the grandeur and distinctive presentation of Pride FC events.
UFC vs. Pride Mode: A Rule Comparison
| Feature | Standard UFC Rules (Unified Rules) | Pride Mode (Pride FC Rules) |
|---|---|---|
| Arena | Octagon (8-sided cage) | Ring (4-sided ropes) |
| Ground Strikes | No strikes to head of downed opponent (e.g., stomps, soccer kicks, knees to head) | Allows face stomps, soccer kicks, and knees to a downed opponent's head |
| Rounds | Typically 3 or 5 rounds (5 minutes each) | Varied (e.g., 1st round 10 mins, subsequent 5 mins) |
| Judging | Focus on Effective Striking, Grappling, Control, Aggression | Emphasis on damage and knockout attempts |
Impact on Gameplay
The inclusion of face stomps and soccer kicks in Pride Mode significantly shifts gameplay strategy. Players can:
- Punish Grounded Opponents: Fighters can follow up takedowns with powerful stomps or kicks, aiming for a quick finish or to inflict substantial damage.
- Create Different Scenarios: The threat of these strikes means fighters on the ground must be more vigilant about their head position and defensive posture, potentially leading to faster scrambles or different transitions than in standard UFC rules.
Why Pride Mode?
Pride Mode was introduced to celebrate the rich history of MMA and to cater to fans who appreciated the unique, often more aggressive, style of fighting fostered by Pride FC's rules. It provides a "what if" scenario for players to pit UFC legends against each other under a different set of parameters, offering both nostalgic appeal and a fresh gameplay challenge.
