Mike Tyson to make UFC debut … in video game

Mike Tyson will make his long-awaited debut in a UFC Octagon on March 15.

Well, kind of.

The former heavyweight boxing champion’s digital likeness will be featured in EA Sports UFC 2 – which releases on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 15 – as a playable character in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. Tyson, who has long been a fan of the UFC and often is seen cageside, will be available in two versions in the game: 1980s “Iron” Mike Tyson, who rose through the ranks leaving nothing but destruction in his wake, and “Legacy” Mike Tyson, a version focusing on the latter part of his career.

And, of course, Tyson will come packing the strongest punch of any fighter in the game.

“When you think about the most devastating fighters of all time, Mike Tyson is either around, or at the top of everyone’s list. It’s fun to think that if MMA was as popular back when he was competing as it is today, you might have seen Tyson put on four ounce gloves and step into the Octagon,” EA Sports creative director Brian Hayes said. “This is one of those great what-ifs that we get to create when making a game like EA Sports UFC 2."

Tyson will join mixed martial artists Bas Rutten and “The Gracie Hunter” Kazushi Sakuraba as unlockable characters in the game. Those who pre-order the game will have access to “Iron” Mike Tyson the day the game releases. The “Legacy” version will be immediately available to those who pre-order the deluxe edition of the game. Both Tysons will be available to unlock by progressing through the game.

“As a huge fan, I’m honored to be part of EA Sports and explore the world of mixed martial arts,” Tyson said in a statement. “I follow UFC very closely and it’s going to be very cool to see how I would stack up against these amazing MMA athletes.”