Dave & Busters is gearing up for a busy summer, and as a part of that, here’s one exclusive game that has rolled out, UFC Challenge. This has been developed in conjunction with four different companies (Rider, IGPM Group, Adrenaline Amusements, & Betson). We’re a little bit behind on the original press release, but UFC themselves did just promote it last week, and better late than never. Let’s see what it’s all about:
UFC Challenge
The Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC for short, has become the premier mixed martial arts fighting event. Perhaps it’s been the popularity of the sport that has helped fuel arcade items like boxing games, which is what this new UFC Challenge game ties into.
You might recall that back in 2022, a Polish company by the name of Kalkomat, brought a game called Hit The Green to IAAPA that year. That concept soon evolved into the more polished MMA Boxer, which kept the premise the same, but enhanced the back portion of the cabinet, giving it an LED dot matrix marquee and a flashier look overall. Note that those products are officially represented by IGPM Group in North America.
UFC Challenge is the evolution of all that, resulting in what looks to be the ultimate boxing game experience.
As you can see from that image, they’ve turned it into a huge FEC-style game, with large LCD monitors, UFC branding, and a cage that looks like it’s from one of the UFC arenas. One surprise is that this also has involvement from Adrenaline Amusements (who also recently prepared testing for a new Hot Wheels arcade racer at D&B, where it seems to be another title rolling out there soon). Per the press release below, there are two game modes:
Single-player mode: Test your stamina over three action-packed rounds to rack up as many points as possible. Score over 200 points? Consider yourself a UFC champion.
Two-player mode: Engage in a head-to-head battle where points shift in real-time. Land more accurate hits than your opponent to gain points, while missed targets could cost you. Drop to zero, and you’re knocked out!
The release also points out that the game isn’t just about punching, but knee strikes as well to the padded base.
This game has already been out since last month, where we regret missing it due to AEI coverage. I had hoped to check it out at my local D&B, but I just haven’t had the free time to make it there, since it isn’t exactly convenient to visit most of the while. If that changes however, I’ll be sure to provide an update. That said, if you can’t make it to a D&B either and are curious about the game, then this footage of Kalkomat/IGPM’s MMA Boxer should provide a proper idea:
Press Release
New game debuts at all Dave & Buster’s locations, delivering an immersive UFC experience for fans
DALLAS, March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dave & Buster’s, the ultimate destination to eat, drink, play, and watch sporting events, is taking its partnership with UFC to the next level with the launch of the UFC Challenge game. Available now at Dave & Buster’s locations nationwide, this high-energy interactive game is set to amplify the fight-night experience, further establishing Dave & Buster’s as a premier destination to watch every UFC fight.
Dave & Buster’s, the ultimate destination to eat, drink, play, and watch sporting events, is taking its partnership with UFC to the next level with the launch of the UFC Challenge game. Available now at Dave & Buster’s locations nationwide, this high-energy interactive game is set to amplify the fight-night experience, further establishing Dave & Buster’s as a premier destination to watch every UFC fight. For more information, visit www.daveandbusters.com.
Dave & Buster’s, the ultimate destination to eat, drink, play, and watch sporting events, is taking its partnership with UFC to the next level with the launch of the UFC Challenge game. Available now at Dave & Buster’s locations nationwide, this high-energy interactive game is set to amplify the fight-night experience, further establishing Dave & Buster’s as a premier destination to watch every UFC fight. For more information, visit www.daveandbusters.com.
Building on a partnership first announced in 2022, Dave & Buster’s has become the go-to venue for UFC fans looking to catch every strike, submission, and knockout on over 30 HD TVs, featuring immersive audio and massive 40-foot WOW Walls. Now, fans can step into the action themselves with the UFC Challenge game, delivering a competitive, high-impact, and physically engaging experience inspired by the world-famous Octagon®.
The UFC Challenge Game: A Knockout Experience
The UFC Challenge game has been over a year in development and was inspired by competitive arcade gameplay. Designed by Dave & Buster’s and developed with Rider & IGPM Distribution, Adrenaline Amusements, and Betson, this massive, 11-foot-wide, 12-foot-tall, 1,700-pound game is the ultimate test of speed, accuracy, and endurance.
Single-player mode: Test your stamina over three action-packed rounds to rack up as many points as possible. Score over 200 points? Consider yourself a UFC champion.
Two-player mode: Engage in a head-to-head battle where points shift in real-time. Land more accurate hits than your opponent to gain points, while missed targets could cost you. Drop to zero, and you’re knocked out!
Immersive UFC experience: Featuring authentic UFC-branded visuals, iconic Venum Fusion fight kits, UFC gloves, and the legendary “Face the Pain” by STEMM playing in the background, this game puts players in the heart of the fight.
Strategic gameplay: It’s not just about punches! Incorporating knee strikes is key to maximizing points and securing victory.
Available nationwide this month, fans can plan to play during Spring Break; guests should check availability for their select locations.
Your Ultimate UFC Viewing Destination
Dave & Buster’s isn’t just about playing the game – it’s about experiencing every UFC fight like never before. Fans can catch every UFC Pay-Per-View event and Fight Night at any location, including upcoming major events:
March 22 – UFC Fight Night (O2 Arena, London, UK)
April 12 – UFC 314 (Kaseya Center, Miami, FL)
May 10 – UFC 315 (Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada)
With state-of-the-art screens, immersive sound, and an unmatched atmosphere, Dave & Buster’s ensures that every seat is the best seat in the house. Plus, fans can fuel up and play with the all-new Eat & Play Combo, starting at $19.99. It is the perfect all-in-one deal that allows you to watch, play, eat, and drink for a great low price. The combo includes a $10 Power Card, your choice of an entrée, plus a fountain drink. Plus, for a limited time, guests can now upgrade their combo to get Unlimited Game Play, making it the perfect way to experience the all-new games including UFC Challenge. Entrée options include Smokehouse BBQ Ribs, Creamy Chicken Pasta, All-American Smash Burger, Boneless Wings, a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and more.
“Watching UFC at Dave & Buster’s has always been an electrifying experience, and now we’re bringing fans even closer to the action,” said Simon Murray, Senior Vice President, Dave & Buster’s. “The UFC Challenge game is a perfect way for fans to test their skills before watching the best fighters in the world go head-to-head on our massive screens.”
“We’re thrilled to expand on our partnership with Dave & Buster’s and enhance the UFC fan experience in a way that has never been done before,” said Meghan Mernin, Vice President, Licensing for UFC. “Our team worked hand-in-hand with Dave & Busters, in true partnership, to develop this ideal extension for the brand, providing an immersive, authentic, and exciting UFC experience for fans of all ages. From this innovative new game to an unbeatable vantage point to watch every fight, Dave & Buster’s truly delivers an unparalleled UFC experience.”
For more information on Dave & Buster’s, the UFC Challenge game, and upcoming events, visit www.daveandbusters.com.
About Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Coppell, Texas, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc., is the owner and operator of 232 venues in North America that offer premier entertainment and dining experiences to guests through two distinct brands: Dave & Buster’s and Main Event. The Company has 171 Dave & Buster’s branded stores in 43 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada and offers guests the opportunity to “Eat Drink Play and Watch,” all in one location. Each store offers a full menu of entrées and appetizers, a complete selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and an extensive assortment of entertainment attractions centered around playing games and watching live sports and other televised events. The Company also operates 61 Main Event branded stores in 22 states across the country, and offers state-of-the-art bowling, laser tag, hundreds of arcade games and virtual reality, making it the perfect place for families to connect and make memories. For more information about each brand, visit daveandbusters.com and mainevent.com.
About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.
