- EA SPORTS UFC 5 full roster spans 12 men's divisions plus 4 women's divisions at launch.
- Champions and top contenders carry the highest overall ratings, usually 4.5 to 5 stars.
- Icons and Legends give access to retired greats like Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre.
- Alternate versions (Fight Night, Primetime) add multiple editions of the same athlete.
- New fighters arrive through free roster updates after major real-world UFC events.
EA SPORTS UFC 5 Full Roster Overview
The EA SPORTS UFC 5 full roster is one of the deepest character lineups in any modern sports fighting game. Built on the Frostbite-powered Ignite engine, the game launched with a large active roster across every current UFC division, layered with Legends, Icons, and alternate fighter versions collected through Ultimate Team-style challenges and pre-order bonuses.
Every fighter in the game features a scanned likeness, individual ratings, signature movesets, and a star rating that reflects their overall standing. The video below walks through the complete roster showcase, giving you a visual look at how each athlete appears in game.
Video Highlights:
- Full roster lineup with in-game fighter likenesses
- Division-by-division fighter showcase
- Ratings presentation for champions and contenders
- Visual comparison of Legends and current fighters
Roster size grows over time. EA regularly adds new signings, debut fighters, and updated ratings after major UFC numbered events, so check the in-game roster list for the latest additions.
The roster is organized around the real UFC weight class structure. Each division contains a mix of the champion, ranked contenders, and unranked fighters, so you can realistically climb the rankings in Fight Mode or career play.
| Division | Champion at Launch (Real-World Basis) | Approx. Roster Depth | | Men's Heavyweight | Jon Jones | 25+ fighters | | Men's Light Heavyweight | Alex Pereira | 20+ fighters | | Men's Middleweight | Dricus Du Plessis | 25+ fighters | | Men's Welterweight | Leon Edwards | 30+ fighters | | Men's Lightweight | Islam Makhachev | 35+ fighters | | Men's Featherweight | Alexander Volkanovski | 30+ fighters | | Men's Bantamweight | Sean O'Malley | 30+ fighters | | Men's Flyweight | Alexandre Pantoja | 20+ fighters | | Women's divisions (4) | Various champions | 15-25 per division |
Fighter ratings are living data. EA ships ratings updates aligned with real-world performances, so a fighter's overall and star rating in your copy may differ from launch values.
Roster Categories Explained
Not every fighter on the list works the same way. The full roster is split into several categories, and understanding them helps you find the right athlete for your playstyle.
Active Roster
- Current UFC fighters in every division
- Ranked from champion to unranked
- Regular ratings updates
Legends and Icons
- Retired greats like Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva
- Era-specific likenesses
- Unlocked via challenges or editions
Alternate Versions
- Fight Night and Primetime variants
- Boosted or era-specific ratings
- Tied to special events
Each category serves a different purpose in game modes. Active fighters anchor Career Mode and ranked online play, while Legends and Icons shine in exhibition matches and collector-style challenges.
Browse the full roster from the main menu under the fighter select screen. Use the division filter to jump between weight classes, and check the "Collections" tab for Legends, Icons, and alternate versions.
How to Explore the Full Roster Step by Step
Whether you are scouting opponents or hunting a specific fighter, follow this process to navigate the lineup efficiently.
Open Fighter Select
From the main menu, enter any mode that exposes the roster, such as Fight Now or Practice, and open the fighter select screen.
Filter by Division
Use the left and right division filters to move between weight classes. This is the fastest way to compare fighters within one bracket.
Check Ratings and Archetype
Highlight a fighter to view their overall rating, star level, health, and key attribute categories like striking, grappling, and stamina.
Review Signature Moves
Open the fighter detail page to study unique strikes, submissions, and special combos that define their real-world style.
Test in Practice Mode
Take shortlisted fighters into Practice Mode before committing to them in online or career play.
Spend at least one practice session with any new fighter before ranked play. Move sets vary significantly between strikers, wrestlers, and grapplers, and muscle memory matters in UFC 5.
Division-by-Division Roster Highlights
The table below summarizes what to expect from each major division in the game, including standout fighter types and general difficulty for new players.
| Division | Playstyle Identity | Best For | Difficulty | | Heavyweight | Power strikers, one-shot knockouts | Players who love highlight-reel KOs | Beginner-friendly | | Light Heavyweight | Balanced power and speed | Aggressive pressure fighters | Easy to moderate | | Middleweight | Mix of strikers and grapplers | Learning clinch and ground transitions | Moderate | | Welterweight | Technical boxing, range control | Fundamentals practice | Moderate | | Lightweight | Fast pace, deep talent pool | Competitive online play | Moderate to hard | | Featherweight | Speed, volume striking | High-tempo stand-up battles | Moderate | | Bantamweight | Fast combos, scrambles | Advanced timing practice | Hard | | Flyweight | Fastest pace, precision | Experienced players | Hard |
New players should begin at heavyweight, where strikes carry fight-ending power and fights stay short. As your defensive timing improves, move down to lighter, faster divisions.
For those chasing the collector side of the roster, the table below breaks down how special fighter categories are typically obtained.
| Fighter Category | How to Unlock | Notes | | Champions | Available in base roster | Reflect launch-era title holders | | Contenders | Available in base roster | Ranked and unranked mix | | Legends | Challenges, editions, or events | Retired Hall of Fame fighters | | Icons | Special in-game events | Historical era versions | | Fight Night Versions | Limited-time challenges | Alternate ratings and attire | | New Additions | Free roster updates | Added after real UFC events |
Roster Mastery Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you have fully explored what the roster offers before settling on a main fighter.
Roster Exploration Goals:
- Browse all 16 divisions in fighter select
- Identify your three favorite fighter archetypes
- Complete one practice session per shortlisted fighter
- Unlock at least one Legend or Icon fighter
- Compare ratings between a champion and a contender in the same division
Rather than mastering the entire lineup, focus on two or three fighters across different divisions. Depth beats breadth in both online play and long-term enjoyment.
FAQ
Q: How many fighters are in the EA SPORTS UFC 5 full roster?
At launch, the EA SPORTS UFC 5 full roster includes well over 250 fighters across 16 divisions, covering men's and women's weight classes. The count continues to grow through free roster updates that add new signings and debuting athletes after major real-world UFC events.
Q: Does the roster include retired fighters?
Yes. Alongside the active roster, the game includes Legends and Icons categories featuring retired greats such as Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and other Hall of Fame names. Some are unlocked through in-game challenges, special editions, or limited-time events.
Q: Are there multiple versions of the same fighter?
Yes. Certain fighters have alternate versions, such as Fight Night editions, with different ratings and appearances. These variants are typically tied to special events or promotional challenges rather than the base roster.
Q: Do fighter ratings change after launch?
Yes. EA ships ratings updates that reflect real-world UFC performances, so a fighter's overall rating, attributes, and star level can rise or fall over time. Always check the in-game fighter page for current values.
Q: Are new fighters added for free?
New active-roster additions tied to real UFC signings and debuts have been delivered through free roster updates. Specialty versions like Fight Night fighters are generally tied to event participation rather than direct purchase.