So career mode is garbage. Same linear BS but they dropped the training mini-games this year and added a useless social media aspect. Who doesn't love to read fake social media comments saying how much you suck after each match?
The "Rival" system is a crock of shit. Your "Rival" is determined by whichever random character sends you a "Tweet" calling you out after a fight. You have no say in the matter and the only interactions you have with your rival are through "Tweets"
I started my career 0-4 before dropping the difficulty to "Normal". After winning 1 fight I was told my next fight I'm being scoped out by Dana White on "Looking for a fight". I win the fight ( which has some horrible commentary by Dana and Serra with audio clips ripped straight from the show) and now I'm signed to the UFC with a record of 2-4 LOL
Once you're in the UFC, It's the same BS as before. Pick 1 of 3 fighters, simulate training, fight.
You have no idea what's going on in the UFC outside of your fighter. No access to rankings, ability to view AI simulated cards and you can't even see your opponents fight history outside of their numerical record.
AI is frustrating as fuck to play against and some of the matches I feel like turning the game off because it isn't fun, at all. For example, I get my first top 10 opponent in Anthony Pettis, and in the fight Pettis stay PERFECTLY out of range at all times, refusing to engage. If I stand completely still doing nothing is the only time I can even get him to fake moving forward. Only strikes he throws are cartwheel kicks and spinning shit.