UFC Undisputed 2009 was hailed as one of the best fighters around thanks to its gorgeous visuals, realistic damage system and authentic representation of the sport. As annual sport releases go, THQ has dropped UFC Undisputed 2010, but does this sweaty, hairy beast of a fighter have what it takes to hold its own in the octagon?

So UFC Undisputed 2010 remains relatively the same as last year. The engine running the previous game is the same, although there have been some new additions this time around. The controls have been revamped allowing for much more responsive and effective attacks, which lets the player transition from clinches to grapples much easier. This makes all facets of the game (and sport) much more approachable than the previous iteration.

The cage itself also plays a major role this time as it’s integrated into the combat. Players can now use the cage to get an upper hand in fights, by pinning their enemy against the cage in a clinch, or by ‘cage walking’ to get out of a defensive position. It makes the matches much more realistic and dynamic by using the environment as leverage to gain an advantage.

In addition to a bunch of new fighters, such as the infamous hobo-bashing Kimbo Slice, there are a variety of new fighting styles to try out. Karate, Sambo and Greco-Roman Wrestling all have their own specific striking and grapple variations, which mix up the roster even more and provide some refreshing moves and animations to the fights.

Unlike a fighter at the beginning and end of a cage fight, UFC Undisputed 2010 looks largely similar to its predecessor. A lot of the animations and models remain unchanged, although there are some new aesthetic touches, bringing new pre-match and post-match sequences as well as an overhauled menu system.

UFC Undisputed 2010 does a good job to follow up last year’s fantastic fighting entry, although there are a lot of elements which may seem too familiar to warrant a full purchase for casual fans. If an expanded character roster and more fighting styles entices you, check it out.