THQ Inc. today announced that it has entered into an exclusive, worldwide agreement with Zuffa, LLC to publish videogames based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) brand through 2011.

Based on the agreement, the videogames will feature many of the past and present UFC superstars and UFC champions. Rights also include all other UFC event content including the famed Octagon. Recent UFC live events have experienced sold-out crowds, while the pay-per-view telecasts continue to make the sport available to additional viewers around the country. Based on Nielsen Media Research, the Spike TV reality television series “The Ultimate Fighter,” now heading into its fifth season, received top billing in its first season with the coveted 18-34 male viewers, and regularly enjoys ratings higher than the NBA, NHL, and NASCAR, as well as collegiate football and basketball in this key demographic.

“Ultimate Fighting Championship and THQ represent the perfect marriage of rich content and proven development capabilities,” said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. “The UFC brand has seen tremendous growth in recent years with wild popularity among the core gaming demographic. This relationship serves as an extraordinary addition to THQ’s world-class license portfolio as we continue to expand our competitive sports offering.” “Interactive is a critical opportunity for us to expand the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand,” said Dana White, UFC president. “Our goal for the UFC games is to give our growing, global fan base the opportunity to experience the most exciting live sporting event in the world – the UFC. THQ’s unparalleled development and pedigree in the fighting/action-sports genre, in addition to their leading position as a global publisher, makes them our best partner to deliver on this objective.”

Under the terms of the agreement, THQ has obtained the rights to create videogames for all current and next-generation consoles, PC and handheld platforms, in addition to certain wireless rights. Rights also include online, downloadable and multi-player capabilities in connection with the various gaming systems.