The latest update to the UFC 5 video game has players buzzing, but not entirely for the right reasons. Among the new “90s alter egos” for fan-favorite stars, Jon Jones’ unique costume choice—a banana hammock—has sparked waves of amusement, confusion, and outright bewilderment among fans.
EA Sports decided to take UFC icons on a nostalgic trip to the 90s, imagining what their alter egos might look like during that era. Valentina Shevchenko sports a taekwondo uniform, a nod to her martial arts roots. Sean O’Malley is clad in vibrant martial arts pants, a playful take on his flamboyant persona. And then there’s Jon Jones, whose “outfit” hovers between pro wrestling flamboyance and sheer comedic absurdity. Valentina Shevchenko was 3 when the 90s started, O’Malley was not even born until the mid 90s.
While Shevchenko and O’Malley’s costumes seem rooted in plausible backstories, Jones’ banana hammock left fans scratching their heads. Social media erupted with reactions ranging from disbelief to outright laughter. Comments like “WTF is this?” and “Why is Jones in a th*ng?” dominated threads, while others joked that the “grinder” perk added to his character was a tongue-in-cheek reference.
The addition of these alter egos aims to inject humor and personality into the game, but some feel the execution missed the mark. Players questioned the creative choices, wondering why a legendary star like Jones would be represented in such a polarizing manner. “The only valid question here is why?” one fan quipped, echoing the sentiments of many.
Others took a more lighthearted approach, appreciating the game’s attempt to shake things up. After all, the 90s theme seems designed more for laughs than authenticity.
Despite mixed reviews, one thing is clear: EA Sports knows how to get people talking. Whether the addition of Jones’ banana hammock is a stroke of genius or a baffling misstep, it has certainly succeeded in keeping the UFC 5 community engaged—and perhaps a little confused.
