Having an EA Access membership isn't the only way to play EA Sports UFC 2 ahead of launch. EA Sports has announced a closed beta testing period for the upcoming MMA sequel. It will run January 28-February 4.

To get in, you'll have meet a few requirements. First, you need own a copy of the first EA Sports UFC and live in North America; you'll also need to have opted in to receive emails from the company.

If you're eligible, you can register for the beta here, but there are no guarantees that you'll get in. You'll need to register by January 21 at 10 AM PST for a shot at getting an entry code.

If you do get into the EA Sports UFC 2 beta, you can try out four different things. These include Quick Fight mode (unspecified Welterweight division fighters are available for three- and five-round bouts) and UFC Ultimate Team, as well as practice mode and some "Skill Challenge" minigames.

EA also mentions that the EA Sports UFC 2 beta supports online play for 1v1 matches, while character customization will be available for UFC Ultimate Team. As with other betas, from EA and other companies, stats and progress with not carry forward to the full game.

EA Sports UFC 2 launches on March 15 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Everyone who preorders the game will get the fighters Bas Rutten and Kazushi Sakuraba right out of the gate, as well as a mystery fighter to be named later.

For more on the game--which features Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor on the cover--you can watch the first gameplay here and read GameSpot's interview with producer Brian Hayes.