I just watched videos for Bushido Blade, and I have to agree that it looks like a great game, I hope it gets a modern update at some point, meanwhile I keep my eye out for the original.
As for the UFC games I watched 3 matches on youtube and they all seemed drawn out and their seemed to be very little reaction to getting hit. I don't think that one is for me. I prefer authentic ancient weapons and faster matches.
I think that for what the Deadliest Warrior games offer that there is no equal (ie. authentic ancient weapons and weapon damage, every character presenting an entirely unique cultural fighting style, and of course the various historical armors and bits of info). I do wish they had a bigger budget and lots of support to fine tune it, but for the history, accuracy, and variety I personally haven't seen anything that comes close...even if they aren't AAA big budget titles. I'm not sure who the military guy is from the second one that you are referring to as that title is made up entirely of great military leaders. I prefer the first game because I love the Samurai. Being able to face my Samurai against a pirate, knight, ninja, etc. is a lot of fun for me.
Thanks for the Bushido Blade info, I'll definitely be looking for that one.