EA’s UFC 4has done a good job of capturing the action and the feel of the action that happens inside the Octagon leading to some very good reviews. To new players, it can seem that many fighters in the game look copied and pasted except for the company’s biggest stars likeJon Jones and Israel Adesanya.
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However, if one scratches beneath the surface ofEA’sUFC 4, they’ll find that many fighters perform and behave like their real-life counterparts. They have distinct combinations, move sets, and animations that will be familiar to fans. There are a lot of special and unique moves that are waiting to be discovered that the top players are already utilizing successfully in their fights.
18Dominick Cruz’s Signature Footwork Animations
He may not be the most powerful fighter inUFC 4but in the right hands, Dominick Cruz is one of the most lethal fighters in the game. Thanks to his unique footwork and the openings for counterpunches it creates when utilized correctly, Cruz’s skill set allows him to avoid punches and kicks from all angles and then attack by setting up devastating counterpunches.
However, one needs to work on the timing in the practice ring as it can leave Cruz vulnerable to an easy KO. He’s also the perfect antidote to players that like to use Cody Garbrandt for his hand speed.
How To Perform It
17Easy Takedown Reversal
It’s frustrating playing online against gamers that spam the same moves over and over. Whether it’s a long jab or hook spammers it can ruin the experience significantly for most players. Just as frustrating is the player that spams the takedown to gain easy points on the judge’s scorecards. Thankfully, there is an easy way for grappling-based fighters to counter the takedown with ease and reverse it to gain the top position or back to the stand-up.
How To Perform It:
16The Block Hook Counter
One of the most effective countermoves inUFC 4is simple in its execution but only if the player gets the timing correct. The block and hook counter can lead to knockdown or a flash KO with very little effort. It’s also one of the most effective moves to use against hook spammers in the game. It can even work well against the overhand rights or lefts but is risky due to the damage inflicted on the player’s guard.
15Lunging Strike To Inside Leg Kick
The lunging strike to inside leg kick is an effective combo that every player should add to their moves list in UFC 4. It is better suited to fighters that have a long reach, like Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones. However, Dominic Cruz lands very effective lunging strikes with very little effort, so this is a great combo for him. It’s a great way to work on an opponent’s leg as it’s one of the most fluid combinations in the game. This can be a tricky combo to master, so using theUFC 4’spractice mode is a must.
14The Pull Back Counter
Play online often enough, and one will come across a player that seems to be able to counter their every move. This is because there are players that have mastered the pull-back counter. As with all counter moves, the damage can be devastating. This countermove is very useful against players that are spamming left and right hooks.
There are a lot of players online that love to throw one-two and one-two-three-four combinations. This is because they are fast and capable of breaking a fighter’s block and guard, leaving them open to more devastating punches and kicks. The best way for the player to counter the straight punch is by slipping and countering with a move of their own.
The outside overhand punch is one of the most damaging and annoying punches in the game. The haymaker is devastating enough to floor most opponents in the game when timed correctly and spammed to the point where it can break an opponent’s block. Combine the overhand with a lead uppercut, and players will have one of the most overpowered UFC combos in the game. This is a combination that will need to be perfected in the game’s practice mode.
This is a simple but effective combo that’s used to close the distance and land powerful straight right hand – or left in the southpaw stance. The trick to making this combination work is to lure the opponent into thinking that the player’s character is only throwing lead kicks to the head, body, or leg. This will open them up for the outside straight right when their guard has dropped.
10Masvidal’s Running Knee
Jorge Masvidal’s five-second knockout of the previously undefeated Ben Askren has gone down in history as one of the most iconic moments in UFC history. It even helped secure Masvidal’s position as one of the cover stars alongside Israel Adesanya for UFC 4. Unsurprisingly, the developers have added this move in the game as a signature move for Masvidal.
9Fabricio Werdum – Flying Kick
The running flying kick was performed by Fabricio Werdum in his match against Travis Browne. It’s another highlight-reel moment in the UFC that has found its way into this year’s game. Just like Masvidal’s, running knee, the kick does have a drawback, in that it can drain Werdum’s stamina. It may be better to perform the flying kick just a few steps away from the opposing fighters.
