EA’s UFC 4 has 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 like Jon Jones and Israel Adesanya.
However, if one scratches beneath the surface of EA's UFC 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.
Updated February 3rd, 2022 by Michael Llewellyn: EA's UFC 4 has been the recipient of frequent updates and gameplay tweaks to help bring it up to date. It's a much better game now than it was at launch and now that it's freely available for subscribers of PlayStation Plus there has never been a better time to dive in. Of course, it's an intimidating game with its complex controls and already installed player base, but there is still room for new players of any skill type. This list has been updated with more combinations and moves that many veterans of the game have utilized so well in combat. With that in mind, there is no better way to practice these moves, combos, and animations than in the game's practice modes. So get training and take the fight to the pros.
18 Dominick Cruz's Signature Footwork Animations
He may not be the most powerful fighter in UFC 4 but 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
- Hold LB or L1 and press the Right Stick up, down, towards, or away from the opponent to activate these animations.
- The window for timing these animations is small, but they are perfect for countering straight punches and kicks.
- The opponent will be wide open for hooks and roundhouse kicks.
17 Easy 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:
- To perform the reversal the player needs to hold down L2 and R2 and R1 on PlayStation or LT and RT and RB on Xbox before the takedown is initiated by the opponent.
- Depending on the fighter the reversal will either judo throw to the top position or even perform a submission hold automatically.
16 The Block Hook Counter
One of the most effective countermoves in UFC 4 is 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.
How To Perform It:
- The player needs to block the punch and very quickly throw a hook using the opposite hand in the middle of the opponent's animation.
- So if the opponent throws a right-hand counter it with the left hook using L1 or LB and square (or X on the Xbox).
- Speed is key to landing the counter and timing the hook will need to be practiced in the gym.
15 Lunging 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 the UFC 4’s practice mode is a must.
How To Perform It
- To execute this move, the player needs to flick the right stick toward their opponent.
- Halfway through the animation, hit the Triangle button (or Y on Xbox) to throw a lunging strike.
- This is where it gets tricky – throw the X button (or A button on Xbox) before the strike lands to hit an inside leg kick.
14 The 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.
How To Perform It
- To initiate the pull-back counter, players will need to make sure their opponent is stationary.
- Pull away from the opponent on the right stick just as the opponent throws a hook.
- Perform a straight punch, hook, or uppercut before the pull-back animation has finished.
13 The Head Slip Counter
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.
How To Perform It
- To perform the slip counter, the player needs to press up or down on the right stick. For example, if the opponent is throwing the left jab first, pull down on the right stick.
- This will move the player character’s head to the outside, leaving the opponent open to a big counterpunch.
12 Overhand To Lead Uppercut Combo
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.
How To Perform It
- To perform the combo, players will need to initiate the overhand punch by pressing R1 (RB on Xbox) and Square or Triangle if southpaw (or X and Y on Xbox).
- Before the animation is finished, quickly press Square and X together (X and A on Xbox) to follow it with a damaging uppercut.
11 Lead Kick To Straight Right Punch
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.
How To Perform It
- Make sure there is enough distance between the player’s character and the opponent.
- Throw the lead kick either at the head, body, or leg.
- Before the animation is finished, follow up with a straight right hand with Triangle (or Y on the Xbox).
10 Masvidal’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.
How To Perform It
- Double-tap the R stick toward the opponent to initiate the run.
- Press R2 or RT on the Xbox and the circle button or B button on the Xbox Controller.
9 Fabricio 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.
How To Perform It
- Double press the R stick toward the opponent, and press the L1 button and the circle button down – or LB and the B button on the Xbox – at the same time.