Summary
- Here are some of the best moves and techniques to use in UFC 5:
- Backstep To Overhand Counter: A devastating counterpunch that can lead to flash knockouts. To execute, flick the L stick away and hold L1 and Triangle or Square in the Southpaw position on PlayStation, or hold LT + Y or X in the Southpaw position on Xbox.
- Fast Question Mark Kick - Kickboxers: A punch-and-kick combo that can score quick knockdowns. To execute, press Triangle (PlayStation) or Y (Xbox) for the kick, followed by L1 + X or Square (PlayStation) or LT + A (Xbox) for the punch.
EA's UFC 5 is a combat sports game with a vast roster of current and legendary mixed martial artists available to play. Many fighters look and play like their real-life counterpart with unique movements and styles. For example, Israel Adesanya is a fast striker who snipes his opponents from a distance, and he is vastly different from Rampage Jackson, a close-range heavy striker.
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In addition to feeling unique, several fighters have hidden or signature moves that few other fighters in the game use. Utilized correctly by expert players, these signature and hidden moves can change the flow of a fight instantly. This list features some of the best signature offensive and defensive moves in UFC 5.
Updated June 23, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn: The UFC features a lot of signature and special attacks that are attributed to specific fighters, especially if they have had a highlight reel moment. One of the most impressive moves in the game is performed by a big heavyweight, Derrick Lewis, who is far more agile than he appears. This guide is updated to include two versions of this move to surprise opponents online and offline.
12 Derrick Lewis Signature Wheel Kick
A Wheel Kick Out Of Nowhere From A Big Man
|
PlayStation |
L1 + R1 + X _______________________________________ R Stick Away + L1 + R1 + X for the faster version |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
LB + RB + A _______________________________________ R Stick Away + LB + RB + A for the faster version |
Derrick Lewis is a big heavyweight fighter who slowly and methodically lands bombs, but he can also explode into a flurry of attacks that can KO any opponent. Lewis is a huge fighter with agility that betrays his size and pace, especially when he can land moves like the spinning wheel kick to knock out his opponents. There are two variations of the spinning wheel kick that he can perform.
The first one, he can spin straight from the standing position and catch his opponents in close or long range by pressing L1 + R1 + X or LB + RB + X. Then there is the faster version, which is performed by moving away from the opponent at the same time. In this version, he drops further down, placing his weight on his hand, but spins faster. It's a great move for catching one's opponents by surprise in the heavyweight division. However, don't overuse it and become predictable; keep it as a secret weapon to catch opponents off guard.
11 Superman Punch Off The Cage
A Surprising Counter When A Fighter's Back Is Against The Cage
|
PlayStation |
Back Against The Cage Hold L1 + Triangle + Circle |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
Back Against The Cage Hold LB + B + Y |
The Superman Punch is an impressive move in the cage, but it can be very telegraphed, making it easy to counter and block. However, the move is significantly faster when a UFC 5 fighter has their back against the cage and uses it to rebound with the Superman Punch instead.
Moreover, it works well as a counterpunch against fighters who are rushing in looking to take advantage of their opponent backing up. If it can land as a counter, there's a good chance it can land a flash KO or at least a knockdown.
10 Backstep To Overhand Counter
A Devastating Counterpunch For Flash KOs
|
PlayStation |
Flick the L stick away > Hold L1 and Triangle or Square in the Southpaw position |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
Flick the L stick away > Hold LT + Y or X in the Southpaw position |
The Backstep Counter-Overhand is a terrific KO-worthy punch attributed to the YouTube streamer NazUFC. The timing is very tight and may take some practice to get right. This devastating counterpunch can inflict considerable counter damage, result in a stun, or even lead to a flash knockout, especially when executed on an adversary with diminished stamina following a series of combinations.
Additionally, when combined with a backstep, this overhand haymaker seems to have a quicker animation, rendering it less predictable than when executed independently. The overhand must be thrown just as the outside leg moves backward for the combination to work in one fluid motion. This technique is highly effective for boxers and kickboxers, yet even wrestlers who may not have strong punching stats can surprise their opponent with precise timing - use the practice gym to get it right!
9 Faster Question Mark & Roundhouse Kick - Kickboxers
A Punch-And-Kick Combo That Can Score Quick Knockdowns
|
PlayStation |
Triangle > L1 + X or Square in the Southpaw position and L1 + X |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
Y > LT + A the Y button or X in the Southpaw position and LT + A |
Most kickboxers in UFC 5 have the Question Mark Kick by holding down the shoulder buttons and pressing the X/A button on the controller. It's an effective kick that tricks the opponent by feinting the body kick but kicking the head instead. However, it's a slow move, even for fighters like Stephen Thompson and Anderson Silva. Moreover, throwing it too often makes it less challenging for the opponent to read the animation and counter.
Throwing the kick after a punch makes the attack faster, so it becomes less telegraphed and stands a solid chance of scoring a knockdown or even a KO. It can be combined with a one-two combo and functions well as a block breaker, but it's faster and less telegraphed when it's following a rear punch. Even if the punch misses, it can be a devastating combo, but don't overuse it. The combo also works with a regular roundhouse with less KO potential.
8 Imanari Roll - Tony Ferguson
A Unique Transition To The Heel Hook
|
PlayStation |
Hold L1 + L2 + Triangle or Square in the Southpaw position |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
Hold LB + LT + the Y button or X in the Southpaw position |
Tony Ferguson is a legend in the UFC. He maintained a long, unbeaten streak by combining pressure boxing, excellent cardio, and submission skills. Even though his fighter's stats have taken a hit since UFC 4, Ferguson is still a dangerous fighter in the game thanks to his deadly accuracy, stiff jabs, and chin.
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He's also a great choice against wrestling takedowns in UFC 5, as he can submit his opponents off his back. He can also catch any fighter by surprise using his signature submission move, the Imanari Roll. The hidden submission is hit from the standing position, and if timed correctly, Tony will roll, grab a leg, and set up the heel hook submission move. It is a perfect submission for Tony Ferguson players who like to damage their opponent's legs. Targeted limb damage significantly lowers their submission defense in that area.
7 Bob And Weave - Mike Tyson
Signature Tyson Head Movement To Avoid Punches
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PlayStation |
Hold L1 + L2 and move the L-Stick up or down |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
Hold LB + LT and move the L-Stick up or down |
Mike Tyson was known for his fast Bob-and-Weave boxing style. It allowed him to close the distance against taller heavyweight fighters and land his uppercuts and hooks to the head and the body. With Tyson's high stats in his punching power, he's already a favored fighter in UFC 5 online matches.
Tyson is made deadlier with the correct use of his bob and weave style head movement in UFC 5, which can avoid most head strikes. It's a style that will take practice against fast punchers like Muhammad Ali. However, if players land immediately after making their opponent miss, it counts as a counterpunch for more damage.
6 Unbreakable Guard - Justin Gaethje
Signature Guard Against Hooks And Roundhouses
|
PlayStation |
Hold R1 + R2 |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
Hold RB + RT |
Justin Gaethje is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. With his wrestling, knockout power, and killer instinct, it's easy to see why he's always in the top contention for the lightweight championship. Unsurprisingly, Garthje is a favorite among online players because of his powerful kicks to the head and legs, dangerous strikes, and outstanding defense.
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Gaethje has a unique guard that blocks incoming hooks, roundhouse kicks, and overhands without taking any block damage. It's the perfect defense against opponents who like to spam hooks online. However, the special guard exposes Gaethje to straight attacks from the middle.
5 Unique Footwork And Head Movement - Dominic Cruz
Signature Lunges To Avoid Attacks And Land Counters
|
PlayStation |
L1 + flick the L-stick in any direction |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
LB + flick the L-stick in any direction |
Dominic Cruz is a former UFC bantamweight champion with some of the most unorthodox and unusual styles. He was a good wrestler but was better known for his capability of striking his opponents from different angles with feints, head, and leg movement.
Cruz's unique style is captured in UFC 5. Players must flick the L-stick - not hold it - to utilize Cruz's lunges properly. It can get the fighter out of tight spots and counter with hooks and straights for stinging shots against his opponents. However, it needs to be practiced in UFC 5's Practice Mode. Using it recklessly can leave Cruz exposed to hooks and leg kicks.
4 Double Spin Kick - Kickboxers With Taekwondo
A Fast Block-Breaking Combination For Kickboxers
|
PlayStation |
L1 + X > X + Circle, followed by Circle or X in South Paw |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
LB + A > A + B, followed by B or A Southpaw |
The Double Spin Kick isn't specific to one fighter but can be used by kickboxing practitioners like Stephen Thompson, Anthony Pettis, Max Holloway, and others with Taekwondo-style kicks.
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Striking is the most popular aspect of UFC 5, and these fighters excel at it.
Utilizing spin attacks differs from UFC 4, but players can still execute devastating combos, like the double spin kick. It can break an opponent's guard and catch them unaware if they feel safe after blocking the first kick.
3 Lead Spinning Cage Kick - Anthony Pettis
A Powerful Defensive Kick From The Cage Wall
|
PlayStation |
Hold L1 + R1 + X with the back pressed against the cage. Or L1 + R1 + Circle in the Southpaw position. |
|---|---|
|
Xbox |
Hold LB + RB + A with the back pressed against the cage. Or LB + RB + Circle in the Southpaw position. |
Anthony Pettis has a highlight reel of knockouts thanks to his impressive kicking style. He can seemingly hit his opponents from all angles and get himself out of trouble when backed up against the cage.
Pettis doesn't have the best stats in his hands, but his kicking speed and power can match anyone in the UFC. If players are backed up against the cage, they can try to hit Pettis' Lead Spinning Cage Kick for a potential knockout.