Quick Links
Fighting games based on combat sports are distinct from Tekken and Street Fighter. The fights generally last longer and utilize a strategic pace based on damage and timing. EA Sports UFC 5 is one of the most complex games based on fighting sports.
It's arguably more challenging to master than boxing games like Undisputed and Fight Night. In addition to boxing and kickboxing, players must learn its grappling system, which starts with takedowns. Understanding how to perform, deny, and reverse takedowns in UFC 5 can change the course of a fight. This guide will outline some of the best takedowns and how to defend them.
UFC 5: How To Touch Gloves
Touching gloves is a meaningful way to show respect in UFC 5; here's how to do it.
How To Perform Takedowns In UFC 5
- Double Leg Takedown - Hold L2 + Tap Triangle + and Circle on PlayStation. LT + Tap Y + B on Xbox.
- Power Double Leg Takedown - Hold L2 + Hold Triangle + and Circle on PlayStation. LT + Hold Y + B on Xbox. With the opponent lifted, press the face buttons to slam them.
- Single Leg Takedown - Hold L2, but tap Square + X on the PlayStation. LT + Tap + X + A on Xbox.
- Power Single Leg Takedown - Hold L2, Hold Square + X on the PlayStation. LT + Hold + X + A on Xbox. With the opponent lifted, press the face buttons to slam them.
- Single Leg Shot/Ankle Pick - At a distance, Hold L2 + Square + X on PlayStation. LT + X + A on Xbox.
- Double Leg Bail Trip - Hold L2 + Tap Triangle + and Circle on PlayStation. LT + Tap Y + B on Xbox. Let go, then hold R2 on the PlayStation or RT on the Xbox in the middle of the takedown animation to bail and get the Over Under clinch. Then press the R1 + Circle to perform a trip. Or RB + B on the Xbox.
- Double Leg Bail Sambo Suplex - Hold L2 + Tap Triangle + and Circle on PlayStation. LT + Tap Y + B on Xbox. Let go, then hold R2 on the PlayStation or RT on the Xbox in the middle of the takedown animation to bail and get the Over Under clinch. Then, press the R1 + X to perform a suplex. Or RB + A on the Xbox.
- Clinch To Ankle Pick Takedown - Press Square + X on PlayStation or X + A on the Xbox to initiate the clinch in UFC 5. Then Press R1 + X or RB + A on the Xbox.
- Clinch To Hip Toss - Press Square + X on PlayStation or X + A on the Xbox to initiate the clinch. Then Press R1 + Circle or RB + B on the Xbox.
How To Deny Takedowns In UFC 5
The most reliable method to deny a takedown is holding down the L2 + R2 or LT + RT before the takedown attempt. This is good when an opponent is predictable by continually going for takedowns. However, the player's character is vulnerable to strikes because they aren't defending their head. Press the trigger buttons too late, and the player has a small window to deny it by pressing the L-stick in the opposite direction of the opponent's movements. It's one of the most challenging aspects of UFC 5 to learn, and players should utilize the game's built-in practice mode to get the timing right.
Takedown Reverals In UFC 5
Takedown Reversals are one of the more overlooked mechanics from UFC 4 and UFC 5. They are performed similarly to takedown denials. Instead of blocking a takedown attempt, the player's fighter will counter and reverse it using a submission or a throw to gain the dominant position. To use a takedown reversal, input the following commands:
- Wrestling reversal for the dominant position - Hold down the L2 + R2 + R1 before the takedown attempt on the PlayStation. Or on the Xbox, hold down the LT + RT + RB.
- Submission reversal - Hold down L2 + R2 + L1. Or LT + RT + LB on the Xbox.
Performing the reversal will depend on a fighter's skill set. Judo specialists can reverse the move with a hip toss, and BJJ submission specialists can land a Guillotine choke. Several balanced fighters in UFC 5 can use both.
UFC 5 is available October 27, 2023, for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
