EA's UFC 5 utilizes several combat systems, like wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and boxing. However, several players prefer to fight on their feet with strikes and kicks. Of course, knowing when to strike and how to put together combinations will lead to many wins, but the best players must know how to defend themselves in UFC 5.

Good head movement and timing will lead to devastating counterattacks that can damage, floor, and knock an opponent out with ease. This guide helps players with various methods of head movement and timing to avoid damage and leave opponents vulnerable to a counter.

UFC 5 Thompson uppercuts BJ Penn
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UFC 5: Tips Every New Player Needs To Know

Use these tips to overcome the complexities of UFC 5's mechanics and become a successful fighter in the Octagon.

Head Movement In UFC 5

UFC 5 - slipping the punch in practice mode

There are two methods players can use to slip the punch. They can use guard and unguard movements. Both work, but each method has drawbacks. Moving the head unguarded is faster, and players counter better, but UFC 5 fighters are more vulnerable if they get hit. Using a guard will negate some damage from striking, but it drains their stamina.

  • Slipping straight punches, kicks, and jumping knees unguarded - Hold the R1 on PlayStation or RB on Xbox and flick the R-stick up or down. Reply with a jab, a hook, or an uppercut to land a counterpunch. Some fighters like Israel Adesanya are better at countering and head movement than others.
  • Slipping straight punches, kicks, jumping knees guarded - Hold R1 and R2 on PlayStation or RB and RT on the Xbox and flick the R-stick up or down. Reply with a jab, a hook, or an uppercut to land a counterpunch. Learning to slip these punches is excellent against fighters like Conor McGregor, who throws long-reaching straight combos.
  • Unguarded Pull back to slip hooks, uppercuts, jumping knees, and straight kicks - Hold the R1 button or RB on the Xbox and pull the R-stick away from the opponent. Players can hit a pull-back counter before the animation has finished.
UFC 5 - slipping the punch with Tyson to set up a counter
  • Guarded Pull back to slip hooks and uppercuts - Hold the R1 and R2 buttons or RB and RT on the Xbox and pull the R-Stick away from the opponent. Players can reply with a counter, but it's not as fast as unguarded.
  • Ducking hooks, straights, and roundhouse kicks unguarded - Hold the R1 button or RB on the Xbox and move the R-stick toward an opponent.
  • Ducking hooks, straights, and roundhouse kicks guarded - Hold the R1 and R2 buttons or RB and RT on the Xbox and move the R-stick toward the opponent.

Countering Head Movement

Players should be aware that there is a counter for every head movement:

  • Moving the head side to side to avoid straight attacks leaves the fighter vulnerable to hooks.
  • The pull-back movement leaves the body wide open for hooks, straight punches, roundhouse kicks, and more. Taking body damage also drains stamina.
  • Ducking will leave the player vulnerable to uppercuts and knees.

Some fighters like Mike Tyson and Dominic Cruz have signature head movements and lunges. As always, UFC 5 players should learn these movements in the game's Practice Mode. It is the most efficient and fastest way to get better at UFC 5.

EA Sports UFC 5
EA Sports UFC 5

Released
October 27, 2023
Developer(s)
Electronic Arts
Genre(s)
Sports , Fighting