UFC 5: Secret Moves Only The Pros Know

Highlights

• 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.

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 30th, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: EA’s UFC 5 is frequently supported with performance updates, patches, and new fighters to keep the roster fresh. Some moves in the game are exclusive to certain fighters, yet many of the best ones can be executed by all UFC fighters when players master their timing. This list has been updated to feature a devastating counterpunch that is effective when used by any fighter, provided the player dedicates time to practice and become accustomed to their animations and inputs.

1 Backstep To Overhand Counter

A Devastating Counterpunch For Flash KOs

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 leading 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!

2 Fast Question Mark Kick – Kickboxers

A Punch-And-Kick Combo That Can Score Quick Knockdowns

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.

3 Imanari Roll – Tony Ferguson

A Unique Transition To The Heel Hook

Tony Ferguson is a legend in 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.

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.

4 Bob And Weave – Mike Tyson

Signature Tyson Head Movement To Avoid Punches

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 Muhammed Ali. However, if players land immediately after making their opponent miss, it counts as a counterpunch for more damage.

5 Unbreakable Guard – Justin Gaethje

Signature Guard Against Hooks And Roundhouses

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.

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.

Signature Lunges To Avoid Attacks And Land Counters

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.

7 Double Spin Kick – Kickboxers With Taekwondo

A Fast Block-Breaking Combination For Kickboxers

The Double Spin Kick isn’t specific to one fighter but can used by kickboxing practitioners like Stephen Thompson, Anthony Pettis, Max Holloway, and others with Taekwondo-style kicks.

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.

8 Lead Spinning Cage Kick – Anthony Pettis

A Powerful Defensive Kick From The Cage Wall

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 and hit Pettis’ Lead Spinning Cage Kick for a potential knockout.

9 Rolling Thunder – Justin Gaethje

A Signature Rolling Kick Attack

Justin Garthje has an unorthodox and daring style where he isn’t afraid to try wild attacks like the Rolling Thunder to hit his opponents. The risky flip kick has a five-star rating in UFC 5, so it can knock out his opponents coming in for an attack.

Unsurprisingly, it’s dangerous and can leave Justin exposed, so players should try and use it coming off a lead jab or a feint with the Superman punch. Middleweight fighter Dan Henderson also uses the same technique.

10 The Showtime Kick – Anthony Pettis

The Iconic Signature Kick From Anthony Pettis

Anthony Showtime Pettis running along the cage wall and landing a jumping roundhouse kick against Benson Henderson is one of MMA’s most famous highlight reel moments. Thankfully, players can use the kick in UFC 5. Unfortunately, it is tricky to pull off, and the game doesn’t tell players about positioning.

Pettis must be opposite his opponent, with both fighters next to the cage wall. Players should try to create some distance – octagon corner to octagon corner – so that Pettis has room to perform the move with his inside leg and arm next to the cage.