EA Sports' UFC 4 has recently joined the likes of FIFA 21, NHL 21, and Madden 21 on Game Pass after it was recently added to EA Play. The game was initially released in August 2020 and is the latest MMA offering from EA, coming over two years after UFC 3. 

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The core gameplay of UFC 4 is very similar to its predecessor, though some mechanics have been overhauled to make the experience more accessible for new players, especially the ground game. Still, there are plenty of people downloading the fighting game from EA Play who are completely new to the series and possibly even the sport of MMA too. These tips are for them.

10 Always Have An Eye On Stamina

Many first-time players will boot up UFC 4, learn what the buttons for head kicks and punches are, then spam them over and over again in hopes of securing a cinematic knockout. Like most fighting games, this strategy will often result in a swift defeat.

In the case of UFC 4, the main reason this is such an issue is because of stamina. As is the case in real MMA, fighters need to conserve energy in case the match goes into the later rounds, or else they will be sitting ducks for their opponent to finish.

9 Don't Overuse Dodging

Following on from the previous entry, it's common that new players will constantly wiggle the right stick in an attempt to dodge punches like Muhammed Ali in his prime. Unlike some fighting games, dodging drains the player's stamina at a deceivingly high pace in UFC 4, so overusing it is a big mistake.

That's not to say that the dodging shouldn't be used at all, as it does, of course, have its purpose. However, it should be used sparingly to avoid being gassed in the early rounds.

8 Master The Submission Mechanic

As mentioned before, most new players spend their first few hours in the game trying to nail picture-perfect knockouts, so submissions are largely ignored. Although they may not be as flashy as knockouts, submissions are how approximately 25% of fights in the UFC are finished, so it's important to learn the mechanic.

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Thankfully, the game offers in-depth tutorials for submissions, so players can be up to speed before they have their first fight.

7 Keep Your Hands Up

Anyone who has been coached to fight will have undoubtedly heard the phrase "keep your hands up" over and over again. The reason fighters keep their hands up isn't too tricky to comprehend – it defends the fighter's head while also keeping their hands at a good height to land head punches of their own.

Players should adopt this simple strategy in UFC 4, ensuring that their hands are up as often as possible. Of course, players also have to contend with body blows but holding their hands up should always be the default stance.

6 Clinch When In Trouble

In any professional fight, whether it be boxing, kickboxing, or MMA, fighters will likely clinch on multiple occasions. Floyd Mayweather is particularly well known for his clinching, as the defense-first fighter will frequently hold onto his opponents if they start getting the upper hand.

When on the receiving end of some hard strikes, clinching or even shooting a takedown is a great way to stop the opponent's momentum. Just remember that, unlike boxing, MMA fighters can elbow, knee, and take down their opponent while in a clinch, so be sure not to get complacent.

5 Set Up Significant Strikes With Jabs

UFC 4 lets players pull off some extraordinary moves in an attempt to replicate some of the greatest knockouts in MMA history. Spinning back fists, superman punches, and jumping roundhouse kicks are all implemented into the game, though players should think carefully before throwing them.

Not only does throwing audacious knockout attempts drain stamina as mentioned before, but it also makes the player very predictable and easy to pick apart. Instead, it's best to set up significant strikes with a few jabs, as it will create a better opening while also gaining some footing on the scorecard.

4 Focus On Combos

Following on from the previous point, it's handy to memorize a handful of reliable combos, which play to the chosen fighter's strengths and have been worked on in the game's practice mode. These combos don't need to be too in-depth to begin with, just a few one-two combinations that intend to create an opening and catch the opponent by surprise. Once new players are comfortable with a few one-two hits, they can then move up to some more complex combinations.

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UFC 4 is designed to reward those who use combos, so players should be implementing them into their fights as soon as possible.

3 Pick A Fighter To Suit Your Playstyle

As the name mixed martial arts suggests, the sport features fighters with a huge range of styles, from Muay Thai to Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.

Consequently, when selecting a fighter, players should ensure that they're picking someone who is compatible with their game plan. For example, if players are going for a quick knockout, they should go with a hard-hitting kickboxer. Whereas, those planning to finish with a submission will need someone who is well-versed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

2 Don't Ignore Body Shots and Leg Kicks

Considering that knockouts occur when someone is struck on the head, many new players believe that swinging for that area with every strike is a logical move. However, this can create numerous issues.

For starters, constantly swinging for the head will make the player extremely easy to predict, allowing the opponent to easily block, dodge, and counter. Furthermore, body and leg kicks have a plethora of benefits, such as waring the opponent down, making them overprotect a certain area, or even forcing them to give up if they take too much punishment to a specific body part.

1 When An Opponent Is Rocked, Go All Out For The Finish

As new players begin to improve at UFC 4, they will start landing flush blows that will rock their opponent. It's easy to know when this has happened as there will be numerous audio and visuals indicators, such as the stamina and corresponding health bar flashing.

When an opponent is rocked, throwing the game plan out of the window and starting to swing for the fences suddenly becomes a solid idea. Granted, there's always the chance that the opponent can land a successful counter-attacking blow, though their chances are slim and the opportunity to finish the opponent shouldn't be squandered.

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