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Mastering Defense: How to Avoid Getting Hit in UFC 4

The ultimate goal in UFC 4, aside from the sweet taste of victory, is simple: don’t get hit. Easier said than done, right? The core of avoiding damage in UFC 4 lies in a multi-faceted approach that combines skillful blocking, strategic dodging, intelligent movement, and a deep understanding of your opponent’s tendencies. You need to become a defensive maestro, a digital Houdini inside the octagon. Let’s break down the essential components:

Blocking: Your primary line of defense. Holding ^RT^ blocks high strikes to the head. Combining ^RT^ + ^LT^ blocks low strikes aimed at the body and legs. Timing is crucial. Just holding block won’t protect you forever; your block will break down and your stamina will deplete. Block strategically, especially when anticipating an attack.
Dodging (Swaying): Utilize the right analog stick (^RS^) to sway and evade punches. A quick flick to the left or right avoids straight punches, while swaying down can help you slip under hooks. Mastering sways not only prevents damage but also creates opportunities for counter-attacks.
Footwork and Movement: Don’t be a stationary target! Use the left analog stick to maintain distance, circle your opponent, and control the pace of the fight. Effective footwork makes it harder for your opponent to land clean shots.
Anticipation and Reading Your Opponent: Pay close attention to your opponent’s tells – the way they move, the strikes they favor, and the combos they string together. By anticipating their attacks, you can react more effectively with blocks, dodges, or well-timed counters.
Stamina Management: Stamina is king. Throwing too many strikes without landing, constantly blocking, or getting hit depletes your stamina. A tired fighter is a vulnerable fighter. Conserve your stamina by picking your shots wisely, moving efficiently, and using clinch control to recover.

UFC 4: Mastering the Art of Evasion

Blocking: Your First Line of Defense

Blocking is your bread and butter. It’s the foundational skill that allows you to survive the initial onslaught and create openings for your own attacks. However, there’s more to blocking than just holding down the trigger.

High Blocking: Holding ^RT^ (Right Trigger) is your go-to for defending against head strikes like jabs, straights, and overhands. Remember that constant blocking will drain your stamina and weaken your guard.
Low Blocking: Combining ^RT^ + ^LT^ (Right Trigger + Left Trigger) protects your body and legs from hooks, body shots, and leg kicks. It’s especially crucial for defending against fighters who love to attack the body.
Checking Leg Kicks: If you see a leg kick coming, quickly hold ^RT^ + ^LT^ at the moment of impact. This “check” will significantly reduce the damage you take and can even injure your opponent.
Block Breaking: Be aware that repeated strikes will eventually break your block. When your block is weakened, you’ll take more damage even when blocking. Knowing when to disengage and reset is key.

Dodging (Swaying): Becoming a Ghost in the Octagon

Dodging, or swaying, is the art of making your opponent miss entirely. It’s riskier than blocking, but the reward is much greater: a missed strike, a drained stamina bar for your opponent, and a perfect opportunity for a counter-attack.

Straight Punches: Evade straight punches like jabs and straights by quickly flicking the right analog stick (^RS^) to the left or right. Timing is crucial; sway too early or too late, and you’ll eat a punch.
Hooks and Overhands: These are trickier to dodge. Swaying in the same direction as a hook will amplify the damage if you’re hit. Instead, try to sway away from the direction of the hook, or even better, slip inside the hook for a devastating counter.
Practice Makes Perfect: The timing for sways can be tricky. Spend time in practice mode getting a feel for the timing and distance required to effectively dodge different types of punches.

Movement and Footwork: Dance Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee

Footwork is often overlooked but is a critical aspect of defense. Good footwork allows you to control the distance, angles, and rhythm of the fight.

Maintaining Distance: Use the left analog stick to move in and out of range. Avoid staying in one spot; a stationary target is an easy target.
Circling: Circling to your opponent’s weak side (usually their right if they’re orthodox) can create openings for your attacks and make it harder for them to land their power shots.
Cutting Angles: Use footwork to cut angles and change the direction of the fight. This can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and make them more predictable.
Lunge: Utilize the lunge feature by pressing L1 (LB) and the right analog stick.

Understanding Your Opponent and Anticipating Attacks

This is where the mental game comes into play. The more you understand your opponent’s tendencies, the better you can anticipate their attacks and react accordingly.

Observe Their Style: Are they an aggressive brawler who throws wild haymakers, or are they a technical striker who picks their shots carefully?
Identify Their Favorite Combos: Most players have a few favorite combos they like to use. Once you identify these combos, you can start to anticipate them and prepare your defense.
Watch for Tells: Does your opponent always throw a jab before throwing a right hand? Do they lean forward before throwing a kick? These small “tells” can give you valuable information about their upcoming attacks.

Stamina Management: The Key to Survival

Stamina is the lifeblood of any UFC 4 fighter. Running out of stamina not only makes you weaker and slower but also makes you much more vulnerable to damage.

Conserve Your Energy: Don’t waste stamina by throwing punches that miss or blocking unnecessarily.
Pick Your Shots: Focus on landing clean, impactful strikes rather than throwing a flurry of weak punches.
Use Clinch Control: Clinching can be a great way to recover stamina and disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.
Clench Your Fists: Regain your breath by clenching your fists.

UFC 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Avoiding Damage

How do I defend against takedowns in UFC 4? To defend any takedown, hold ^RT^ + ^LT^ when your opponent attempts a takedown. Timing is crucial; you need to react quickly when you see the takedown animation starting.
What’s the best way to avoid leg kicks? Block low with ^RT^ + ^LT^, or better yet, try to check the leg kick by timing your block just as the kick connects. You can also try to move out of range or counter with a strike of your own.
How do I stop someone from spamming the same combo over and over? Identify the combo and practice defending against it. You can block the initial strikes, then try to slip or move out of range of the final strike. Counter-attacking is also a good option if you see an opening.
Is it better to block or dodge in UFC 4? It depends on the situation. Blocking is generally safer, but dodging can create better counter-attacking opportunities. Experiment with both and see what works best for your style.
How important is fighter selection when it comes to defense? Very important. Some fighters have better blocking stats, while others have superior footwork and movement. Choose a fighter that complements your defensive style.
How do I counter a fighter who is constantly moving forward? Use your footwork to circle away from their pressure and create angles. Jabs and leg kicks can also be effective for keeping them at bay.
What are strike feints, and how can they help my defense? Strike feints (Press ^RT^ after throwing a strike) can be used to bait your opponent into reacting, allowing you to read their intentions and set up your own attacks or defenses. They can also interrupt the opponent.
How do I know when my block is about to break? Watch your stamina bar. As your stamina depletes, your block becomes weaker. When your stamina is low, it’s time to disengage and reset.
What’s the difference between swaying and lunging? Swaying is a quick, short movement used to evade individual strikes. Lunging is a longer, more deliberate movement used to close or create distance.
How do I improve my reaction time in UFC 4? Practice! The more you play, the better you’ll become at recognizing your opponent’s attacks and reacting accordingly. Playing against different opponents with different styles can also help. You can learn more about this at the Games Learning Society website, https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
What is the most powerful punch in UFC 4? Overhands. Overhands are the most damaging punches available, but also cost the most Stamina so throw them wisely.
How do you make someone bleed in UFC 4? Repeated strikes can cause opponents to bleed from cuts, resulting in bloodstains on the mat and/or bodies.
What is the coolest move in UFC 4? The Imanari Roll is one of the coolest looking moves in the game and is capable of submitting almost anyone if their stamina is low or their leg health has taken a beating.
What type of fighter is easiest in UFC 4? Chuck Liddell is a good first fighter for players in UFC 4, as he is an excellent kickboxer. This is a style of fighting that most beginners rely on when they’re still getting to grips with the ground game.
What is the best kick in UFC 4? The Body Straight, Jab, Roundhouse Kick combination is one of the best in UFC 4 for kickboxers, as it can deal a ton of damage to the opponent.

Mastering defense in UFC 4 is a journey, not a destination. It requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. But with the right techniques and a strategic mindset, you can become a defensive powerhouse and dominate the octagon.

How do you not get hit in UFC 4?