UFC 5: Complete Grapple Guide, Tips and Tricks to Grappling

UFC 5 has taken a significant leap in delivering a more authentic Mixed Martial Arts experience, especially when it comes to grappling. The game developers have shifted their focus from arcade-like mini-games to a more realistic approach that emphasizes stamina management, transitions, and strategic gameplay. 

The introduction of the new Submission Resilience meter has added another layer of depth to the grappling mechanics. This meter depletes based on character stats and needs to be drained for a successful submission. Stamina plays a critical role, and managing it wisely can be the difference between victory and defeat. 

Transitions have also been revamped, allowing players to chain positions and submissions, mirroring Brazilian jiu-jitsu. 

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What is UFC Grappling?

In UFC 5, grappling is a strategic element that can make or break a match. The game has moved away from the arcade-like mechanics of its predecessors, focusing instead on a more realistic experience. 

One of the most notable changes is the new Submission Resilience meter. This meter depletes based on your character’s stats, and you’ll need to drain it completely to pull off a successful submission. 

The game also emphasizes stamina management. If you spam transitions, your stamina will drain quickly, leaving you vulnerable to submissions and strikes.

Why Grapple in UFC 5?

Mastering the art of grappling in UFC 5 offers a strategic advantage that can’t be overlooked. The new grappling mechanics are designed to be as close to real-life MMA fighting as possible. Stamina management is crucial. If you don’t manage it wisely, you’ll find yourself at a significant disadvantage. 

The game allows for chaining positions and submissions, which is a feature that reflects the reality of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This means that you can use submissions not just to force a tap but also to advance to a more dominant position. 

The new mechanics also allow for more advanced button combinations for actions like takedowns and strikes, making the gameplay feel more natural and engaging.

Full UFC Grappling Controls on PS5 and Xbox

Understanding the controls is the first step to mastering UFC 5’s grappling mechanics. The table below offers a comprehensive guide to the grappling controls for both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. It includes controls for stand-up, clinch, and ground grappling, as well as defensive actions.

Basic Grapple controls

Function	PS5 Controls	Xbox Series X|S Controls
Elbows	R2 + SquareR2 + Triangle	RT + XRT + Y
Post defense	LB + right stick on the right or left	LB + right stick on the right or left
Body hooks	L2 + L1 + SquareL2 + L1 + Triangle	LT + LB + XLT + LB + Y
Submissions	LT + RB + X or LT + RB + Y	L2 + R1 + Square or L2 + R1 + Triangle
Trip or Throw	RB + ARB + B	R1 + XR1 + Circle
Body straights	L2 + TriangleL2 + Square	LT + Y or LT + X
Advance Position	RB + XRB + Y	R1 + Square R1 + Triangle
Hooks	L1 + SquareL1 + Triangle	LB + XLB + Y
Wrestling Single Leg Takedown	LT + X + A	L2 + Square + X
Head movement	Right stick on the right or left	Right stick on the right or left
Single/Double Leg Modifier	Left stick in any direction	Left stick in any direction
Power Single Leg Takedown	LT + X + A	L2 + Square + X
Wrestling Double Leg Takedown	LT + Y + B	L2 + Triangle + Circle

Stand-up Grapple controls (Offense and defense)

Function	Xbox Series X|S Controls	PS5 Controls
Clinch Escape	Left stick to the opposite side of the opponent	Left stick to the opposite side of the opponent
Single/Double Leg Defense Modifier	Left stick in any direction	Left stick in any direction
Defend Takedown or Throw	LT + RT	L2 + R2
Defend Submission	RT	R2
Wrestling Single Leg	LT + X + A	L2 + Square + X
Single Collar Clinch	X + A	Square + X
Wrestling Double Leg	LT + Y + B	L2 + Triangle + Circle
Power Single Leg Takedown	LT + X + A	L2 + Square + Hold X
Power Double Leg Takedown	LT + Y + B	L2 + Triangle + Hold Circle

Clinch Grapple Defense Controls

Function	PS5 Controls	Xbox Series X|S Controls
Clinch Escape	Left stick to the opposite side of the opponent	Left stick to the opposite side of the opponent
Defend Submission	R2	RT
Single/Double Leg Defense Modifier	Left stick in any direction	Left stick in any direction
Defend Takedown/Throw	L2 + R2	LT + RT

These controls require precise timing and strategic thinking. For example, the Power Single Leg Takedown requires holding down the X button on PS5, adding a layer of complexity to the move. 

The game also offers advanced controls for clinch and ground grappling, emphasizing the importance of mastering the basic controls first.

UFC 5 Grappling Tips and Tricks

Stamina management

Stamina plays a critical role in grappling. Managing it wisely can be the difference between victory and defeat. For instance, spamming transitions can quickly drain your stamina, leaving you vulnerable to submissions and strikes.

Transitions

Transitions are crucial for gaining an advantage in a grappling situation. The game allows for chaining positions and submissions, reflecting the reality of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. For example, you can use a submission attempt to transition into a more dominant position.

Submissions

The new Submission Resilience meter has added depth to the submission game. This meter depletes based on your character’s stats, and you’ll need to drain it completely to pull off a successful submission.

Defensive techniques

Countering grappling moves requires timing and the right button combinations. Physical cues on character models indicate which direction to move the right thumbstick for transitions and stuffing them.

Who Are the Best Grapplers in UFC 5?

Knowing the controls and tips is one thing, but choosing the right character can also make a significant difference. 

While the game offers a range of fighters with varying skills, some excel in grappling. 

Fighter Name	Weight class
Charles Oliveira	Lightweight
Kamaru Usman	Welterweight
Islam Makhachev	Lightweight
Kamaru Usman	Welterweight
Khamzat Chimaev	Welterweight
Jon Jones	Light Heavyweight / Heavyweight
Henry Cejudo	Flyweight / Bantamweight

Final thoughts

Mastering the grappling techniques in UFC 5 is more than just a skill – it’s an art form that can give you a significant edge in the game. Whether you’re playing on PS5 or Xbox One, understanding the controls is the first step to becoming a grappling guru. 

From there, it’s all about strategy and timing, knowing when to initiate a grapple and when to defend. Also, choosing a top-tier grappler can make all the difference in those intense, down-to-the-wire matches. 

Go ahead, dive into the game and start practicing your grappling moves. You’ll be a pro in no time.