UFC 4: Complete Takedown Guide, Tips and Tricks for Takedowns (2024)

The full release of UFC 4 has finally arrived, so it’s time for all mixed martial arts fans to jump into the octagon.

To mark this monumental release, we’re bringing you a multitude of guides, tips, and tricks focused on helping you in facet of the game, with this piece covering UFC 4 takedowns.

If you wish to learn how to be successful in the takedown department, whether that be offensively or defensively, continue reading.

What is a takedown in UFC 4?

UFC 4 takedowns are one of the more meaningful maneuvers in mixed martial arts, having the potential to change the outcome of a fight in just a few seconds.

Generally speaking, you will find takedowns in the arsenal of experienced wrestlers, sambo, and judoka – most of which are always aiming to have you pinned firmly on the mat.

Unsurprisingly, only four fighters in this year’s game have five-star grappling stats: Ronda Rousey, Daniel Cormier, Georges St Pierre, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Each of these individuals (bar Rousey) have terrific offensive takedown abilities which translate perfectly to UFC 4, making them a force to be reckoned with both offline and offline.

Why use takedowns in UFC 4?

Within a week of UFC 4 being released, thousands of fans will have put hours upon hours into the game, mastering the updated controls and perfecting their chosen style of fighting.

Previous editions show that the majority of these players prefer trading strikes on the feet. Due to this, learning the art of the takedown is vital.

Picture yourself in this scenario: you are entering the second round of a ranked online match against a player who is ruthlessly picking you apart on the feet via specialist striker Conor McGregor. How can you rectify the all-but sealed fate of being knocked unconscious? A takedown, that’s how.

A takedown can rob a competitor of all of their momentum, giving you the opportunity needed to get back in the fight.

Full UFC 4 takedown controls for PS4 and Xbox One

Below, you can find the full list of takedown controls in UFC 4, including how to take your opponent down and defend a takedown attempt.

In the UFC 4 grappling controls below, L and R represent the left and right analogue sticks on either console controller.

READ MORE:UFC 4: Complete Controls Guide for PS4 and Xbox One

UFC 4 takedown tips and tricks

Takedowns have been given an even more significant influence in UFC 4 when compared to past renditions of the game, making it essential to learn the ins and outs. Here are some tips and tricks to help you along the way.

When to use takedowns in UFC 4

Depending on the attributes of your fighter, you may want to lean more heavily on the takedown moves. That said, there are some distinct situations in which you can utilize the takedown.

Perfect your counter timing

Whether you are looking to score the takedown or defend it, timing is critical in the newest version of the UFC game.

There aren’t many things riskier than shooting for a takedown in open space against an opponent loaded with full stamina (such as the start of a round). Because of this, you must time your shots.

It is recommended to go for a takedown (L2 + Square for a single leg, L2 + Triangle for a double leg on PS4 or LT + X for a single leg, LT + Y for a double leg, Xbox One) as your opponent throws a strike.

Ducking under a jab with a single leg takedown or countering a leg kick with a powerful double leg takedown is far easier to pull off than a blatant and naked takedown attempt.

Be tactical with the takedown

Unless you are caught up in a razor-close fight in UFC 4, and desperately need to change the direction of a fight, there really isn’t a need to force the takedown.

The threat of knees or being countering in the clinch are more prevalent than ever in the game. So, thinking strategically is essential.

A great example of thinking tactically would be to attempt a takedown in the last 30 seconds of a fight, as the opposition’s stamina will likely be low, and landing such a noteworthy move could sway the judges’ scorecards in your favor.

How to defend against takedowns in UFC 4

As important as it is to know how and when to attempt a takedown, you also need to know how to defend a takedown.

In UFC 4, the takedown can greatly sway the momentum of a bout, so being able to stifle an attempted takedown can be the difference between finishing off a dominant performance or seeing your efforts washed away.

Takedowns also have the ability to sway the judges when you’re caught up in a very tight match.

To defend a takedown press L2 and R2 (PS4) or LT and RT (Xbox One) when your opponent tries a takedown. More often than not, this results in both fighters ending up in a clinch.

Escaping the clinch is an entirely different conversation; however, it is important to know those controls and tactics, too.

Who are the best offensive grapplers in UFC 4?

In the table below, you can find a list of the very best takedown artists in UFC 4 per each division, as of the game’s launch into EA Access.

Now that you know how to perform and defend a takedown in UFC 4, you’ll be able to fully utilize the abilities of some of the best and most physical fighters in the game.

Looking for More UFC 4 Guides?

UFC 4: Complete Controls Guide for PS4 and Xbox One

UFC 4: Complete Submissions Guide, Tips and Tricks for Submitting Your Opponent

UFC 4: Complete Clinch Guide, Tips and Tricks to Clinching

UFC 4: Complete Striking Guide, Tips and Tricks for Stand-up Fighting

UFC 4: Complete Grapple Guide, Tips and Tricks to Grappling

UFC 4: Best Combinations Guide, Tips and Tricks for Combos