Summary
EA’s UFC 5 retains the fundamental gameplay of its predecessors, emphasizing the importance of executing simple but effective boxing combinations.
Overly complex combinations are risky, as experienced opponents can read the tells and counterattack. Keeping combos short and effective is the key to victory.
Effective boxing combinations in UFC 5 include the one-two combo, lead double jab, double jab and cross combo, lead jab lead hook, cross and lead hook, lead jab and outside hook, lead jab and hook to the body, and lead jab to head straight to the body.
EA’s UFC 5 evolves the gameplay from its predecessors, but the fundamentals remain similar, with certain combinations having a better chance to land than others. As before, the best boxing combos in the game are executed by keeping it as simple as possible. Moreover, learning the basics will teach the player how to string together more advanced techniques.
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Trying overly complex combinations with the boxing in UFC 5 can lead to more experienced opponents reading the tells and landing a devastating counterattack. So, keeping the combos short and effective is the best method to defeat opponents in the Octagon. These are the most effective boxing combinations in UFC 5 without overly complicating the commands.
Updated June 25, 2025 by Michael Llewellyn: UFC 5 is a tactical fighting game that emphasizes the use of tricks, feints, and playing possum to create a false sense of security in one’s opponents. This topic has been updated to include a combination that is ideal for countering opponents who are trying to close the distance. It serves as an excellent way to understand the speed and flow of the mechanics in UFC 5.
1
Jab, Straight Cross & Lead Hook
A Three-Piece That Can Floor Opponents
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
Square > Triangle > L1 +Square
X > Y > LB + X
This topic mainly emphasizes quick two-piece combos, but it also includes a three-piece combo that is highly effective. This combination serves as a great way to learn the mechanics without making things overly complicated. As a result, players will be able to build on this combination with other moves. The key to making this combination effective is speed. Players need to press the buttons in quick succession instead of holding them down and trying for harder punches.
Players should lure their opponents with one-two punches or other combos that end with a straight right cross (or a left if you’re fighting a southpaw). Players need to deceive their opponents into thinking they are becoming predictable. As a result, the opponent will likely either block or attempt to counter after the straight cross has missed or hit their gloves. They won’t be expecting the third punch, a left hook, which can catch them off guard and may lead to a knockout or a knockdown because it’ll register as a counter in UFC 5.
2
Block And Lead Hook Counter
Excellent Potential For Flash Knockdowns And KOs
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
R2 > L1 + Square
RT > LB + X
One of the best combinations in UFC 5 is a block-and-strike combination that has great potential for causing significant head damage, knockdowns, and flash KOs. Players must block a strike to the head and immediately land a hook. However, players must look out for the animation where their player’s fighter raises their hand and elbow to cover the side of their face when an opponent attacks and strikes back with the lead hook as quickly as possible.
It’s an excellent way to counter hooks and roundhouse kicks, and because it registers as a counter-attack, the damage is increased. So players struggling against hook spamming online should practice this combo in the gym as much as possible to get the timing correct.
3
Lead Uppercut Straight Cross Combo
Heavy Damage To The Head
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
L1 + Square > Triangle
LB + X > Y
This combination of uppercut and straight cross is an effective way to catch an opponent trying to close the distance. Moreover, there are many good players who use the duck mechanic effectively, landing a damaging counter-punch that will almost always stun or knock the player’s fighter down.
Try to bait the opponent with headshots, hooks, kicks, and straight punches. Wait for them to duck and land the uppercut. This will immediately lead to a counterattack that will do additional damage, and the straight punch that follows will hurt the opponent’s head even more, leading to a possible KO.
4
The One-Two Combo
Break Opponent’s Guard Health
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
Square > Triangle
X > Y
The one-two combination in UFC 5 is one of the most basic but reliable combinations that players can use. It is a good starting point for a follow-up combination of hooks and uppercuts, which can break an opponent’s guard health. Players must press the buttons quickly to execute it in one flowing motion.
In addition to the one-two, players can continue the combination up to four to land a four-hit combo. However, it’s easily countered with head movements and slips. If players are fighting from a southpaw stance, the punches are reversed. So, players must quickly press Triangle and then Square on PlayStation or Y and then X on Xbox.
5
Lead Double Jab
Closes The Distance
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
Double Tap Square
Double Tap X
Another essential and reliable combination is the classic double jab. There is a reason it’s fundamental to boxing. It can close the distance, create openings, and break down an opponent’s guard health as the fight moves into later rounds.
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It’s a good combo for fighters with a long reach and fast hands. It’s perfect for UFC 5 players who like to fight from a distance and can cause significant damage to opponents who charge forward. In the Southpaw stance, players must double-tap the Triangle button on the PlayStation or the Y button on the Xbox.
6
Double Jab And Cross Combo
Effective For Exploiting Guard Breaks
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
Double Tap Square > Triangle
Double tap X > Y
Similar to the one-two combination, the double jab and cross is a simple but effective combination to use. It’s great to use when an opponent’s guard has been broken with hooks and opens up the opponent’s head for damage. It’s excellent for softening an opponent’s head health and creating openings for a damaging right (or left) cross.
Again, the double jab is a counter for opponents who charge forward with pressure attacks. In Southpaw, players must double tap Triangle, then Square on the PlayStation, or double tap Y, press X on the Xbox.
7
Lead Jab Lead Hook
Inflicts High Damage
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
Square > L1 + Square
X > LB + X
The lead jab, followed by a left hook, is an excellent way to catch an opponent trying to close the distance with a lead jab of their own. Moreover, if timed correctly, it’s a way to bait opponents into lunging to the player’s left when trying to avoid the jab.
It’s capable of causing a lot of damage to the head and can floor or even knock opponents out when leaning or lunging into the hook. For Southpaw fighters, players must press Triangle and then L1 + Triangle on the PlayStation or Y, then LB + Y on Xbox.
8
Cross And Lead Hook
Effective Counterattack
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
Triangle > L1 + Square
Y > LB + Square
The straight right (or left in the Southpaw stance) followed by a lead hook is a powerful and fast combination. The cross is more effective than the jab and an excellent way to catch opponents trying to close the distance with jabs or straights.
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If timed correctly, the cross will register as a counterattack to cause more damage. When players follow it up with the left (or right) hook, there is the potential to knock an opponent out or knock them down to the ground. For Southpaw fighters, players must press Square, then L1 + Triangle on the PlayStation or X, then LB + Y on Xbox.
9
Lead Jab And Outside Hook
Damaging Combination
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
Square > L1 + Triangle
X > LB + Y
The lead jab followed by a right (or left) hook from the outside is an excellent way to land a damaging and fast combination, either stationary or backpedaling. Some opponents may drop the guard after the first jab to return fire or use head movement.
So, the hook after the lead punch is an ideal way to catch an opponent with a heavy strike. For Southpaws, press Triangle, then L1 + Square on the PlayStation or Y, then LB + X on the Xbox.
10
Lead Jab And Hook To The Body
Keeps Opponents Guessing
PlayStation Command
Xbox Commands
Square > L1 + L2 + Triangle
X > LB + LT + Y
Players should target the body and the head when boxing in the arena. It keeps opponents guessing, and damage to the body impacts their stamina bar. Going high and low with various combinations will make the player tricky to predict and leave their opponent vulnerable by overly guarding the body or the head.
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Southpaw fighters must press Triangle and then L1 + L2 + Square on the PlayStation or Y, followed by LB + LT + X on the Xbox. Punches to the body can lead to a devastating counterpunch with an uppercut or a knee.