UFC 3 Ground and Grappling Controls

Rule the mat in EA SPORTS UFC 3 with these ground and grappling controls for Xbox One and PlayStation4.

How Do I Transition into Ground Game and Perform Submissions in UFC 3?

To get into the ground game, use the following button combination: LT+Rstick left/right.

Then, you need to get yourself into a position where a submission is possible. From there, hold down LT and your submission options will appear on the HUD. Initiate the submission by pressing the right stick, with LT held, in the direction corresponding to the entry on the HUD. Want to learn more? Check out the full EA SPORTS UFC 3 combo list.

How Do I Protect My Fighter When on the Ground?

Hold block by pressing RT. Successful blocks build up grapple advantage, so time your escapes to follow up a successful block. Pro tip: Some positions don’t allow you to block, so your only defense is to time your escapes during their strikes.

How Do I Get Out of Ground Game and What Should I Do When My Opponent Takes Me Down?

When you are on the ground, you have three options:

• 1). Try to get up.
  • How to get up from the mat: To get off the mat you need to stand up. If you’re on the bottom, get yourself into a better position, like guard or half guard. If you don’t see a get up option from the position you’re in (especially on top), try pressing L1 to bring up the advanced options.
  • Risk: You get denied, and your opponent gains grapple and stamina advantage over you.
  • Benefit: You get up and are no longer in a bad position on the ground.
• 2). Try to submit your opponent.
  • How to submit your opponent: You need to get yourself into a position where a submission is possible. From there hold down LT and your submission options will appear on the HUD. Initiate the submission by pressing the right stick with LT held, in the direction corresponding to the entry on the HUD.
  • Risk: You get denied, and your opponent gains grapple advantage stamina advantage over you. Or, your opponent escapes your submission and you end up in a worse position.
  • Benefit: You submit your opponent and win the fight.
• 3). Try to reverse positions with a sweep or reversal so you take the more dominant position.
  • How to sweep your opponent: In order to perform a sweep, you need to get yourself into a position where a sweep is possible. Guard is your best option. Once you are in a good position, hold down LB and your sweep options will appear on the HUD. Initiate the sweep by pressing the right stick with LT. You can also sweep your opponent by performing a reversal when your opponent tries to transition. Reversals are performed by denying your opponent’s transition very early in the animation. This can typically only be done if you anticipate their action and are ready to act quickly when you see the animation start. 
  • Risk: You get denied and your opponent gains grapple and stamina advantage over you.
  • Benefit: You gain dominant position and can attempt to work for a finish from the top, or get up easier.

The likelihood of success for each of the above options will be determined by what position you’re in. You should always be looking to improve your position as best you can, as trying any of these options in bad positions could potentially make things worse.

How Do I Block Transitions?

Transitions are blocked by reading the direction of the transition animation your opponent is attempting, then responding quickly enough, and in the same direction, with RT + right stick.

What Are the Most Dangerous Positions My Opponent Can Put Me In?

Below is a list of the most dangerous positions to be caught in, in descending order: 

• Crucifix
• Side saddle
• Back mount flat
• Mount
• Back mount
• Back side control
• Stacked guard
• Side control
• Sprawl
• Half guard
• Guard
• Rubber guard

Find out how to master your stand-up game with these controls and learn how to use the clinch to your advantage.

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