We've got a really special Q&A for you this week in the form of a walkthrough of stand-up fighting in UFC 2009: Undisputed.  Check out the post below and be sure to check out the new Stand-Up Game feature video in the video section.

How will the stand up game, striking and defense work in Undisputed?

Delivering the most realistic, brutal Mixed Martial Arts experience ever conceived on a console, UFC 2009 Undisputed’s stand-up striking allows gamers to have full control over every bone-jarring knee, leg-buckling elbow and vicious fight ending knockout. But the stand up game isn’t simply about throwing wild punches with reckless abandon … taking the time to learn the sweet science behind the stand-up game and each of the three striking disciplines may just pay off with a championship belt!

Offense

Few things are more satisfying in UFC 2009 Undisputed than landing the perfect left hook that sends a mouthpiece flying before your opponent crumples to the Octagon mat! But the stand-up game is not only about throwing bombs. MMA stand-up is a constantly evolving game, and a fighter needs to use the right tool for the right job. While “weak” strikes such as jabs do not do a lot of damage and cannot knock out an opponent, they are very quick and can be used to keep opponents off balance and set up power shots. Strong strikes, such as a kickboxer’s head kick or a boxer’s ducking hook, are damaging and potentially match-ending on connect, but missing means leaving a fighter open to counters. 

Range

Utilizing range is key to becoming a dominant striker in UFC 2009 Undisputed. Without understanding the options available from the three distinct ranges, it is impossible to become a well-rounded fighter. Inside Clinch Range, fighters can’t get full extension on punches or kicks and instead rely on knees, elbows and short, crisp uppercuts to break an opponent down. Striking Range is the sweet spot for strikers, allowing punches and kicks to extend fully for maximum impact. Probing Range is ideal for hanging back and baiting opponents to recklessly jump in, where a quick dashing strike (such as a flying knee or spinning backfist) can end the fight instantly. 

Range plays a vital role in not only offense, but defense. Working off the jab from Striking Range while picking off attacks is the perfect way to not only rack up points on the judges’ scorecards, but slowly and deliberately chip away at an opponent before moving in for the kill. Understanding when to best utilize each of the three striking ranges allows a fighter to be prepared for anything that an opponent could possibly throw.

Defense

They say the best offense is a good defense, and nothing could be truer in UFC 2009 Undisputed. While it may be possible to beat inexperienced fighters through sheer force of will and a strong offense, it will quickly become apparent that against the best of the best, defense is just as important. 

Much like in real life, fighters can block shots to the face, body or legs by covering up, but it is important to understand that in UFC 2009 Undisputed, blocking isn’t the perfect solution in all cases! Blocking simply mitigates a portion of damage based on factors such as the type and force of the attack and each fighter’s Attribute and Fight Skill Ratings. However, it is possible to punch or kick through a fighter’s guard and still score a knockout!

While riskier than simply going into a defensive shell, attempting to Counter an opponent’s strike or takedown attempts can reap tremendous reward. Countering a strike will nullify all damage and place the fighter into an advantaged position. In some cases, countering an attack can instantly lead to a submission attempt or take the opponent to the ground. A successful counter is much more advantageous than a successful block, but a failed counter means eating whatever attack was levied!

To become a well-rounded stand-up fighter in UFC 2009 Undisputed, a player will need to have a powerful, varied Offense; an iron clad Defense; and the knowledge to understand from what Range to utilize the best aspects of both!

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