So when trying to clinch in UFC 4, there are a bunch of things to keep in mind. The clinch is designed to give a fighter a break, but use it sparingly, there’s a real danger of handing a decision to an opponent if you’re not being aggressive enough. The clinch in UFC 4 is also designed as part of the overall flow of the combat system, so be aware that it can also be used as a transition to or from one grapple to another.
The system is built around the idea of gaining position over your opponent. When you engage with a clinch, you will want to try and wait for a vulnerable moment. When your fighter is being punched in the face, it’s going to be much harder to close in and clinch. You will often be clinching from the standing position, against a foe who is either standing or already on the ground.
When in this position, use R1 + Square (PS4) or RB + X (Xbox One) to grab your foe in a single collar clinch. Following this, you have several options, including striking or taking the fight to the ground. From the single collar clinch, you can transition to the other clinch positions by pressing R1 + Triangle (PS4) or RB + Y (Xbox One). When in your clinch position of preference, you can push your foe up against the cage as well.
If you’re new to the game, some things have changed from the previous entries in the series. If you’re using the new Grapple Assist, things are going to be easier to grasp for you. There’s also been a change to the camera controls, so keep an eye on that.
In the UFC 4 clinch controls below, L and R represent the left and right analogue sticks on either console controller. Learn these moves and try to transition between each flowing part of the clinch moves and make fights easier.
| Clinch (Offence) | PlayStation 4 | Xbox One |
| Takedown/Submission Modifier | L2 | LT |
| Advanced Transition Modifier | L1 | LB |
| Rotate, Push and Pull Opponent | L | L |
| Grapple Stick | R | R |
| Left Punch | Square | X |
| Right Punch | Triangle | Y |
| Left Knee | X | A |
| Right Knee | Circle | B |
| Strike Modifier | R1 | RB |
| High Block | R2 | RT |
| Low Block | L2 + R2 | LT + RT |
| Single/Double Leg Modifier | L (flick) | L (flick) |
| Advance Position | R1 + Square R1 + Triangle | RB + X RB + Y |
| Trip/Throw | R1 + X R1 + Circle | RB + A RB + B |
| Submissions | L2 + R1 + Square/Triangle | LT + RB + X/Y |
| Hooks | L1 + Square/Triangle | LB + X/Y |
| Uppercuts | Square + X Triangle + Circle | X + A Y + B |
| Body Knees | L2 + X/Circle | LT + A/B |
| Head Knees | L1 + X/Circle | LB + A/B |
| Elbows | L1 + Square + X L1 + Triangle + Circle | LB + X + A LB + Y + B |
And now the Clinch controls for defensive moves.
| Clinch (Defence) | PlayStation 4 | Xbox One |
| Defend Takedown/Throw | L2 + R2 | LT + RT |
| Defend Submission | R2 | RT |
| Single/Double Leg Defence Modifier | L (flick) | L (flick) |
| Clinch Escape | L (flick left) | L (flick left) |
