EA Sports UFC 4, the mixed martial-arts fighting game from EA Vancouver, launched this week to a warm critical reception. Reviewers praised the game's career mode, strategic fighting, and straightforward progression system. As UFC 4's characters level up they're able to focus on particular areas of MMA, whether it's kicking, punching, or grappling.
The last of these is one of the most important, and some of the biggest names in the sport are renowned for their skills in a clinch. Each of these fighters have been lovingly ported into UFC 4, where they can put their grappling abilities to the test. But who comes out on top once things get close and personal? Who are the best wrestlers in UFC 4?
The Best of the Best
It should come as little surprise to any MMA fan that Khabib Numagomedov tops the list of the best grapplers in UFC 4. The Russian fighter, and current Lightweight World Champion, is renowned for his ability in a clinch, and EA Sports' new game reflects those skills. Khabib has excellent takedown, top control, ground striking, and clinch control stats, making him the undisputed champion of wrestling in UFC 4.
Taking the second spot is Ronda Rousey, an American fighter who is another of the biggest names in MMA. She's always been known for her wrestling and submission skills, and this translates to a solid set of stats across the board in UFC 4. A third close place goes to Daniel Cormier, a former two-division title-holder with a well-rounded grappling game both in and out of UFC 4.
Runners Up
Jacare Souza may not have a stellar record in the UFC, but in EA's latest game he has some of the most well-rounded grappling stats available. In particular his Submission Specialist stat is one of highest in the title, only losing out to Damian Mia and Aleksei Oleinik. Another well-rounded, but not spectacular, UFC 4 wrestler is Demetrious Johnson. The American fighter is one of the lightest in the game, but that doesn't mean he can't get into a clinch with confidence.
While UFC Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones doesn't have the well-rounded wrestling skills of the last two fighters, he does excel in specific circumstances. His stats in clinch striking, control, and ground-striking are among the highest in the game, making him a dangerous opponent close-in. Finally, Colby Covington rounds out our list of the best grapplers in UFC 4, reflecting his real-life wrestling skills with superb stats in takedowns, top control, and clinch control.
EA Sports UFC 4 is available now for PS4 and Xbox One.