Despite a few negative reviews, this game does break the suck barrier for UFC games and is a good foundation for others.
Like in any game, there is quite a bit of whining and complaining about the controls, inability to get out of certain situations, cheesy moves, buttom mashing, etc. But you know what? There's a counter for everything. As much as people say this game sucks, I truly believe it depends on who's behind the controller.
There is a counter for EVERYTHING, yes even people that just sit there and hold the right stick to block transitions. But it takes experience, a lot of patience, timing and thoughtful use of the knowledge you gain from learning everything the in-game tutorial teaches you. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've fought people who don't even know the basics, yet think they could just go into a ranked game and by pure brute force and button mashing, they'll take a win. Sorry, it's just not going to happen.
I've even run into people that didn't know how to transition or even block. Most people have mercy on these people, but I don't. If you have the balls to go online into a ranked match without knowing all the controls, I'm going to teach you a lesson so they can put more thought into re-considering to learn them. Tough love!
Anyway, with as much whining as there is in this game.. as I mentioned, there's a counter for everything and even against those that spam punches/kicks or block transitions continuously. There is a way out, no matter how helpless you feel. It's about staying calm and strategically making the right moves at the right time. Plain and simple.
Also, you have to consider that this game is the first real MMA game that gives you full control over a fighter. There are other games that tried, but failed miserably. So I give them props for being able to pull it off, so much so that EA Sports (bunch of douchebags) decided to join in the fun and profit, even though they said MMA wasn't a real sport. Yet, they're coming out with EA Sports MMA now.. I hope it fails miserably.
My opinions aside, this game totally rocks... buy this game if you haven't already. It's loads of fun and is probably discounted now that it's been out awhile. It really is loads of fun once you TRULY understand the controls and learn every aspect of the game. Those that whine about how bad this game is, likely didn't take the time to learn the intricacies of the control this game offers. Because if they didn't they wouldn't be whining.
As an avid MMA fan, near fanatic levels, I highly recommend this game if you've ever wanted to punch someones face in without having the law enforcement agencies at your front door. It is tons of fun and if you put the time into learning all the moves, you'll absolutely love this game.