Any tips versus subzero? Really struggling there
You didn't specify a variation(even though I'm assuming Grandmaster), so I wrote up this quick mini matchup guide of things to know. If you want more let me know and I'll see what I can do. I have the least experience versus Unbreakable, but everything I said is accurate.
All Variations
Johnny has a lot of issues since he cannot reliably anti-air or punish Sub's 50/50 game if its being spaced properly.
b2 is -13 and punishes vary on range. Dumb subs who do it upclose you can punish with a lot of things honestly, but at the proper spacing f3 is a tight and sometimes unreliable punish. This is due to the fact that you can't reversal a normal and it is already an 11 frame move. Reversal BF4 will always punish though. d4 is also 11 frames and depending on spacing can be an acceptable punish/pressure tool. Especially since unlike f3 it does not leave you in a bad position if blocked.
b33 is -8 and no real punish exists. b33d4 can be punished though since its -12 and doesn't push back.
At full screen Johnny can crouch under an Ice Ball, throw a Forceball and still be able to crouch under the next Ice Ball. In fact you can even throw an Ex Forceball if you want.
The only move he has in any of his variations that can armor through b121 is Icy Slide. So be aware since Cage can full combo punish this on block.
Cryomancer
Matchup is fine. There is a gap whenever he uses Frost Hammer so you can back dash or Ex Nut Punch for a full combo. It is only -10 though so again, no reliable punish exists since it pushes you out of reversal throw range.
Also know that you are at neutral after his f42(1+3)
Grandmaster
Matchup isn't fun. Honestly this is probably one of Fisticuffs worst matchups.
b2 you can no longer punish this with reversal BF4 if there is a clone out. You will need to ExBF4. d4 will still work in most situations.
If the b2 is not spaced well in the corner or elsewere you can punish with reversal ExBD3 for a combo. So make sure you're opponent is spacing the b2 properly. Do not let him get away with doing it too close.
Now... how to deal with clone with Fisticuffs. It is not as easy as it is for other characters. Here are a couple of things to note.
Johnny does not have any great moves to hit Sub through clone. Most of his hit and hurt boxes are fairly close.
With a clone out how far you are from it is very important. If you are very close to the clone d3 can hit sub without freezing while d4 cannot. If you are a little further from the clone d4 can hit sub without freezing while d3 cannot. Another very good tool is b121. The hurt-box is pretty short for this move. So while the hit-box isn't far reaching, it reaches enough to hit sub if he is close without freezing you if he isn't. b2 will hit sub if he is close without freezing but if sub isn't there you will get frozen. Sweep will also hit Sub through clone if he is there but will freeze Johnny if he is not. Also sweep is punishable on block so this isn't generally reccommended.
Johnny also cannot normally jump over clone. If is too close he freezes on the startup of his jump and if he is further back he doesn't clear it. THE ONLY WAY TO JUMP OVER CLONE IS TO SPACE IT RIGHT AND DO A JUMP 3. This alters his hurt-box enough to avoid the clone.
Now if sub is there jump 1, jump 2 and jump3 can each catch him if he is standing. Though each of them have very different timings for doing so.
Barging through Clone with ExBF4 is what a lot of people would want to do. While it is nessecary to use do not rely on it. It should be more of a threat than anything else since it is safe on block but can be full punished if it is neutral crouched. Also you are spending a bar of meter to inflict 12% and deal with one of his meterless moves. This is not an ideal trade for you since it also pushes him full screen(you can run up and pressure though).
If needed though you can punish most Clone cancels on block with reversal ExBF4, just not f4xxClone.
An important thing to learn when fighting Grandmaster is that you do not need to always be aggressive. If you have the lead, SIT ON IT. Make him come to you. As stated above at full screen you can counter zone him if that is what he is trying to do.
Unbreakable
Neither regular nor Ex Counter can be used through b121. outside of that same rules apply. You just need to be more careful with staggers due to his counter and aware of the lack of chip damage you will be doing. Frozen Aura is safe to activate on block and negates all chip, even if you have Fist Bump active(Yes it sucks big time). However, know that even though chip is prevented you still gain meter when he blocks your attacks.
