MMA Muay Thai Clinch
Typically, MMA fighters will square off on their feet, until one fighter decides to the close the distance to their opponent. If both fighters grapple, but remain standing, this is known as the clinch position. Fighters in the clinch position will try to control the arms, torso and balance of their opponent. Striking from the clinch is sometimes known as dirty boxing. This technique involves punching and elbowing when one arm becomes temporarily freed from the grapple.
Kneeing in The Clinch
Skilled fighters may be able to knee their opponent from the clinch position. When neither opponent has their arms free, knees can be delivered to the outside and inside of an opponent’s thigh, but a fighter must be careful not to strike the groin region. This why it is especially important for every fighter to wear standard MMA equipment, like a groin cup. If a fighter has control over their opponent’s upper body, knees can be delivered to their stomach, kidney and solar plexus region. Furthermore, if a fighter can control an opponent’s head, they may be able to delivery a devastating knee to the face. Such techniques are often seen in Muay Thai.
Clinches are usually terminated when one or both fighters fall to the ground, or the clinch is naturally broken by either fighter, or a referee separates the fighters, usually for lack of action.
Learning how to strike from the clinch has become an essential skill for MMA fighters to learn, as it is a newer skill that many fighters do not have much experience using.