Become Fighter
Striking to clinch: MMA guide
Close the distance behind a punch and win the inside position.
The step between striking range and clinch range is where fights change. If you step in without a punch, you are walking into a counter. If you step in behind a punch, the opponent has to cover and you can take the inside position.
From the clinch you can knee, take the underhook or work toward a takedown.
Key points
- Punch to close the gap. A jab and cross that finishes with a step puts you at clinch range.
- Finish the step with your hands up and your head to the side.
- Win the underhook first. Then think about the knee or the takedown.
- Knees in the clinch go to the body from a stable base. Pull the head down only when the base is solid.
- If the clinch does not work, step out. Do not stay in a bad position.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Stepping in with no punch. Use the jab and cross to cover the entry.
- Kneeing off balance. Fix the base first. A bent standing leg and a pulled head give a stable knee.
- Staying in the clinch with no plan. Have an action: knee, takedown or exit.
Combinations that use it
- mma-uh-knee: Underhook, Knee from the clinch
- mma-pin-knee: Cage pin, Knee from the clinch
- mma-1-2-uh-knee: Jab, Cross, Underhook, Knee from the clinch
- mma-uh-pin-knee: Underhook, Cage pin, Knee from the clinch
Related techniques
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Transitions module of MMA foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Transitions
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.