I recently wrote about Muai Thai Clench Techniques in a previous article. That post got a lot of good feedback from many of you now getting into muay thai training. The feedback is much appreciated. And to show our appreciation I’m going to write this article about the muay thai clinch defense.
These techniques are to help you defend against the numerous clinches that are in muay thai. There are many other clinches that you can use in wrestling or boxing but it is best to read our other articles on how to defend those ones.
Defense Against Double Collar Tie
The first thing you want to do as a strong clinch defense against a double collar tie is to straighten up your neck. You do this by raising your head as straight up as you can. As soon as your opponent uses the double to on you straighten up. If your opponent had managed to drag your head a little lower, step in and raise your head. Your neck has to straighten out or your opponent will lower your head to his knee.
So once you’re in a double arm clinch your best and easiest move is to straighten up your head then step in toward your opponent and body clinch him. This means to wrap your hands around his mid-section squeeze him closer to you. Then you can transition into a leg sweep or take down.
MMA Clinch – Defending the Muay Thai Clinch / Double Neck Clinch Defense
The Cross Face
This is another basic defense against the clinch. While your opponent is clinching your neck down straighten up and get closer to him. That should always be the first move, because if your back is bent and behind stick out, it’s easier for him to knee you.
Your next move is to take both of your hands and push your opponents face away to the point you can create enough space between you and him to execute your offensive attack. Once space is created, you can under hook and place your own double tie elbow clinch on him or opt to throw a blow such as an elbow or knee. The choice is up to you and whatever is befitting at the time.
I also wanted to point out that you can do a single arm cross face by placing one of your arms across your opponents face and pushing it away. Use your forearm as leverage and make sure your arm fully extends out to create enough space between the both of you. At this point you can strike him in the face with your other hand, or get closer to him for a body clinch.
Elbow Push and Tuck
This is a good muay thai clinch escape. When being neck clinched by someone simply use one of your hands to push the inside of their elbow elbow, then dip your shoulder under his armpit to execute a clinch. From the clinch you can do whatever attack move you choose to do.
Counter Clinch With Take-down
This is a take down move from the clinch. Take downs are great counters when in clinch position because it allows you to take a bit of a breather. If you were in a real street fight and you get placed in a clinch a take down will allow you to break free and run from your assailant.
This move was actually created by Kyle Bradley a former UFC Fighter. It is a throw that is very explosive will definitely get your opponent off of you. Instead of writing it out I gathered the video and have it below for your viewing.
Defending Muay Thai Clinch UFC
There are several fighters like Jon Bone Jones and Anderson Silva who absolutely love to clinch with their opponents because of their strong muay thai background. Many of the UFC with strong muay thai and kick boxing backgrounds dominate in the clinch. When going to the gym and practicing your techniques you will slowly understand if you are a strong clincher or not. If you are you can use it to dominate your partner, if not then find strength in performing other moves that you’re good at. In general you want to be solid performing all moves and defenses.
Here is a list of the best ufc clinchers of all time in no particular order.
- Randy “The Natural” Couture
- Jon “Bones” Jones
- Anderson “The Spider” Silva
- “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei SIlva
- Mauricia “Shogun” Rua
- Alistar “The Reem” Overeem
- Jose Aldo “Junior””
- Dan “Hendo” Henderson
- Renan “The Baron” Barao
- “The Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit
Clenching neck pain
Often you hear guys in the gym complaining that their neck hurts from clinching too much. What i say to this is that you have to take it easy. you’re only practicing and don’t need to go full force while in practice. If you go full force do it when you’re sparring with head gear. And sparring should not be everyday. So be mindful of this, you’re not trying to hurt yourself in the gym. You’re trying to learn so you don’t get hurt in a real fight. What good is an injured body part when you’re about to enter a competition? or even worst how can you defend yourself adequately in a real fight if your sore and bruised from practice?
Work hard but be careful not to injure yourself. Your body is the temple of your inner warrior!