Setup and Context

Henry Cejudo defeated Marlon Moraes in a comeback performance, establishing dominance through effective striking combinations. The instructors identify clinch knees as a key technique that broke down Moraes throughout the fight.

MMA-Adapted Hip Positioning

Cejudo modified traditional Muay Thai clinch knee mechanics by keeping his hips back rather than driving them fully through the target. This adaptation sacrifices approximately 10-15% of raw power but increases knee velocity and reduces vulnerability to wrestling takedowns.

Defensive Advantages of Hips-Back Method

By maintaining hip positioning during knees, Cejudo retained the ability to sprawl immediately if his opponent attempted a takedown. The setup also allowed him to use elbow pressure on the collarbone to redirect and control his opponent's posture, preventing clinch collapse.

Defending the Clinch and Re-engagement

When Moraes attempted a cross-face to escape the clinch, Cejudo responded by breaking the grip at the bicep and disengaging. This repositioning allowed him to either re-enter with a straight right hand or maintain mid-range pressure to reset the offensive sequence.

Right Hand as Clinch Entry Tool

Cejudo used a straight right hand to bridge the distance and establish control, preventing Moraes from using leg kicks effectively. The right hand functioned as both an offensive threat and a setup mechanism for entering into clinch range.

Timing and Cadence Disruption

Cejudo varied his right hand delivery—sometimes loading explosively from his back leg and other times firing quickly without setup. This variation disrupted his opponent's rhythm and created opportunities for clinch entries immediately after the hand engagement.

Integrated Combinations

Cejudo's sequence involved throwing the right straight, then immediately controlling the back of the head and executing rapid knees. This combination maintained constant offensive pressure while the variations in hand speed and distance made defensive timing difficult for his opponent.

How to Use Clinch Knees in MMA like Henry Cejudo

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Clinch Knee

2 min read·7 key moments·PT7M47S video

Key Takeaways

•Setup and Context
•MMA-Adapted Hip Positioning
•Defensive Advantages of Hips-Back Method
•Defending the Clinch and Re-engagement

Last weekend, the "Triple C," Henry Cejudo proved his grit and champion mindset by adjusting and overcoming against Marlon Moraes's size, range, and powerful kicks. In round 1, Moraes was able to keep Cejudo in his kicking range, blasting him with round kicks to the legs and body. Cejudo, however, was able to turn it into a dog fight, closing the distance with sharp right hands to intiate the Muay Thai clinch where he battered his opponent's body with devastating knee strikes, getting the victory in round 3. Learn how the dominant Thai clinch, or "plum" is slightly modified for MMA. Vince's IG►http://www.instagram.com/vincetheanomaly SUBSCRIBE TO GET MORE #FIGHTTIPS►http://bit.ly/1APnzvw FOLLOW: Facebook | http://bit.ly/fightTIPSFacebook Twitter | http://bit.ly/fightTIPSTwitter Instagram | http://bit.ly/fightTIPSInstagram

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about clinch knee?

This video covers setup and context, mma-adapted hip positioning, defensive advantages of hips-back method. It provides detailed instruction from fightTIPS.

How long does it take to learn clinch knee?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.