I'm lightweight and I get thrown in a clinch against bigger guys...any advice?

[dkm]

I posted this on another forum and wanted to check some of the opinions here:

I'm about 5'8" and 145 lbs. So most of the guys I end up sparring with are bigger. I was sparring this guy who was about 6'0" and 175 lbs. I was successfully able to get inside and throw upper cuts and then clinch and knees. Clinch is where the problem came in, he would just grab and throw me to the floor regardless of how good the clinch was. anyone else face this?

I also twisted my knee and ankle badly because I was trying to plant my feet on the ground while he twisted my upper body. I haven't been able to spar properly for 2 weeks.

[MAMA_Boy]

Always keep your head up, but covered when someone is going to close in. Sounds hard, but the more experience you get with it, the easier it will be for you to determine when to keep your head up, and when to keep it down.

Also, did your instructor put you in the ring with a substantially heavier partner?

[swisscom]

When you're a smaller guy (like myself) I find it's easier to snake in my arms, or throw one of his arms off, causing him to loosen his grip, and then throwing in a knee. It's hard to explain..

[Zero Bahamut]

I myself am a bit taller then you but bout same weight 5'11, 150#. Guys i sparr with in class that are bigger then me I usually stay in clinch with them. I just keep my feet a little back....not toe to toe...to avoid a sweep that can happen in close to opponent. But knee strikes are my thing so I "try" to work around the obstacles it doesnt always work but learn from mistakes. Also keep chin up don't rest it on shoulder....your opponent can jab ther shoulder right in to your face.

[OctaviousBP]

In terms of general mechanics, I would recommend keeping your feet "ducked out" at 45 degree angles, and try to keep your feet outside of his. Other then that, hips in and try and stay balanced. Experience and flight-time in the clinch is your best bet overall (like anything else...).