Would An Elite MMA Fighter Be Able To Cause Significant Damage In The Clinches Against A Boxer (?)

Probably not without getting disqualified.

An MMA guy's best chance at beating a boxer AT BOXING would likely be right up close and shoulder to shoulder, because they practise this position a lot. It's called "dirty boxing" and guys like Couture had it down to an art. But as soon as the pure boxer has a bit of distance and is able to use his feet, feints, slips and combination punching ... it's going to be a beating for the MMA guy almost every time.

 

Funny you mention Couture because he's one of the few MMA guys I actually admired a bit. I liked his work on the inside a lot but just know way of knowing how well he would do in an actual boxing match. He may have trouble closing the distance and get countered to death trying.

 

MMA boxing is generally of a much lower level than pure boxing.

And how could it not be? These guys practise other stuff most of the time.

Their stance is all wrong for boxing, too. The wide open MMA stance is good for power and for sprawling to avoid the takedown (which is how I knew Toney vs Couture was going to be a real short fight, because the boxing stance gives away the lead leg) but shyte for footwork and controlling distance.

If Couture had been a pure boxer I think he could have picked up a title on the way. He was one of those clever, intensely dedicated men that will always get somewhere if they set their minds to it. However, the actual MMA Couture that we know would likely have gotten beat up.

Tim Sylvia thought he'd take on Ray Mercer boxing-style, and the result was much lulz as Tim tested the softness of the mat almost right away. Aleks Emelianenko had some good hands for MMA and everybody rated his striking highly. When he tried boxing, he reportedly laboured to beat two absolutely no-name brand boxers.

 

With this inevitable Mayweather vs McGregor fight coming up we will see. McGregor just might have a chance to hurt Floyd.

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Elite MMA fighters aren't always good boxers(even by MMA standards) Some could probably have success in the clinch against boxers. Namely guys like Mousasi, Dos Santos, Masvidal, Jones and a couple of others

 

Is a kickboxer considered to be MMA? They fight "in-close" all the time.

 

No damage would occur during a clinch.

An MMA fighter will only realistically have a punchers chance in a boxing match.

Their combinations and defence are all completely different due to the use of takedown attempts and legs.

 

Mike Tyson tried to cause an arm injury to Botha in the clinch and nearly got disqualified for his troubles.

Breaking a fighter's arm in a match is not a legitimate boxing tactic.

 

No it's not.

MMA specifically includes throws and grappling work.

Kickboxers in general will have better hands than "an MMA guy".

In fact, some boxers become fine kickboxers and vice versa. IIRC Mirko Filipovic was a pretty good boxer before getting into kickboxing and subsequently MMA.

 

Watch some of the more technical Muay Thai bouts and you will see it used legally to wear down punchers.

In a boxing match it would result in a DQ.