Once you are within arms length, and contact is imminent there are 4 rules I consistently stress to the folks that train with me;
1) Control the hands
2) Control the space
3) Gain dominant position
4) End the fight with submission or tool acquisition
These apply whether it’s a self-defense or sport situation. Make sure you’re putting in plenty of rounds hand fighting, pummeling for position, and understanding how to control the position so you can setup submissions and/or acquisition.