I may be wrong here, but I believe what people are saying is that MMA has rules, the street does not. In MMA, if I find myself in a clinch position, I can't reach up and gouge the eyes.
You are correct. But unless you are in control in the clinch, you most likely won't be able to eye gouge. How does one get good in the clinch? MMA training is a good place to start. Want to make it even more close to the str33t? Add a gi top and goggles so you can grab clothing and eye gouge. It's all about the training method. The training method. THE TRAINING METHOD!