I heavily recommend the use of “dirty tactics” for self defense. The eye strike is a particular favorite of mine, as is groin kicking and slapping, etc.  But dirty tactics are not enough! You absolutely must train against uncooperative opponents, and I equally recommend training in the MMA base.  Half of the technical section in my self defense ebook (on stand up fundamentals) covers techniques and training from boxing, Thai boxing, and stand up wrestling, and the first thing I train new students in is boxing.  Unfortunately though, there are still many people who believe all you need to defend yourself are dirty tactics.  For example, see the following video:

Not only is this garbage, but it’s also likely to get students badly hurt if they attempt this junk in self defense. At the 2:43 mark the instructor actually recommends pinching your attacker’s side or thigh to escape from his mount! How on earth are you going to do that when you’re getting punched unconscious?!? End even if you did pinch your attacker, as if that’s going to stop him! At 4:31 he recommends sticking your thumb in the attacker’s eye to escape from the side mount. Even a completely unskilled attacker would simply grab your hand and stop you. In order to escape from the mount, side mount, headlock, etc., you need to know the fundamental techniques of Brazilian jiu jitsu. Only with these techniques and the associated training can you avoid getting your face pounded in by someone who has mounted you. Without them, you really don’t have a chance.

Remember, dirty tactics are a great addition to other solid techniques, but they’re not a substitution. They will enable you to beat an attacker who is bigger and stronger than you, but only if you have the realistic training to support them.