Generally speaking, combat at that close of a range IS brutal. You will take a few hits, your will be in pain but the most important part is to never lose controll. Once you have lost controll over what is happening you are dead.
This means to stay conscious at all costs, not only in the "not going unconscious" way, but also in the "keep track of the situation" way, seeing rocks or glass shards you can use to your advantage or their disadvantage can be a life saver.
Keeping an eye open for your surroundings is crucial, as the the instinct of flight. In a street fight there is no honour, aim for the balls, throw sand into their eyes, or simply run for your life while screaming mad hell. Do everything to stay in controll.