Comes to grips in sporting fashion (8)
I believe the answer is:
wrestles
This clue could be a double definition.
'comes' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with motion as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'grips in sporting fashion' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for wrestles that I've seen before include "struggles" , "Contends by grappling and throwing" .)