Try hard to discover what precipitated the verbal altercation between you and the other individual. Then work even harder to find “common ground” to negotiate an “acceptable parting of the ways.” Use your powers of interpersonal communication to disarm the situation. Be aware of your body language and tone of voice. Find common ground!
When being “pushed” towards a confrontation with an aggressive pursuant, the first consideration is to take advantage of the “element of surprise.”
Be aware of your surroundings, and then mentally recap your choices for de-escalation of the encounter. “Your opponent cannot guard against a technique if he does not expect it.”
If you have time to run your mouth, you have time to “run your feet.”