An optical connector for terminating an optical fiber comprises a housing configured to mate with a receptacle and a collar body disposed in the housing. The collar body includes a ferrule securely disposed in an opening of the collar body, the ferrule including a housing portion to receive a gripping device to grip an optical fiber. A backbone retains the collar body within the housing and includes a fiber jacket clamping portion to clamp a jacket portion of the optical fiber. A boot is attachable to a portion of the backbone, wherein the boot actuates the fiber jacket clamping portion of the backbone upon attachment of the boot to the backbone.