MMA gloves are a significant a part of the game’s evolution. Balancing placing energy with grappling performance. From bare-knuckle beginnings to immediately’s high-tech designs, MMA gloves have formed how fighters prepare and compete. Whether or not you’re hitting pads or moving into the cage, selecting the best glove, and utilizing it accurately, could make all of the distinction in efficiency and security. Let’s define the whole lot it is advisable learn about MMA gloves.
From Naked Knuckles to Fashionable Gloves
Within the early days of MMA, fighters usually competed bare-knuckled, as seen within the first UFC occasions within the Nineties. Whereas this uncooked method added to the spectacle, it led to frequent hand accidents and grotesque facial cuts. To deal with security considerations and professionalize the game, open-finger gloves have been launched within the mid-Nineties. These gloves usually weighed 4 to six ounces and allowed fighters to strike whereas sustaining the dexterity wanted for grappling. Tank Abbott was the primary to put on this fashion of gloves within the octagon.
The UFC mandated gloves beginning at UFC 14, and their design has remained largely constant for many years. Nonetheless, incremental enhancements have been remodeled time, comparable to higher padding for knuckle safety and wrist help.
New UFC Gloves
In 2024, the UFC launched redesigned gloves with options like fewer seams (to scale back cuts), extra versatile fingers (to forestall eye pokes), and even NFC chips for memorabilia authentication. Regardless of these improvements, some fighters criticized the match and luxury, resulting in their discontinuation in early 2025. The UFC reverted to its basic glove design after complaints from athletes like Jon Jones highlighted points with usability.
PRIDE MMA Gloves
The PRIDE FC in Japan used gloves that many fighters nonetheless regard as superior. These gloves characteristic an elongated finger design that naturally curved the hand right into a fist, lowering unintended eye pokes. Additionally they offered wonderful knuckle safety whereas sustaining flexibility for grappling. Some fashionable manufacturers have recreated this fashion for nostalgic followers and collectors.
Nonetheless, these gloves used particular person ringlets and laces to remain on. These laces would usually come undone and the finger ringlets would have fingers slip out. Whereas they did keep away from eye pokes, there have been frequent pauses to the motion to repair glove malfunctions.
Trevor Wittman’s MMA Glove Design
Famend MMA coach Trevor Wittman developed gloves aimed toward addressing widespread points like eye pokes and damaged fingers. His design retains fighters’ fingers in a pure fist place whereas bettering consolation and lowering accidents. Whereas praised by many, these gloves haven’t been extensively adopted by promotions such because the UFC.
MMA Gloves vs. Boxing Gloves
MMA gloves weigh round 4 ounces for competitors (and as much as 7 ounces for sparring), they characteristic open fingers for grappling and minimal padding to permit sooner strikes. Boxing gloves are heavier (12–16 ounces) with intensive padding to guard fingers throughout repeated punches. They totally encase the hand, making grappling unimaginable.
Whereas MMA gloves permit for versatility in placing and grappling, they provide much less knuckle and wrist safety in comparison with boxing gloves. This makes them much less ideally suited for heavy bag coaching until paired with correct hand wraps.
Frequent Questions on MMA Gloves
Do you put on hand wraps underneath MMA gloves?
Sure. At all times put on hand wraps underneath your gloves to guard your knuckles and wrists from harm. An athlete can simply break their hand with out using hand wraps.
How a lot do MMA gloves weigh?
Competitors gloves weigh round 4 ounces, whereas sparring or hybrid coaching gloves can weigh as much as 7 ounces relying on their goal. In a UFC struggle, they’re 4 ounces.
Are MMA gloves good for punching luggage?
Whereas you need to use MMA gloves on a heavy bag, they lack the padding wanted for extended classes. For security, think about using specialised bag gloves or boxing gloves as an alternative.
