Sparring is an essential part of mixed martial arts (MMA) training, and choosing the right gloves is crucial to train effectively whilst avoiding injuries.
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In this article, we'll give you all the information you need about MMA sparring gloves. From choosing the right size to caring for your gloves.
Want to buy MMA sparring gloves and find the right ones straight away? Then read on.
What are MMA sparring gloves?
MMA sparring gloves are designed to protect your hands and knuckles during training and sparring. Unlike traditional boxing gloves, MMA gloves are smaller and have open fingers. This gives you more freedom of movement and the ability to grapple. These gloves offer sufficient protection without restricting freedom of movement, making them ideal for the complex game of MMA.
How do you distinguish grappling gloves from sparring gloves?
In MMA, there is a difference between grappling gloves and sparring gloves. But what exactly is the difference?
Grappling MMA gloves:
You can recognise grappling gloves by the half fingers and the fact that they are quite thin and light. These gloves are designed with grip and control in mind. Grappling MMA gloves are suitable in the following situations:
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MMA grappling training where striking is controlled. The focus is on ground fighting.
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Light MMA sparring where the emphasis is on technique and fluid movements.
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MMA competitions are fought with the grappling variant.
Grappling MMA gloves have less padding, which gives you more freedom of movement in the fingers. This is particularly useful when grappling, where you want to have as much grip as possible.
However, less padding also means less protection, both for your own hands and for your training partner. Therefore, it is not advisable to use grappling gloves during harder training.
Sparring MMA gloves:
You can recognise the sparring variant of MMA gloves by the thickness of the gloves. They are quite thick at the knuckles and curved, so that your fingers are bent inwards. This prevents, amongst other things, poking your training partner in the eyes with your fingers. Sparring MMA gloves are thicker, heavier and specifically designed for hard sparring sessions.
The extra padding provides more protection for your hands when striking and also prevents cuts to your sparring partner's face.
How do you choose the right size MMA gloves?
Now that we know the difference between MMA sparring and grappling gloves, we come to the next point. How do you choose the right size MMA gloves? Here is a simple method to determine your size:
Place the tape measure directly below your knuckles, excluding the thumb.
In general, you can use the following size chart:
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16–18 cm: S
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19–21 cm: M
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22+ cm: L/XL
Always check the size chart of the specific model you want to buy, as sizes can vary by brand.
P.S. Gloves should fit snugly but comfortably. They will stretch slightly over time and adapt to the shape of your hand.
Leather or synthetic leather?
When choosing MMA gloves, you face the decision between leather and synthetic leather. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of these materials?
Leather MMA gloves:
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Durability: Leather is known for its robustness and can last longer than synthetic leather with good care.
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Breathable: The natural material of leather ensures better ventilation than synthetic leather.
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Comfort: Leather adapts to the shape of your hand over time, making the gloves increasingly comfortable.
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Appearance: Leather MMA gloves often have a luxurious look and are usually more beautifully crafted.
The only disadvantage of leather MMA gloves is the higher price compared to synthetic leather options. But if they fit within your budget, leather is definitely recommended.
Synthetic leather MMA gloves:
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Affordability: Synthetic leather is generally cheaper than genuine leather, making it a budget-friendly choice.
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Water resistance: Synthetic leather is more resistant to moisture and therefore easier to care for.
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Vegan: For those who care about animal welfare, synthetic leather offers an animal-friendly alternative.
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Large selection: There are more synthetic leather models than leather, as they are produced in larger quantities.
The disadvantage of synthetic leather is that it is less durable than genuine leather, especially with intensive use.
The choice between leather and synthetic leather for your MMA gloves depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, your budget and your training needs.
Can you use MMA sparring gloves for bag training?
Although MMA sparring gloves are designed for sparring, they are less suitable for training on the heavy bag. The major disadvantage of MMA gloves for bag training is the lack of a thumb piece. They therefore offer no protection for your thumb and the risk of injury is much greater.
We therefore recommend using boxing gloves when you train on the bag. That way you can train worry-free and injure yourself less.
How do you care for MMA gloves properly?
Proper care of your gloves extends their lifespan and ensures better hygiene.
Here are some tips:
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Dry thoroughly: Let your gloves dry thoroughly after each training session. Hang them in a well-ventilated area or use a dryer (we are fans of Shoefresh).
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Clean regularly: Clean the outside of the gloves with a damp cloth and do not use harsh chemicals.
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Prevent odours: Use antibacterial sprays or place odour-absorbing sachets in your gloves to reduce unpleasant smells.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MMA gloves and boxing gloves?
MMA gloves have less padding and open fingers, which provides more mobility and the ability to grapple. Boxing gloves have more padding and are more voluminous, offering better protection for hard punches.
Can MMA gloves go in the washing machine?
We advise against washing MMA gloves in the washing machine, as this can damage the material. Clean them with a damp cloth, let them dry thoroughly and use antibacterial sprays against unpleasant odours.
How often should I replace my gloves?
The lifespan of your gloves depends on how often and intensively you train. In general, well-maintained gloves will last 6 to 12 months with regular use. Look out for signs of wear such as thinning padding and tears in the material. Replace your gloves when they no longer provide sufficient protection to prevent injuries.
Do you need new MMA gloves or do your old ones need replacing?
View our entire selection of MMA gloves here.