Looking for your own gloves? Here you'll find all MMA gloves.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the fastest-growing and most-watched combat sports in the world. The sport combines techniques from various martial arts and allows almost all techniques. An essential part of an MMA fighter's equipment are the gloves. In this article you'll learn everything you need to know about MMA gloves, their development and why they are so important.
The development of gloves in the UFC
Since the founding of the UFC, the equipment of fighters has changed considerably. In the beginning you still saw fighters in speedos and without gloves against athletes in full judokas. From UFC 14 onwards, wearing gloves became mandatory, mainly for safety reasons. This prevented broken hands and unnecessary cuts on the athletes' faces.
Which MMA gloves does the UFC use?
MMA gloves come in two variants:
- Sparring MMA gloves
- Grappling MMA gloves
During UFC competitions, fighters wear grappling gloves, as these offer more freedom of movement than sparring gloves and have less padding. You can recognise the grappling gloves by the half fingers and the fact that they are relatively thin and light. These gloves are designed with grip and control in mind. You naturally want to be able to grip your opponent well during an MMA fight if necessary. The UFC competition gloves were always 4 oz until recently, but were reduced to 3 oz from UFC 302.
Are the MMA gloves the UFC uses by Venum?
The short answer is: No. Many people think this is the case because Venum provides the official fight gear. But this is limited to the clothing only. The MMA gloves the UFC uses, they developed themselves, and Venum has nothing to do with them. However, Venum does have its own MMA gloves, which are also very good. Interested? View all Venum MMA gloves here.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use MMA gloves for heavy bag training?
For bag training it is better to use regular boxing gloves with thicker padding. These offer more protection for your hands, knuckles and wrists and minimise the risk of injury.
What is the difference between MMA gloves and boxing gloves?
MMA gloves have less padding and open fingers, which gives you more freedom of movement and the ability to grapple. Boxing gloves, on the other hand, have more padding and are larger, which offers better protection during heavy punches.
Can MMA gloves go in the washing machine?
We advise against cleaning MMA gloves in the washing machine, as this can damage the material. Clean them with a damp cloth, let them dry thoroughly and use an antibacterial spray to avoid unpleasant odours.
How often should I replace my gloves?
The lifespan of your gloves depends on how often and how intensively you train. In general, well-maintained gloves 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 adequate protection to prevent injuries.