Whether striking, grappling, or taking it to the mat, every combat athlete needs the flexibility to change up their game. The best MMA gloves are made with just the right amount of padding, and the ability to make a fist to strike, pound, or grab effectively, all in one design. Mixed Martial Arts requires its athletes to be versatile in stand-up, as well as on the ground, so they need a glove that can allow them to be equally as effective at both.
Unlike boxing gloves, MMA Gloves don’t need multilayers of foam padding. Most mixed martial artists prefer to practice in gloves of similar size and construction as those they compete in. Traditionally, MMA fighters don’t spar at full speed or use full power, instead working more on technique and specific moves.
Those that do prefer to perform at more intense levels will oftentimes choose MMA sparring gloves. Those are designed like regular competition MMA gloves, but are constructed with softer foam and thicker padding. Most types of MMA sparring gloves still allow you to open your hand to catch punches, grab your opponent and grapple. The benefit of practicing in gloves designed specifically for sparring is that the thicker, more protective design helps prevent cuts, bruising and hand injuries that could place a potential fight in jeopardy.
There are no regulations surrounding training or sparring practices, but only standard MMA gloves are allowed for actual competition. Those typically range in weight from 4-8 ounces. Standards and preferences vary at various levels of MMA. Promotional companies, like Bellator, ONE Championship, the PFL, and UFC gloves all use slightly different styles to fight in.
In either style, there are important design aspects to look for.
You want most of the padding to be on the back of the hand and across the knuckles, so that any weight or protective properties are where contact is mostly made.
The foam that is used should be thin enough or soft enough that you are still able to open your hand easily. So much of the sport is spent grappling, ground fighting, performing submission holds, or executing Judo moves that require the ability to open your hand.
You also need a good, supportive strap or closure around the wrist. This will help stabilize your wrist and prevent injury, since the glove itself lacks the extra cushion you get from the foam padding.
MMA gloves are designed to adapt to all mixed martial arts disciplines simultaneously and should allow you to move effortlessly from one move to the next. A well-rounded athlete works to have a good grasp of all MMA styles and should choose a glove that accommodates that level of proficiency.
FAQs
Your gloves shouldn’t be too stiff, you want some flexibility that will allow you movement and ability to grab your opponent but to also make a perfect fist.
Most professional MMA Competition Gloves range from 4oz – 8oz.
Most consist of single or dual layer foam padding that are flexible and still absorb impact. However, different styles may have different foams.
We recommend using MMA-specific sparring gloves depending on what the exact exercise is. We have a range of MMA sparring gloves that are designed with more padding and provide greater protection from injury during sparring.
