A Guide to MMA Gloves: Where Quality Meets Protection

mma sparring gear

Are you a fan of mixed martial arts? Do you want to start training or continue it? If so, among the other MMA training supplies you must ensure that you have the right pair of gloves. Although the selection process should be enjoyable, many individuals find shopping for their first pair a bit challenging.

While there are certainly some similarities, not all MMA gloves on the market are created equal. With this in mind, the following guidelines will give you comprehensive information on the different types and what to look for when choosing the right ones!

Types

You must first realize that there are various MMA glove styles available, and they are not all used for the same purpose. As a result, you might wish to have multiple pairs so you can meet all of your training needs.

Therefore, train like a champ with quality sparring MMA gloves specifically made for superior grappling control. They’re slightly heavier than the typical MMA versions. They have additional padding that gives the hand additional protection, and they resemble boxing ones in terms of the inside grip bar.

mma gloves
source: freepik.com

Displays of strength and powerful punches are rarely the main goals of sparring. You usually concentrate on technique and precision. However, if you intend to have lengthy sessions, you must have sparring gloves as when using ordinary ones, you and your partner run the danger of getting hurt.

For additional protection, quality sparring MMA gloves feature injected mould padding, padded thumb and extra padding at the wrist. The open palm also provides a perfect grip while the wrap-around hook and loop closure keep the glove firmly in place. 

To prevent unpleasant odours, these top-notch designs also have an antibacterial lining. Some styles are even built with Fairtex’s patented three-layer foam core technology and fine leather for exceptional hand and knuckle protection and shock absorption.

Although using MMA sparring gloves should naturally increase your and your partner’s protection, getting struck with them still hurts. Use mouthpieces and headgear at all times, as doing so could result in tooth loss or cuts. Although it is a combat sport, you do not want to injure yourself while practising.

Grappling verieties, on the other hand, allow additional finger movement. Even though you will never use this style in sanctioned bouts or competitions, they are quite helpful for ground fighting training exercises including clinch work and grappling.

mma training gloves
source: freepik.com

However, what you should pay the greatest attention to are the competition models. You should practice using the professional pair before engaging in a real fight, even though you will almost definitely be utilizing all the other types.

The competition style weighs about 4 ounces and has little to no padding. Never overlook using extra protection, such as hand wraps as these gloves will injure you even though they are designed to hurt your opponent more. So, always keep in mind that taking good care of your hands is crucial.

Materials

If you thought that the material only matters when choosing your basketball or football jerseys, think again as it’s one of the crucial factors for getting the ideal pair of MMA gloves. Although there is a wide range of materials, genuine and synthetic leather are the most popular ones.

Gloves made of genuine leather are far superior. However, it doesn’t have to imply that they will work best for you. Get the pair that feels most comfortable to you, though. Most models feature some kind of interior padding made of foam. Typically, it occurs near the knuckles. In addition, MMA models contain Velcro, making them simple to put on and take off.

Weight

When it comes to weight, competition models are lighter than sparring and training ones. Common models on the market can weigh 7 to 10 ounces. Competition versions typically weigh between 4 and 6 ounces; however, you may come across lighter alternatives at some tournaments. In other words, you can anticipate various modifications for each tournament. It all depends on the organizers.

You can always buy more than two or three different sorts of gloves and have a different pair for each form of exercise if you want to be exceptional. There are pairs specifically designed for punching bags that are weight-dependent in certain circumstances. They typically range in weight from 10 ounces up to the standard 16 ounces for boxing gloves.

men boxing gloves
source: glovesaddict.com

Size

Choosing the proper size is crucial as it will have a direct impact on your entire development and training. You can determine your size by taking the circumference of your palm. Rarely will sizes differ between brands, but you may always compare the accurate measurements for each brand.

On the other hand, buying a pair that doesn’t fit properly can impair your performance and your training won’t be entirely adequate. Small to extra-large versions are available, so make your pick of the litter wisely. However, some brands provide additional alternatives if you want to be more particular about your size. Just be sure to always pay great attention to the precise sizes offered by each manufacturer.

The Hand-Wrapping Option

Our hands’ bones are some of our bodies’ tiniest and weakest. Experts claim that changes to the hand’s bony structure in an accomplished MMA fighter are unavoidable! However, you can take a variety of preventative measures to minimize major long-term harm if you intend to train for physical activity or love the sport. Hand wrapping is one of the options.

It will maintain wrist alignment, prevent the separation of the knuckles, minimize erratic thumb motions, and provide extra protection against direct collision and additional defence in your hand for punch blocking.