Issue 045
January 2009
As this issue is all about the best of MMA, we asked our resident fighters Peter Irving and Rosi Sexton what kind of equipment they like to keep in their kitbag. Unsurprisingly, their preferred items of kit are much the same as those voted by you. Check out what these two professionals won’t go to the gym without.
Gloves
Peter: I use Throwdown MMA sparring gloves, Fairtex fight gloves and Lonsdale sparring gloves. I use 18oz boxing gloves to protect my hands and so I get used to a really heavy glove and then my hands feel really light. Lonsdale don’t sponsor me, but I’m friends with the guy and he gave me the sponsorship package! I replace them every two or three months, but I’ve got a pair of Fairtex 16oz that have lasted me two years.
Rosi: I use Fairtex boxing gloves for stand-up sparring and some ground and pound. I think they’re 12oz. My EiteXC fight gloves are the ones I use for MMA – light sparring and grappling. I use MMA sparring gloves occasionally but I don’t carry a pair around with me.
Shorts
Peter: I’ve got a big collection, various ones. I really liked the No-Gi ones, I felt they were the best board shorts I ever had. For fighting I’ve come round to Vale Tudo shorts, since GSP was bringing them back! Referees aren’t stamping down on people holding your shorts, so I went with the ‘tighty whities’.
Rosi: When I fight I wear the old fashioned Vale Tudo shorts. I’m sponsored by TapouT, so they’re made by them, obviously. They’re tough and a good fit.
Protection
Peter: I’ve got a Twins head guard, Fairtex shin pads, and a metal Muay Thai box. The Twins head guard has a thick brow that doesn’t go over the eyes with cheek protection as well.
Rosi: I’ve got a pair of Fairtex shin pads and a Fairtex head guard. The head guard is an open face model – I’ve tried lots of different types and this one fits me best. I use a Fighters Only branded gumshield from gumshields.com. It goes everywhere with me – I’ve even got it now!
Other items
Peter: I keep cream if I get any cuts and scrapes to prevent ringworm. I always have Nationman anklets, big thick kneepads and a box of Diarolyte sachets.
Rosi: What will you find in my kitbag? A tub of PhD ‘Wired’, it’s good stuff. Miles and miles of tape, and hair bands!
...
