Issue 034
February 2008
By Jim Page
Perennial Cage Rage favourite Alex Reid laughed when he heard the subject of the interview: “My bag is falling apart actually; I’ve got a big Top Ten one, it gets used day in day out, it’s covered in sweat, blood and snot.” The London Shootfighter was training in MMA back when most people were watching UFC 2, and he knows exactly what a fighter needs to have buried in his kit bag.
Boxing gloves
For hand protection while polishing his stand up skills, Alex now sticks to the tried and tested brands, Title and Sandee. “I’ve got a 14oz pair of Sandee, which I find are the best – I’ve had every single pair of gloves going and I’ve got hand problems. The other glove that’s good for me is the Title 16oz because I need some padding.”
Hand wraps
Protecting the tools of your trade is no joke, as the Aldershot-based fighter explained; ”I use the Title gel-wraps. I wrap my hands up [as usual], then I put the gel-wraps on top, then I put the 16oz on – I need that much padding.”
MMA sparring gloves
For the rough business of pre-fight MMA sparring, a good pair of gloves is essential kit. “I either spar with full gloves, big gloves, because these days the damage we do to each other is so bad, we want as much protection as possible. If I am ever required to spar, I use the Fairtex MMA sparring gloves.”
Shin-guards
Again choosing Sandee, Alex explained why he trusts the brand to take care of his shins – one of which suffered a horrific cut in his fight with Murilo ‘Ninja’ Rua. “They are the best shin-guards I’ve ever had; I use those for MMA as well. It’s very difficult to grapple in, but I think they offer me the best possible protection.”
Mouth-guards
One of the most important pieces of equipment – and unfortunately also the most likely to get lost, it’s always sensible to have a spare mouth-guard. “I’ve got a shock doctor, but now having a custom fit mouth-guard – a professional one from the dentist – I find that it’s that bit more comfortable.”
Shorts
As a noted kicker, Alex carries the most flexible shorts possible, helping him put this ability to best use. “I love the Grapple Wear ones, they’re always strong, there’re durable, they’ve got the stretchy bits where you need them, they’re comfortable.”
Bits and pieces
“I’ve got a custom bungee thing that you hold behind your back – it’s good for making your punches sharper, it makes you more explosive. It’s a bit like a bungee cord.
“I’ve got a steel cup. Obviously Vaseline, tape, all that sort of good stuff. Protein bars, energy drinks. I always make sure I’ve got proper re-fuelling and re-hydration stuff in there because I train so much.
“I live out of my bag sometimes. I have to make sure I’ve got a mobile kit, good clothes you know, because you never know where you’re going to be. I always carry around tight, sparkly spandex shorts because you never know when the need might arise – and a tube of KY jelly!”
