Issue 034

February 2008

In our new feature we will cast the spotlight on different types of MMA training equipment. Each month will see us take a look at the essential pieces of kit every mixed martial artist needs. In this first instalment, we give you the lowdown on MMA competition (also known as ‘fight’) gloves. 

Why Wear Them?

MMA fight gloves are used to protect your hands when striking, while still allowing you the freedom of movement to be able to grapple.

MMA fight gloves should not be mistaken for MMA sparring gloves – the key difference is that sparring gloves have more padding on the front of the glove, allowing for harder contact striking with less risk of damage to both your hands and your training partners.

When Would You Wear Them?

Fight gloves are mostly worn when you’re competing, but also during light sparring or pure grappling. It is advisable to refrain from using fight gloves for pad or bag work, as they do not offer substantial protection to your fist for this kind of training. Instead, use boxing gloves and hand wraps when hitting inanimate objects.  

Key Features

Fastening device

You want a pair of gloves that will stay on while your hands are busy. Multiple Velcro strips will help keep them in place but also keep an eye out for exposed Velcro once the gloves are fastened. A graze from a glove can be an annoying inconvenience at first but a skin infection from a graze can be a little more serious. 

Open palm

As a general rule it’s not a good idea to use gloves that truly envelop the hand – they’re uncomfortable and restrict your range of movement. Most MMA fight gloves that are on the market are now open palm but cheaper versions may not be. Don’t save on this aspect, go for the open palm. 

Thumbs Up?

Some fight gloves cover the thumb, but should you buy with or without? For most people it’s just a matter of personal preference. Some claim that by inclusion of a thumb it helps the glove stay in place while grappling. The majority of major MMA promotions (including the UFC) currently use thumbless gloves in their bouts. 

Padding

The padding of the glove should cover the top of the hand and the knuckles. Over time the cushioning effect of the padding will lessen, and because of this you should replace your gloves on a fairly regular basis. 

Stitching

Nobody wants their gloves to fall apart. Check along the seams to ensure that the stitching appears thorough and robust.

General Tips

Get a size that fits well

Do some research on the internet and ask retailers to get an opinion on what size will fit best. A fight glove should be a ‘snug’ but not overly tight fit. Buying the wrong size can at best result in discomfort and at worse result in injury. Gloves, like most leather products, will ‘wear in’ and while they may be uncomfortable at first this will change over time.

Maintenance

Take care of your kit and your kit will take care of you. Be sure to let your gloves air thoroughly after use and clean them after use. Seek advice from manufacturers and retailers on what products are best for cleaning your gloves.

Ask Training Partners at your gym

Your training partners will give you honest feedback about styles and brands that they’ve used which can help when choosing a new pair. Ask to try on other peoples gloves at the gym to see how they feel to you.