Your fists are your weapons in the MMA ring. Choosing the right gloves is like sharpening your sword for battle. You’re not just looking for protection but also for comfort, durability, and a competitive edge.
In this article, we’re looking at 5 of the best MMA gloves currently available from some of the leading brands. And we’ve also looked at a range of price points, so we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and find the perfect fit for your fighting style.
- Best MMA Gloves For Various Needs
- Why You May Need MMA Gloves
- Factors to Consider When Buying MMA Gloves
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are Some Signs of Wear and Tear to Look Out for in MMA Gloves?
- How Often Should MMA Gloves be replaced?
- Can MMA Gloves be used for Other Combat Sports, Like Boxing or Kickboxing?"
- How should you Clean and Maintain MMA Gloves for Longevity?"
- Are There Specific Brands of MMA Gloves That Are Endorsed or Preferred by Professional Fighters?
- Final Say on the Best MMA Gloves
Best MMA Gloves For Various Needs
Let’s take a look at our top 5 choices:
#1. Fairtex FGV18 MMA Sparring Gloves: Our Top Pick Overall
Fairtex has been making
Comfortable for both men and women and built to last - Fairtex FGV18 is an excellent choice for all.
Renowned for their extra-thick pre-curved high impact latex foam core, these gloves provide excellent hand and knuckle protection during high-impact training sessions.
Crafted from premium quality leather, they ensure durability and a comfortable fit.
Pros:
- Made of premium leather for durability and quality.
- Extra-thick pre-curved high impact latex foam core for ultimate impact absorption.
- Open palm design provides full mobility of palms and hands.
- Double wrist wrap hook & loop closure for added wrist support and secure fit.
- Full padding over the knuckles for maximum protection.
- Suitable for both men and women.
- Available in different colors and sizes to suit individual preferences and needs.
- The pre-curved design allows your thumb to move independently.
- Can be used in various
combat sports . - Extra Protection: The oversized knuckle padding provides additional safety against training injuries.
- Full Wraparound Wristband: This feature provides thorough wrist support, reducing the risk of sprains.
- Handmade Quality: These gloves are handmade in Thailand, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship.
Cons:
- More expensive due to the premium leather and high-quality materials used.
- Open palm design might not be suitable for those who prefer full coverage gloves.
- The extra-thick padding might be too bulky for some users.
- Might not be suitable for beginners who need less rigid gloves for flexibility.
Fairtex FGV18 Sparring Gloves are a great investment for any MMA fighter seeking high-quality gear, and as we highlight in our guide to they’re out top choice.
#2. Everlast Pro Style MMA Grappling Gloves: Best Value For Price
Surely you knew they leveled up into the synthetic market by now ;).
As part of your MMA gear, these gloves offer an excellent balance of comfort and durability and they’re designed with EverDri Technology, which helps to absorb moisture. This keeps your hands dry during intense training sessions.
The customizable fit provided by the full wrist wrap strap is a standout feature, enhancing both comfort and protection. And it’s our top pick for gloves in our guide to MMA equipment for beginners.
Pros:
- High-quality synthetic leather
- Superior wrist support
- Comfortable and customizable fit
Cons:
- Initial chemical smell doesn’t suit everyone’s taste
- Minor stitching issues
#3. ZooBoo MMA Gloves: New Brand With Unique Design
The high-quality materials, strong grip, and padding make them a reliable choice for your training routines.
You’ll appreciate the breathable design, thanks to the perforations on the palms, ensuring your hands remain cool during rigorous training sessions.
The adjustable wrist support offers a snug and comfortable fit, customized to your liking.
One drawback however – are the elastic bands at the base, which can make putting the gloves on difficult.
But you certainly get value for money with these, and they’ve received positive feedback for their quality and performance.
Pros:
- Breathable design with perforations on the palms allows for coolness and comfort during rigorous training.
- High-quality materials used in construction ensure durability and longevity.
- Strong grip and padding provide protection and support during training.
- Adjustable wrist support offers a snug and comfortable fit.
- Available in six colors and design options, each featuring a skeleton pattern.
Cons:
- It can be difficult to put on the gloves with hand wraps.
- The elastic band can cause discomfort or fitting issues.
- The stitching, while mostly solid, can tear in hard sparring, so it’s more suitable for training and drills than for competing.
#4. Venum Challenger MMA Gloves: Awesome Shock Aborption
Its layered foam design ensures your hands are well protected, and the high wrist maintainability is a game-changer.
Plus, the adjustable strap means you can customize the fit to your comfort, and the exclusive Velcro strap system pre-positions your hand for optimum performance.
And you’re very unlikely to cut or bruise their knuckles.
The caveat?
You definitely need hand wraps since these gloves can be a bit hard on your hands. But for MMA workouts, these gloves are a worthy investment.
Pros:
- Excellent protection: The gloves offer layered foam for better protection and shock absorption.
- Adjustable fit: They have an adjustable strap and an exclusive Velcro strap system for hand pre-positioning.
- High wrist maintainability: The gloves provide high wrist maintaining thanks to an adjustable strap.
- Durable: They are made with PU leather which is known for its durability.
- Designed for training and fighting: These gloves are perfect for both training and fighting.
- Reinforced fingers: Each finger, including the thumb, has reinforcement for optimal protection, even against powerful impacts.
- Aggressive design: The gloves have a distinctive style and aggressive design.
Cons:
- Rough on hands without wraps: Users might need to invest in hand wraps as these gloves may be a bit hard on the hands.
- Lack of thumb protection: The ‘Challenger’ MMA gloves do not have thumb protection.
- Semi leather: The gloves are not fully leather, they are made of semi-leather which might not be as durable as full leather gloves.
#5. UFC Official Fight Gloves: Most Authentic
These gloves suit hardcore UFC enthusiasts who want to play dress up as a UFC fighter when training ;). It has authentic design and branding.
But in reality, these gloves’ unique selling point is basically just that they’re official UFC gloves and have UFC printed on them.
Pros:
- Natural pre-curved design promotes proper hand positioning and anatomy
- Open-fingered Structure and open palm design enhance agility for grappling and ensure an unrestricted range of motion for total control.
- Dual-locking wrist-wrapping system for the solid fit and support.
- Gel padding in the knuckle area provides necessary safety through excellent shock absorption.
- Genuine leather material provides increased flexibility and dexterity during fights.
Cons:
- Fit and Comfort: Some discomfort around the thumb and inconsistent sizing.
- Durability: Declining quality over the years.
- The high price: Due to UFC branding more than actual quality.
Why You May Need MMA Gloves
Having MMA gloves is really a no-brainer. Why?
- Legal Requirements: Wearing gloves is a legal requirement in professional and amateur MMA fights to ensure you always comply with the sport’s safety regulations.
- Protection: MMA gloves cushion the impact of your punches, significantly reducing the risk of fractures and sprains.
- Enhanced Precision and Versatility: The compact design of MMA gloves allows for precise strikes and is versatile enough for various training activities, including punching bags, sparring, and grappling.
- Durability and Support: Most gloves are made from durable materials like leather and come with built-in wrist wraps, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of training and fighting.
- Boost Your Confidence: Knowing that you’re protected allows you to perform at your best.
Factors to Consider When Buying MMA Gloves
Whether you’re buying equipment to dabble in MMA as a hobby or you are preparing for an actual bout, choosing the right gloves matter.
Things to consider include the quality of material used, the size of the glove for a comfortable yet secure fit, and of course, the price. And the look and reputation of the brand you choose are also worth considering.
This article will provide you with an impartial, detailed analysis of these key points, helping you make an informed decision for the MMA gloves for your journey.
Quality of Material
The quality of material in your MMA gloves has a direct influence on their durability and performance.
Leather gloves offer top-notch durability and comfort, but are generally more expensive.
Synthetic leather gloves are less expensive but may compromise on comfort. Vinyl gloves are the cheapest, but they tend to wear out the fastest.
Brand Reputation
A brand’s reputation is difficult to make but easy to break.
Well-established companies like UFC, Venum, Fairtex, and Everlast are companies who have carefully earned their reputations over decades. Their brands are known for offering reliable, high-quality products and so prices for these products tend to be higher.
At the same time, up-and-comers like Zooboo offer solid alternatives at competitive prices.
So the trade-off is this:
- Are you willing to pay more for a product that has decades of craftmanship behind it?
- Or are you willing to support an entrepreneurial brand that fewer people have heard of?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, but it might be something to consider when you make a decision.
Glove Size and Comfort
Choosing the right fit for your MMA gloves is essential for various reasons.
Safety is probably the most crucial factor to consider when choosing MMA gloves. Gloves that are too loose or too tight could lead to injuries such as sprains or fractures and may restrict blood flow.
Properly fitted gloves not only enhance your performance by improving your grip and punching precision but also tend to last longer.
They are less likely to split or tear due to improper stress distribution, ensuring their durability.
To find your perfect fit, measure your hand’s circumference and consult the manufacturer’s size chart, as sizes may vary between brands.
Price
Prices for MMA gloves can range from as low as $15 to as high as $250.
Budget-friendly options under $50 are good for beginners, but if you’re willing to spend between $50 and $100, you’ll see a noticeable increase in quality.
High-end options above $100 offer the best protection and are made from the highest quality materials. Remember, it’s not just about the price but the value and durability they provide.
Purpose (Training or Competition)
When it comes to MMA gloves, it’s not one size fits all (no pun intended). Different gloves are needed for training and competition.
Training gloves offer more padding for protection during sparring sessions.
Competition gloves are lighter with less padding, allowing for more precise strikes.
When choosing gloves, consider how you intend to use them, as this will also influence your comfort and fit during use.
Design and Aesthetics
When you’re in the octagon, your gloves are an extension of you, expressing your style and personality.
Whether you want to stand out with a bold color or prefer something classic, there are plenty of options.
Brands like Fairtex are known for bringing more flair when it comes to gloves and often feature intricate patterns and art.
The importance you place on design and look is totally up to you, but probably worth thinking about before you hand over your hard earned money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Signs of Wear and Tear to Look Out for in MMA Gloves?
Look for loosening stitches, cracks in the material, worn padding, or discomfort while wearing them. They’re signs your MMA gloves are showing wear and tear and might need replacing soon. Stay safe!
How Often Should MMA Gloves be replaced?
You should replace your MMA gloves when they show signs of wear and tear, such as loose stitching or padding thinning. Typically, with regular use, it’s best to change them out every 12 months.
Can MMA Gloves be used for Other Combat Sports , Like Boxing or Kickboxing?”
You can use your MMA gloves for other
But we have reviewed a pair of multipurpose boxing gloves from Fairtex here.
How should you Clean and Maintain MMA Gloves for Longevity?”
To clean and maintain your MMA gloves, wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use. Let them air dry; never use a heat source. Condition the leather regularly to prevent cracking and prolong life.
And getting the stink of sweat out of gloves is difficult but not impossible. Stuff a sock full of baking powder and leave it inside your glove to absorb any foul smells.
Are There Specific Brands of MMA Gloves That Are Endorsed or Preferred by Professional Fighters?
Professional fighters often endorse brands like Venum, Hayabusa, and RDX.
They’re recognized for quality, durability, and comfort. However, glove preference can vary based on personal comfort and specific fighting style needs.
And Fairtex sponsored fighters in Thailand even take on Fairtex as part of their names.
Final Say on the Best MMA Gloves
Whether you’re ready to step into the octagon like a gladiator in ancient Rome or you’re an armchair MMA fighter who trains just casually, choosing the best MMA gloves for you is crucial.
For us, the best MMA gloves are the Fairtex FGV15 FGV15 MMA Sparring Gloves. They have the balance between protection, functionality, design, and brand reputation.
Maintaining them is also easy.
But all the MMA gloves we’ve discussed are great choices, depending on what you’re after.
Remember, all the best MMA gloves should offer durability, comfort, and protection.
Don’t skimp on quality, whether you’re sparring or working the heavy bag. A proper fit and good knuckle protection are key. And don’t forget your hand wraps for that extra support.
Now, go knock ’em dead, champ!
