Any athlete needs to take the choice of gloves for MMA and UFC seriously, paying attention to several nuances. Main selection criteria:
- Category
- size
- design characteristics
- manufacturer
Category
Mixed martial arts gloves can be divided into two categories:
- training;
- combat.
Training – beginner fighters are closed or open with an additional protective element on the thumb and fist. The impact surface is solid, with a thick layer of foam filler to avoid injury. They are similar to boxing and shell. Suitable for sparring and working out on shots.
Manufacturers like Fightx pay attention not only to striking ability but also to the ability to practice wrestling skills. Therefore, dense padding protects the wrist area from enemy blows.
Distinctive features of training models:
- greater weight (9 ounces and above);
- rounded shape (for working out the technicality of the blow);
- separated fingers (for grappling, choking and grappling);
- maximum safety of the athlete and the opponent.
Combat – are intended for professional tournaments in the discipline, so they are compact, thin, and light. The filler layer is more delicate, and the protective surface is more minor, creating comfort during the fight and a more significant impact force. The emphasis is not on the safety of the enemy’s appearance, so in battle, you can get bruises, cuts on the skin of the face or a broken nose.
In addition to the standard Fightx models with a closed thumb, under which you do not need to bandage your hand, there are open ones – professional ones for easy sparring with practising throwing and painful techniques. The palm is covered with material, which allows you to take the grip without interference. Models with an open palm are suitable for training sparring.
The protective thumb pad is either absent or does its job mediocrely since it is made from the glove material—protection between the impactor and foam retainer.
Characteristics of combat gloves:
- lightweight (4-7 ounces);
- no additional protection (exceptions are pairs with a protected thumb);
- different styles with open phalanges;
- minimal enemy security.
Size
There are four sizes in the size range of gloves for MMA and UFC: S, M, L, and XL. Universal are divided into two types:
- S/M – children and teens;
- L/XL – adults.
The size of gloves for MMA depends on the weight of the athlete. Since an allowance of 1.5 cm is made in the manufacture of each size, it is advisable to take those one size smaller than yours.
For children and adults weighing up to 75 kg, it is appropriate to choose sizes S and M. L models for adults weighing over 75 kg are suitable, from 90 kg – XL. If you do not plan to bandage your hand, the backlash is unacceptable.
A common beginner mistake is intentionally buying a larger size. This threatens injuries (sprains, dislocations, fractures of the hand) and gives a substantial load, ultimately interfering with the training process.
The second selection method is to measure the girth of the right hand. When measuring, a centimetre of tape passes along the tubercles of the line of the base of the fingers. The resulting number corresponds to the size:
| Size | Girth, cm |
| S | 15-18 |
| M | 18.5-20.5 |
| L | 21-23 |
| XL | 23.5-25 |
Before buying, it is appropriate to measure the wrist’s circumference to compare it with the length of the fixing strap. For beginners, the optimal ratio is 1:2, and even better, 1:3. This allows you to make 2-3 turns of the lock on the wrist, minimizing the risk of sprains.
Design features
Design features that affect the popularity of models:
- quality of materials;
- fixation.
The quality of materials. Manoeuvrability, impact force, the performance of grips and wrestling techniques; in other words, the safety and health of an athlete depend on gloves. Therefore, you should save on something different than quality.
When deciding which is better to buy, it is advisable to prefer models made from natural, high-quality materials—the main advantages: are durability and safety.
Genuine leather is the most common material for making models for professionals. With high-quality dressing, the leather lasts long without losing its appearance and functionality, even under conditions of aggressive use in contact sports. PU leather is the second most popular glove material for MMA and UFC, mainly for training. Combines the qualities of natural leather (strength, elasticity, breathability, hypoallergenic) at a lower price. Unlike other types of artificial leather, models made of polyurethane leather are durable, comfortable, and light and do not cause sweating and allergies.
For some reduction in cost and affordability, a combination of natural (shock part) and polyurethane leather (Velcro, back side) is used. Such models have an advantage: moisture that enters the polyurethane area is immediately removed.
Cheap leatherette (domain) – used in budget models. They are not of high quality and durability. Suitable for beginners who are trying their hand at MMA.
For the lining material, the main qualities are a tight fit to the hand and moisture absorption. Therefore, more often, manufacturers use adsorbing bactericidal materials. Thanks to this, the hands of athletes do not sweat. To avoid unpleasant odours, some brands use a special antibacterial impregnation treatment to absorb odours.
As a filler, multilayer foam is traditionally used to dampen blows and protect the hands of athletes from damage and injury. Gel-filled liners are added to some models to protect the thumb and fist better. In cheap models, the filler quickly goes astray, loses its elasticity, and significantly reduces protective properties.
Fixation. MMA gloves are fixed on the wrist with a special Velcro fastener, which provides a snug fit for the safety of the hands.
What are the fasteners?
with single Velcro – in most models;
with double – the most reliable. The latch allows you to perform the necessary techniques freely. At the same time, the risk of injury due to the dangling of the hand inside the glove is minimized.
Recommendations when choosing gloves for MMA gloves.
Buying MMA gloves is an essential step for an athlete. Recommendations when choosing:
- The best way to choose a size is to try it on. Try to do this; prefer an actual, not an online store.
- Please pay attention to the fit of the hand: it should freely, without additional effort, clench into a fist. At the same time, it should not be squeezed so that the blood flow is not disturbed.
- When choosing models with a closed or open palm, it is preferable to choose the latter: when sweating, it will not be impregnated, accumulating unpleasant odours, and it is easier and more convenient to fix the grip.
- Velcro fasteners should be broad, strong and tightly wound in two or three turns around the wrist.
- If you plan to bandage your hand, the glove should sit loosely, not hang around your hand.
- When choosing, I prefer models made from natural materials and high-quality synthetics. This will ensure a long service life of the product and protect against sweating of the palms, unpleasant odours and allergic reactions.
Manufacturer
Brand choice is essential for athletes. The best manufacturer in this direction is Fightx.
- Fightx MMA gloves manufacture premium leather gloves, the average price of which is very high due to the use of environmentally friendly quality materials. Models are sewn by hand. The popularity of models is explained by high quality and reasonable prices. They offer a massive range of products of various designs and colours. Models are sewn from genuine leather and inexpensive polyurethane.
Fightx is a famous English brand—models with various colours. The quality has no complaints; products serve for years. Gloves of Fightx company is better – the buyer decides, based on the purpose of the purchase and the advice of experienced fighters.
