Best MMA Gloves

What are the best MMA gloves?

Having the right gloves is critical to an MMA athlete’s performance and safety. As a fighter, it's important to have the right equipment for every aspect of your sport.

When it comes to gloves, you should always match your glove to your training activities as best you can. Being smaller with less padding, MMA gloves are significantly more dangerous than boxing gloves. That being said, if you are looking for a pair of sparring gloves or hard bag work gloves, we recommend looking into a good pair of padded boxing gloves.

On the other hand, when looking for a pair of good competition gloves you should always look for good hand, finger, and wrist protection while allowing enough room for movement. The reason why you can't wear boxing gloves in MMA training is because you won't be able to grapple and clinch with boxing gloves. In general the best MMA gloves should be comfortable, durable, smooth and aerodynamic in their design to allow agility and prevent injuries while you fight in the octagon.

Remember, your gloves and a high quality mouthguard are the only things protecting your health and safety when fighting so it's important you make sure you invest wisely.

Hayabusa MMA Gloves

Perfect for fighters of all levels, the Hayabusa T3 gloves can be used for grappling, sparring and striking. The gloves design delivers superior hand and wrist stability which reduces hand fatigue during competition and long training sessions. The pre-curved shape of the glove allows it to stay securely in place when striking which is great for beginner and professional athletes alike.

Pros:

• Durable
• Great Wrist Support
• Good Thumb Protection
• Lightweight Reduces Hand Fatigue

Cons:

• High Price Range
• Break-in Time

Conclusion: Other than it’s longer than usual break-in period and high price tag, this product is a great MMA glove for athletes of all levels. Designed for stability, comfort, protection and lined with an antimicrobial lining, you can't go wrong with Hayabusa Gloves.

Sanabul Gloves

Sanabul is a well-known name in the MMA world and for good reason. Featuring technologically advanced designs made of engineered leather, pre-shaped foam and a breathable liner, Sanabul makes some of the best Grappling glove for MMA training and sparring.

If you're looking for a glove that you can wear in both grappling and striking, the Battle forged glove is for you. Designed with a velcro closure system and anti-microbial lining, it allows athletes to easily wear them over wrapped hands while also preventing bacteria growth and excess moisture from being absorbed in the glove. This premium design aspect makes for a comfortable and long lasting glove.

Pros:

• Great Thumb & Wrist Protection
• Durable
• Not Expensive
• Good For Mitt Session

Cons:

• Not Made For Hard Strikes

Conclusion: The Sanabul Battle Forged Glove is a great mixed martial arts glove with high comfort and an extended life span. These gloves are guaranteed to not let you down.

Venum Gloves

The Venum Challenger Gloves is synonymous with high quality at an affordable price. Featuring a wide leather closure and high density foam, these gloves will provide great support and comfort. Seen on athletes in training sessions and fighting in the octagon, the Challenger glove has proven to provide universal protection.

Made of semi-leather and designed with a double closure-system with reinforced finger and thumb openings, this glove will be sure to absorb every impact and allow you to achieve the perfect fit every time you strike.

Pros:

• Superb Knuckle Protection
• Good Velcro For Added Safety
• Durable
• High Quality Materials

Cons:

• Not Made For Large Fingers

Conclusion: The Venum Challenger Glove is a very high quality glove that provides great protection at an affordable price.

What MMA gloves should I buy?

MMA gloves are specifically designed for the sport of MMA. Even tough openhanded Taekwondo or Karate sparring gloves look like MMA gloves, they are not and you shouldn't get them. MMA gloves leave your fingers exposed, and the padding only extends past the first or second knuckle. In fact, the gloves you get should have separate padding for every finger allowing you to open your hand and grip easily. In addition, MMA gloves shouldn't have padding on the palm of the hand to not inhibit proper grip.

A good way to test MMA gloves is to put them on and try opening and closing your hand. If your hands don't open or close easily, we do not recommend them. It's important to note that the most important thing in buying gloves is that they fit comfortably. Different brands can have totally different fits for gloves serving the same purpose, from too big and too stiff to too small or uncomfortable you know better what is comfortable for you and your budget levels.

Some people like buying cheap gloves that they replace often. Some mixed martial artists like buying really fancy gloves. Buy something that's comfortable for you and something you won’t mind using every single day.

What do MMA fighters wear?

The most important thing that you need to know is that the cost of MMA gear for beginners isn’t high. Here is the must have gear for MMA:

• MMA Gloves
• Hand Wraps/Inner Gloves
• Rash Guard
• Mouth guard
• Head Guard
• MMA Shorts
• Shin Guard
• Groin Guard

How long do MMA gloves last?

Stinky, ripped, or just plain old. All gear will eventually wear out. How do you know it's time to change your gear? Bag or training gloves should be replaced every 8-9 months or once you start feeling more impact on your knuckles, through the glove, you may want to replace them to prevent potential injury.

Regarding sparring gloves, if you notice the leather material cracking or sowing excess amounts of wear around the knuckle area, replace them as soon as possible. A good rule of thumb is to always have at least 1.5-2" of padding across the knuckle area of the glove. When additional wear sets in the foam will breakdown reducing cushioning and demanding to be replaced.

See More:

- Best MMA Mouthguards