MMA Gloves

MMA gloves are small, open-palmed gloves with finger loops, so you can strike and grip in the same exchange. UK retailer Budo Online's glove guide sorts them into three groups. In that guide, fight-style competition gloves are 4-4.5oz with minimal padding, and hybrid gloves are 6-7oz, for bag work, pad work and light sparring. Its sparring gloves, at 7-8oz, have the most padding.

Which you need depends on how you train. Budo says competition gloves are not suitable for sparring and suggests 7-8oz sparring gloves for contact training. If you only want one pair, it calls a 7oz hybrid the most versatile option. Gyms set their own sparring rules, so check what yours uses before you buy.

When comparing gloves, check what a stated weight refers to, because at least one maker gives the weight of the padding rather than of the glove. Also check the closure, whether the thumb is attached and how the outer material is described. Makers do not always say whether it is leather or synthetic. Fairtex notes that MMA gloves are usually sized S to XL rather than by ounces.

In amateur competition under IMMAF's January 2021 rules, you do not use your own gloves. Only gloves supplied by the event's commission or host regulatory body may be used (section 15).