Ranking of the best gloves for MMA and UFC in 2022

In mixed martial arts (also MMA), as in any area of ​​martial arts held by the UFC fighting organization, equipment plays a big role. This is especially true of special gloves, which are pads on hands with open fingers: they soften blows, protect the hand from injuries, and allow you to fight without constraining movements.

Introducing the ranking of the best MMA and UFC gloves in 2022 based on athlete feedback.

How to choose gloves for MMA and UFC

It is important for any athlete to take the choice of gloves for MMA and UFC seriously, paying attention to a number of nuances.Main selection criteria:

• category;
• the size;
• design characteristics;
• manufacturer.

Category

Mixed martial arts gloves can be divided into two categories:

1. training;
2. combat.

Training - for beginner fighters, they are closed or open with an additional protective element on the thumb and fist. The impact surface is made solid, with a thick layer of foam filler to avoid injury. They are similar to boxing, shell. Suitable for sparring, working out on shells.

Manufacturers pay attention not only to striking ability, but also to the ability to practice wrestling skills. Therefore, the wrist area is protected from enemy blows due to dense padding.

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, light. The filler layer is thinner, the protective surface is smaller, it creates comfort during the fight and a greater impact force. The emphasis is not on the safety of the enemy's appearance, so in battle you can get bruises, cuts in the skin of the face or a broken nose.

In addition to the standard 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 practicing 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 material of the glove. Protection between impactor and foam retainer.

Characteristics of combat gloves:

• light weight (4-7 ounces);
• no additional protection (exceptions are pairs with a protected thumb);
• different styles with open phalanges;
• minimal enemy security.

The size

There are four sizes in the size range of gloves for MMA and UFC: S, M, L, XL. Universal are divided into two types:

• S/M - children's and teenage;
• L/XL - adults.

The size of gloves for MMA depends on the weight of the athlete. Since in the manufacture of each size an allowance of 1.5 cm is made, when choosing it is advisable to take those that are one size smaller than yours.

For children, as well as adults weighing up to 75 kg, it is appropriate to choose sizes S, M. For adults weighing over 75 kg, L models are suitable, from 90 kg - XL. If you do not plan to bandage your hand, then the backlash is not acceptable.

A common beginner mistake is intentionally buying a larger size. This threatens with injuries (sprains, dislocations, fractures of the hand), gives a strong load, which ultimately interferes with the training process.
The second selection method is to measure the girth of the right hand. When measuring, a centimeter tape passes along the tubercles of the line of the base of the fingers. The resulting number corresponds to the size:

The 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 circumference of the wrist to compare 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. Maneuverability, impact force, performance of grips and wrestling techniques, in other words, the safety and health of an athlete depend on gloves. Therefore, you should not save on quality.

When deciding which is better to buy, it is advisable to give preference to models made from natural high-quality materials. Main advantages: durability and safety.

Genuine leather is the most common material for making models for professionals. With high-quality dressing, the leather lasts for a long time, 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, hypoallergenicity) at a lower price. Models made of polyurethane leather are durable, comfortable, light, do not cause sweating and allergies, which is different from other types of artificial leather.

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 (dermatin) - used in budget models. They are not of high quality and durability. Suitable for beginners who try 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 odors, some brands use a special antibacterial impregnation treatment with the function of absorbing odors.

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 better protect the thumb and fist. In cheap models, the filler quickly goes astray, loses its elasticity, and the protective properties are significantly reduced.

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 freely perform the necessary techniques. At the same time, the risk of injury due to the dangling of the hand inside the glove is minimized.

Manufacturer

Brand choice is important for athletes. The best manufacturers in this direction:

1. Hayabusa is a manufacturer of 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.
2. Green Hill is a famous brand. The popularity of models is explained by high quality and reasonable price.
3. Venum - offers a huge range of products of various designs and colors. Models are sewn from genuine leather and inexpensive polyurethane.
4. RDX is a famous English brand. Models with a wide range of colors. The quality has no complaints, products serve for years.
5. UFC - the quality is on the level, but the prices are too high, so not all athletes turn to this brand. A small minus is the poverty of the colors of the models produced.

Gloves of which company is better - the buyer decides, based on the purpose of the purchase and the advice of experienced fighters.

Recommendations when choosing gloves for MMA and UFC

Buying MMA gloves is an important step for an athlete. Recommendations when choosing:

1. The best way to choose a size is to try it on. Try to do this, if possible, preferring a real, not an online store.
2. 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.
3. 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 odors, it is easier and more convenient to fix the grip in it.
4. Velcro fasteners should be wide, strong and tightly wound in two or three turns around the wrist.
5. If you plan to bandage your hand, then the glove should sit loosely, but not hang around your hand.
6. When choosing, give preference to models made from natural materials and high-quality synthetics. This will ensure a long service life of the product, protect against sweating of the palms, unpleasant odors and the occurrence of allergic reactions.

Rating of the best gloves for MMA and UFC

We offer a rating of high-quality popular models for MMA and UFC with a description of the advantages and disadvantages.

Green Hill Combat Sambo

Robust training model for MMA and grappling made from a combination of natural and polyurethane leather. Strong, durable, with good thumb protection.Thanks to open phalanges and an overlay on the impact surface of the fist, they allow you to perform strikes, grabs, and throws. Can be used in training, competitions, in battles of any complexity.

Average price: 1900 rubles.

• durability, strength;
• elastic filler;
• moisture-absorbing skin;
• reliable thumb protection;
• maximum comfort when squeezing;
• price-quality ratio.

• one turn strap.

Everlast Pro Style Grapping

Reliable combat gloves in an updated design have already become popular among buyers. High-quality artificial leather and ergonomic design provide functionality and durability. The velcro strap makes it easy to fit and fix the hand. An open palm allows you to perform various wrestling techniques and grips. Special padding made of elastic gel reliably protects the fist from injuries.

Average price: 2500 rubles.

• quality materials;
• hygroscopic and antibacterial lining;
• dense gel filler;
• open palm;
• price-quality ratio.

• no thumb protection
• one turn strap.

Venum Challenger Neo Black

Perfect for combat and training. Made by hand from wear-resistant polyurethane leather. The combination fastener on a wide adjustable strap with two Velcro fasteners securely fixes the wrist. The high-density foam fill will provide protection from injury.

Average price: 4500 rubles.

• aggressive style;
• a light weight;
• an open palm is convenient for gripping;
• a reliable fastener with an adjustable long cuff on a flypaper;
• material strength, strong double seams;
• correct anatomical shape;
• multilayer foam.

• not detected.

RDX Leather Gel Tech Grapping Gloves

One of the most popular training models of a well-known brand due to its increased comfort and excellent functionality. High-quality natural materials are used: large-grain leather and absorbent lining with an antibacterial effect. The three-layer integrated gel padding provides excellent protection for the thumb and fist from injury, absorbing even the most powerful blows from the enemy. The hand in them does not sweat, does not slip, does not experience discomfort. The wrist is securely fixed with a long Velcro strap. Powerful firmware ensures long service life.

Average price: 6280 rubles.

• quality materials;
• durability;
• reliable fixation in several turns;
• antibacterial lining;
• powerful depreciation of the gel filler;
• ergonomic design provides comfort.

• not detected.

Hayabusa Tokushu 4OZ Hayglove027

Many athletes choose this model. It is distinguished by an exclusive design, perfect fit to the hand in any position. Soft edging provides a snug fit and comfort around the thumb. The filler is located in segments, which contributes to the free clenching of the fist. The absorbent material of the lining completely absorbs moisture, and the genuine leather from which the gloves are made allows them to breathe, preventing the appearance of unpleasant odors inside. Reliable locking system stabilizes the wrist.

Average price: 6900 rubles.

• wear resistance, durability;
• exclusive design
• high-quality filler and lining material;
• filler segmentation;
• soft edging of seams adjacent to the skin;
• secure fixation with a long Velcro strap is adjustable;
• stretching on the arm provides comfort in operation.

• no thumb protection.

Title MMGBG

The training model is suitable for sparring and working out on shells. Handcrafted from durable genuine leather for durability, extra protection. Enforced Lining gel filler has excellent cushioning properties, protecting the knuckles. The freedom of movement of the hand is provided by the segmented structure of the filler on the back of the hand.

A model with open fingers and a palm contributes to the ventilation of the hand, the free execution of wrestling techniques. A convenient part of the glove is a special elastic bar at the base of the fingers. Velcro leather strap allows you to control the fit and additionally protects your wrist.

Average price: 3990 rubles.

• natural materials;
• durability and strength;
• segmented structure of the filler;
• the presence of a bar for a fist;
• long Velcro strap.

• one turn strap.

Venum Attack Gloves

Comfortable and reliable gloves for training and sparring made of high quality polyurethane leather. The locking system deserves special attention. It consists of several Velcro fasteners: one fixes the wrist in size, the second and third - when wrapping the belt around the wrist. There is protection for the thumb and the striking surface of the foam of increased density. The seams are made with threads of special strength. The model has an original design.The company logo is displayed in the form of a print on the upper part and a 3D pattern on the cuff.

Average price: 7750 rubles.

• high quality polyurethane leather;
• moisture-wicking quick-dry lining;
• high density foam filler;
• thumb protection;
• reliable system of fixation from several fasteners;
• high degree of comfort during operation.

• high price.

The proposed review of the most popular models of gloves for MMA and UFC will help in answering the question of how to choose the best ones, how much this or that model costs, what advantages it has and what disadvantages you should pay attention to.