MMA Gloves: Everything You Need to Know

• MMA gloves are essential gear for anyone training in MMA. If you're thinking about starting your journey with mixed martial arts and want to approach it seriously, give this article a read.
• MMA gloves are not the same as boxing gloves. Taking even a quick look at them, you'll immediately notice key differences in appearance and design. Discover why that is.
• Wondering which MMA gloves to buy? Here is a comprehensive guide. You'll learn about the different types of MMA gloves, how they differ from boxing gloves, and how to choose the right model and size for your needs.

See also: Ground Game MMA Gloves

MMA Gloves vs. Boxing Gloves: Which Should You Choose?

It all comes down to the combat sport you want to practice. MMA gloves and boxing gloves look different for a reason. Their designs serve completely different purposes. Boxing gloves are larger and bulkier, engineered to protect your entire hand and wrist strictly for striking. In MMA, however, you need to grapple and execute submissions as well as strike. That's why MMA gloves feature open fingers, a lighter weight, and a much less bulky profile than traditional boxing gloves.

Types of MMA Gloves

MMA gloves feature a specialized design that ensures proper hand and wrist stability. The long Velcro strap allows for an optimal, snug fit around the wrists, keeping them secure during movement. On the market, you'll mainly encounter MMA training gloves and MMA sparring gloves. Here is how they differ:

• MMA Training Gloves: Lightweight and designed to allow a solid, natural grip. They feature less foam padding, making them ideal for bag work and grappling drills.

• MMA Sparring Gloves: Larger and more protective than training models (often providing extra coverage for the thumbs and fingers), which can make gripping slightly more difficult. Thanks to their multi-layered, high-density foam padding, they provide significantly better shock absorption to protect both you and your partner.

How to Choose the Right MMA Gloves

The primary job of MMA gloves is to protect your hands and wrists when delivering strikes. To avoid injuries and unnecessary discomfort, your gloves should feel like a second skin—meaning they must fit perfectly. When selecting a pair, keep these 3 key factors in mind:

• Intended Use - Are you looking for gloves for general training or sparring? If you’re just starting out, opt for MMA training gloves. As you gain experience, step up the intensity, and begin sparring more frequently, invest in a proper pair of MMA sparring gloves.
• Size - At Ground Game, you'll find MMA gloves available in size S/M (11 cm wide) and L/XL (11.5 cm wide). If you're unsure which size fits best, get in touch with us or simply order both, try them on, and send back the pair that doesn't fit.

• Material -MMA gloves are crafted from either natural or synthetic leather. Real leather is exceptionally durable and crack-resistant, ensuring your gear lasts for years. Synthetic leather gloves are also durable but more affordable—making them a popular choice for beginners who want to test the waters without committing to high-end equipment right away.

The gloves you choose should be both safe and comfortable. At Ground Game, however, we don't just focus on flawless craftsmanship. We also emphasize unique design, so you never have to choose between comfort and style.