Best MMA Training Gloves For Beginners in 2023
MMA is gaining popularity as the years go by especially in other parts of the world, but do you know that at a time it was almost outlawed due to the lack of protective gear? The addition of gloves to MMA was a revolutionary idea, and it has given the sport staying power.
These days Mixed Martial Arts is becoming more popular than any other sports because of several reasons, one of the most amazing is that this game is unbiased, professional, and unpredictable. Amazingly, it is becoming the highest-paid sports worldwide.
MMA is a very brutal and unforgiving sport, and the lack of protective gear is the most brutal aspect of the sport. This sport is easily one of the most dangerous combat sports on earth at the moment. Or better put it appears to be the most dangerous of the popular combat sports.
This is why MMA gloves are very important. They offer a lot of protection, not even for the opponent both more for the wearer. They protect the bones of the hands such as the knuckles and the wrists. Of course, the protection they offer is nothing compared to the boxing gloves, but it does give some form of cushion enabling fighters to achieve more striking force.
The gloves are fundamentally different from boxing gloves because they are designed in such a way that one can strike but can also have room for grappling. Therefore, the quality of your gloves as a UFC fighter is of utmost importance because apart from your mouth-guard, the gloves are the only thing protecting you from injury in the octagon. In today’s post we’ll be looking at some of the best MMA gloves you can purchase in the market at the moment.
9 Best MMA Training Gloves For Beginners in 2023
1. UFC Official Fight Gloves
Features:
- Color: Black
- Size: Small, medium, large
- Premium Grade A Leather: Yes
- Precurved Design: Yes
- Anti-Bacterial Lining: Yes
- Layered Impact-Dispersing Foam: Gel Protection
- Wrap-Around Wrist Support, Hook-Loop Closure: Yes
What We like:
- Impact dispersing gel for knuckle protection
- Premium grade A leather
- Precurved design
- Hook loop closure for wrist protection
- Comfortable and functional
This is the official fight glove used by UFC fighters, and really one doesn’t expect anything but the best quality from this pair of gloves. They are UFC standard. This means they are made for the Octagon. It is, therefore, safe to say that all things to be considered in making a high-quality pair of MMA gloves were put into this.
It‘s made from high-quality leather as all good UFC gloves are, it also comes anatomically correct and it is pre-curved. What this basically means is that you’re buying a pair of very comfortable, secure and functional gloves. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about this pair of gloves is the layered gel protection for the knuckles; you want to be able to put in as much force behind the strike as possible while limiting the risk for injuries.
These gloves with its layered Impact-dispersed foam and wrap around wrist support, hook-loop closure, you’re looking at double threat protection. So not only would the gloves protect your knuckles, but its design also protects your wrists effectively. And finally, to make sure you’re able to grapple to the best of your ability, the gloves are designed with the open fingerstyle with ventilated palm giving you great flexibility and a good range of motion.
UFC is not the softest of sports, therefore every form of protection that can be gotten is necessary. Now, these gloves excel in the aspect of protecting both the wrists and the knuckles as well as with open palm design for grappling. This pair of gloves do the job excellently.
2. Venum Undisputed 2.0
Features:
- Color: Black
- Size: Small, medium, large/x-large
- Velcro Strap System: Yes
- Layered Foam: Yes
- Skintex Leather: Yes
- Reinforced Finger & Thumb Openings: Yes
- Skintex Leather: Yes
- Needleworks Thread: Yes
- High Wrist Support: Yes
What We like:
- It comes in many colors
- Gloves are made from premium Napa leather
- High wrist support with adjustable strap
- Stylish design
- Comfortable and high quality
- High-density threading
There are different kinds of MMA gloves, of all the types of classifications that exist, we can classify MMA gloves according to use. That is competition gloves and training gloves. These MMA gloves from Venum are competition gloves and they have been created to serve that purpose efficiently. First, the design is beautiful; I’ll give the designers a point for that.
The name Venum for a competition glove sounds very apt. MMA strikes are full of venom. Anyways these gloves are made with the features every MMA fighter wants. They come with high-quality Napa leather, the better the leather, the more durable the glove is. And Napa leather is really top quality leather.
The fact that it is made in Thailand even lends more credence to its quality, Thailand is to MMA gear what Germany is to machines. The gloves come with layered foam for knuckle protection and of course wrist protection with adjustable straps. The straps are fastened by Velcro and can be positioned with one hand.
This pair of gloves are very comfortable, and the curved shape just fits your hands. It’s difficult not to love these gloves because really there’s nothing not to love about it. With the new improved design, it can fit a range of hand sizes better.
Thailand is the world capital of MMA gear, and the Venum undisputed 2.0 MMA represents the top echelon of excellent product delivery. With the protection that this glove offers, you can rest assured of all the protection that you need. You can also be sure that this pair will last many uses.
3. Hayabusa T3 4oz Pro Style
Features:
- Dimension: 6 x 3 x 11 in
- Color: White
- Size: X-Large
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Style: Pro Style
- Leather: Leather Vylar
What We like:
- Double x wrist closure
- It comes in different colors
- Design reduces energy leaks
- Keeps hands cooler for longer
- Perfect both for grappling and punching
Protection during MMA training and fights are very important, and there are not many gloves that provide excellent protection. However, the Hayabusa has a reputation for being one of the best MMA gloves money can buy. After so many years of research and continuous attempts to make one of the finest MMA gloves, finally, that research gave birth to a very reliable product.
Not many gloves can claim the top spot amongst MMA gloves, but Hayabusa T3 4oz Pro Style has earned that title. This glove is specially engineered to offer ergonomic hand and wrist alignment all the time. This is done with the aid of the dual x wrist closure. Not only does this design give excellent wrist protection, but it also offers maximum power.
Another design input is the Y-Volar, this works to keep the gloves tight to the hand for stability and the perfect fit. With these design improvements, you get gloves that will prevent energy leaks, thereby maximize your strike power. Due to the Ecta activated carbonized bamboo lining, these gloves are very comfortable, they’ll also keep your hand cool and with as little sweat as possible, especially during long training periods.
These training/competition gloves are made of very high quality. They are durable; the stitches are very properly done. This is definitely one of the best MMA training gloves in the market at the moment, possibly the best, not just by knuckle and wrist support, but also by durability. It’s perfect for all forms of strike and grappling.
4. Everlast MMA Gloves
Features:
- Dimension: 10.5×5.5×2 in
- Color: Black
- Weight: 11.7 ounces
- Technology: EverDri
- Durability: 120 days
What We like:
- Very affordable
- Moisture absorbent to keep the hands dry
- Great for grappling
- Durable glove construction
- Adjustable hook and loop strap
Whoever watched boxing in the ’80s and ’90s would have equated at some point, boxing gloves to Everlast. They are one of the most popular boxing glove-making companies in the world. They recently entered in making MMA gloves and they have brought their years of experience gained from boxing. They make the gloves Connor McGregor uses, that has to stand for something.
These particular gloves from Everlast are training gloves, perfect for grappling but useless for striking. Here you are looking at a pair of gloves that have been excellently constructed, and really you won’t expect less from them, this is Everlast. It comes with Ever dri technology so the gloves are protected from moisture which will then enable it to last longer.
These gloves feature an adjustable hook and loop strap for a secure fit and quick on and off. It has closed cell foam technology for hand protection. These features provide protection for both the wrists and the hands. And to prevent offensive odours from emanating from this glove, Everlast has this glove treated with antimicrobial agents, so you’ll have a glove that smells fresh most of the time.
This synthetic leather glove has been made to provide high-level functionality together with durability. We don’t think that these MMA gloves are at the same level with everlast boxing gloves, the boxing gloves are better. The MMA gloves are okay, nothing like the best, but as far as grappling is concerned, they do a decent job. They are not meant for striking, so don’t use them for that.
5. RDX MMA Gloves
Features:
- Color: Black
- Size: Small, Medium, Large
- Approved: SMMAF
- Wrist-protection: Yes
- Leather: Cowhide
- Layered Impact-Dispersing Foam: Yes
- Anti-Bacterial Lining: Yes
- Precurved Design: Yes
What We like:
- Made from cowhide leather
- Good for both training and competition
- Triple-layer gel padding
- Can be worn by one person
- Specially designed to reduce sweating
Run by a British company, this company is quite popular amongst MMA practitioners. Not just UFC guys now, but Muay Thai, kickboxing, BJJ, and all the others. So one can call these gloves a master of all, and it really is something like that.
This pair of gloves will do well for punching and as well as for grappling. Made totally from cowhide leather, and reinforced with good stitch quality, this is a piece of gear that will stand the test of time. For grapplers, the RDX MMA gloves feature Nabla-palm architecture, with perforations at designated places (thumb and inner fingers) so as to air the glove and reduce sweating.
Apart from these, it also comes with some extra protection and excellent performance for the knuckles, this is owing to RDX patented Polymax contoured Tri-slab PC3 padding. This is comfort and protection, all in one. Last but not the least, is the quick-EZ hook and loop closure.
What this particular feature does is that it enables you to be able to take off the gloves and put them on quickly, and by yourself too. This hoop closure also includes wrist protection; this part is made up of absorbent foam and a padded block for the wrist region.
If you’re looking for a versatile yet long-lasting piece of MMA gloves, then this brand it is. So whether you’re sparring or fighting, these gloves give protection for both wrist and knuckles. We love the fact that it was made from cowhide leather, this means you have a very durable and yet functional piece.
6. Brace Master MMA Gloves
Features:
- Color: Black
- Size: 7- 10 in
- Skintex Leather: Yes
- Precurved Design: Yes
- Adjustable straps: Yes
What We like:
- Solid stitches
- Breathable
- Long wrist band for wrist protection
- Lightweight and durable
- Suitable for both bag work and sparring
Brace for impact! Of course, you don’t say that, but then that’s what happens in the octagon, both opponents brace for impact. But then the ability to deliver as much impact as possible is important, and that can only be honed with training.
This is what this pair of gloves are, they are fingerless lightweight gloves, but yet strong enough to withstand the impact of heavy punching bags. Made from Polyurethane high-quality leather and sponge, these gloves are durable and tough. They are suitable for both punching and grappling, but for training. One can use them for Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, and others.
The Brace master MMA gloves come with thick padding curves for protecting the knuckles, and then reinforces wrist bands and hook and loop closure for excellent wrist support and so as to service a range of hands.
The wristband is long and double fitted; this makes it tighter on the hand, very important when grappling. One problem with gloves like this is usually sweating, and this tends to affect grappling. The brace master solves this problem by adding perforations so that the glove is breathable.
Now to improve its longevity, this fighting glove undergoes solid sewing, this will give you durable stitches. We consider durability and functionality important for MMA gear since they can sometimes be expensive. This fighting glove does very well in these areas. We also love the fact that it is very versatile, you can punch and grapple with it, and at the same time, it can be used for bag work.
7. MMA Ultimate Gloves
Features:
- Color: Black
- Weight: 1 pound
- Size: Small, Medium, Large
- Leather: Cowhide
- Design: Open Palm
What We like:
- Made from Cowhide leather
- Finger loops
- Affordable Price
- Good for grappling and striking
- Designed like UFC competition glove
Excellent MMA gloves sometimes cost an arm and a leg, and this is not unusual. Once in awhile though we see a good pair of gloves that are not as expensive as some others. The MMA Ultimate gloves from Meister MMA are a good pair of gloves. They are both competition gloves and training gloves.
This pair of gloves are made from authentic cowhide leather. This means you are buying a very durable piece. And to even increase its longevity, the gloves come with double stitched seams, now that’s paying attention to detail.
It comes with an open palm and open thumb design, this means that not only can you strike with it, but you can also grapple with it. It is 4 ounce, therefore it can be used for competition. It is made like UFC competition gloves.
The glove comes with padding on the knuckles for protection and to maximize striking force. And for fitting and protection of this wrist, what you have is a Velcro strap, and then an inner elastic band for an excellent fit. To secure these gloves from slipping off during usage, there are finger loops, and they fit very comfortably, so the glove stays in place.
We really like this piece of gear, and at that price point, it is a good place for beginners to the sport to try. You also have to break it in after purchase but that’s to be expected of real leather. This is perfect for beginners to the sport.
8. UFC 5oz MMA Gloves
Features:
- Color: Black
- Size: Small, medium, large
- Anti-Bacterial Lining: Yes
- Extra Layer of PU: Yes
- Premium Synthetic Leather: Yes
- Cushioned Flex-Sponge: Yes
- Precurved Design: Yes
- Wrist Support: Yes
- Layered Impact-Dispersing Foam: Yes
What We like:
- Pre-curved and anatomically correct
- Suitable for heavy bag work and sparring
- Great for grappling
- Gloves are soft and comfortable
- Protection for knuckles and wrists
- Great Price
UFC (Universal Fighting Champion) is the biggest organizer of MMA tournaments, and their stars are some of the most popular such as Connor McGregor and Ronda Rousey. They didn’t always produce merchandise until not too long ago.
However their products have a reputation for being made of great quality, and really one wouldn’t expect anything less, I mean this is UFC, they are the ultimate MMA organizers and their sporting merchandise has to tell that story too.
The UFC 5oz gloves are not competition-grade gloves as it is 1oz above the required weight. This doesn’t, however, stop it from being a pair of great gloves. It’s made from synthetic leather, unlike its competition grade lighter sibling, this doesn’t, however, remove anything from its quality.
It’s engineered to be durable and comes with an open palm design, therefore it ‘s great for grappling. To further aid it from slipping while in use, it comes with secure hook and loop closure, with also soft finger compartments.
These training gloves are pre-curved and anatomically correct. They come with impact dispersing soft foam layers to help protect the knuckles during training sessions, they also include adjustable wrap around wrist support. This pair of gloves are also suitable for heavy bag work.
Training gloves should be durable because they take a lot of beating. They should also be versatile so that one can move between workouts without having to change gear. This pair of gloves are excellent in this regard. However, they could do better with the wrist protection, it doesn’t offer as much protection as one would expect.
9. UFC MMA Gloves
Features:
- Color: Black
- Weight: 5 oz
- Size: Small, Medium, Large
- Rigid strap: Yes
- Leather: Synthetic
- Design: Open palm
- Foam: EVA
What We like:
- Open palm design for easy wear
- Great support for wrist
- Durable engineered synthetic leather
- Great for bag work
- Protects the knuckles excellently
This particular pair of gloves is considered one of the best MMA gloves on Amazon in Martial Art bag gloves section, and really this is no mean feat by all standards. The fact that it tells of the quality of the product and the responsiveness of the manufacturers whenever there’s an issue.
These gloves are designed for bag work and care has been taken to put in all that’s needed to protect your hands from taking a beating as you do your bag work. Our hands take more punishment during training than during fights, not just because the training sessions are longer, but bags are hard and heavy, therefore the right protection is needed.
For the protection of the knuckles, you have Eva moulded foam, injected into the knuckle area. Furthermore, the finger compartment for this glove is soft to make wearing it more comfortable.
As for your wrist protection, this pair of gloves come with a rigid strap to protect your wrists. It also features an open palm design for easy removal and wearing. You can wear it on your own without needing help. The gloves are made from high-quality synthetic leather, they are durable and you can expect a lot of use from it.
These gloves are great, as far as heavy bag work is concerned. We love the fact that a lot of thought was taken into the construction of these gloves as it is easy to wear and remove. As far as protecting the hands during bag work is concerned, this is a good buy.
Final Remarks:
Apart from the mouth guard, gloves are the only other protection a fighter gets as they step into the octagon. Regulations don’t allow heavy gloves which could offer better protection, therefore your lightweight gloves have to be of great quality to offer as good protection as possible for the longest time possible too.
That’s why we’ve done this review, we’ve looked at some of the best competition and training gloves at different price points. We’re sure you’d find something that’d match your pocket and also fulfills your needs on this list.
FAQs:
How to choose MMA Gloves?
MMA Gloves may differ with respect to weight so choosing MMA gloves becomes a professional once that may fit your requirements, training gloves may change because there is a little bit difference between MMA Gloves and Boxing gloves, though you can use MMA Gloves for boxing as well typical boxing gloves heavier than MMA plus MMA gloves comes with more grappling ability however you can do the same with Boxing gloves.
As we know that UFC is a worldwide professional mixed martial arts platform that allows gloves between 4 to 6 ounces that may also change with a heavier category such as 2XL and 4 XL depending upon the weight category.
How to Clean MMA Gloves?
If you are wondering how to clean MMA gloves, it is really simple. Do you know that after training the gloves become stinky so it becomes really important to maintain the training gloves? The proper usage of sanitizer will help you to reduce the risk of infection or irritation.
Try to clean your MMA gloves before using the gloves for training or any purpose. A skin infection can cause a major irritation issue, you can make the step by step process to clean MMA gloves.
- Take a piece of cloth and warm water
- Clean gently
- Wipe gloves inside
- Dry the gloves
You can also Deodorizing Spray to reduce odors and make it clean, This spray can be used for all sports equipment.
What features should I look for when choosing MMA training gloves for beginners?
When choosing MMA training gloves for beginners, look for features such as durable construction, good padding for hand protection, secure wrist support, proper ventilation, and a comfortable fit that allows for flexibility and finger dexterity.
Are there any specific brands that are highly recommended for beginners’ MMA training gloves?
Some popular brands known for producing quality MMA training gloves for beginners include Everlast, Hayabusa, Venum, Fairtex, RDX, and Sanabul. These brands offer a range of options suitable for beginners.
What size of MMA training gloves should beginners choose?
The size of MMA training gloves for beginners typically depends on their body weight. As a general guideline, beginners weighing under 120 pounds should consider 4 oz or 6 oz gloves, while those weighing 120-150 pounds can opt for 8 oz gloves. Beginners weighing over 150 pounds usually benefit from 10 oz gloves.
Are there any gloves specifically designed for women who are starting MMA training?
Yes, there are gloves specifically designed for women who are starting MMA training. Brands like Hayabusa, Venum, and Everlast offer women’s-specific MMA gloves that cater to the hand shape and size of female fighters while providing the necessary protection and comfort.
Can I use boxing gloves for MMA training as a beginner?
While it’s possible to use boxing gloves for MMA training as a beginner, it’s generally recommended to use MMA-specific gloves. MMA gloves offer greater finger dexterity and allow for grappling techniques. However, if you primarily focus on striking, using boxing gloves with proper hand wraps can still be an option.
Are there any gloves that offer extra wrist support for beginners who may have weaker wrists?
Yes, there are MMA training gloves available that offer extra wrist support for beginners with weaker wrists. Look for gloves that have extended wrist straps or built-in wrist wraps, as they provide added stability and help prevent wrist injuries.
What is the ideal padding thickness for MMA training gloves for beginners?
For beginners, MMA training gloves with padding thickness ranging from 1.5 inches to 2 inches are generally recommended. This provides a good balance between hand protection and mobility, ensuring adequate cushioning without compromising the ability to close the fist properly.
Are there any gloves that offer a good balance between protection and mobility for beginners?
Yes, several brands offer MMA training gloves that strike a good balance between protection and mobility for beginners. Hayabusa, Venum, and Fairtex are known for their gloves with high-quality padding that offer sufficient protection while still allowing for flexibility and ease of movement.
Are there any specific gloves that are highly recommended for grappling and ground-based MMA training for beginners?
When it comes to grappling and ground-based MMA training, gloves with open fingers or finger loops can be advantageous for better grip and dexterity. Hayabusa, Venum, and RDX offer gloves specifically designed for grappling that beginners can consider.
