The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has long been at the forefront of mixed martial arts (MMA), not only in promoting high-stakes bouts but also in advancing the safety and performance of its athletes. A pivotal aspect of fighter safety is the design and functionality of the gloves used in competition. Over the years, UFC gloves have undergone significant transformations to address concerns such as eye pokes, hand injuries, and overall comfort.

The Evolution of UFC Gloves

Since the UFC’s inception in 1993, fighters have been required to wear gloves during bouts. The first mandatory glove usage occurred at UFC 14 in 1997, marking a significant shift in the sport’s approach to fighter safety. These early gloves were relatively simple, offering basic protection without much emphasis on ergonomic design or injury prevention.

As the sport evolved, so did the equipment. Fighters and medical professionals began to highlight issues such as eye pokes and hand injuries, prompting the UFC to consider glove redesigns. In April 2024, the UFC introduced a new glove design aimed at reducing eye pokes and hand injuries. These gloves featured enhanced padding, a new wristband locking system, and a reduction in finger binding to improve flexibility. The UFC anticipated that these changes would significantly reduce eye pokes and broken hands. 

Design Features of the New UFC Gloves

The redesigned gloves introduced in 2024 incorporated several key features:

Wristband Locking System: A new wristband locking system was implemented to better fit the wrist, removing any space that could allow an opponent to grab the glove.

Seamless Construction: The gloves were designed with all seams on the palm side just below the fingers, minimizing abrasions and cuts.

Reduced Finger Binding: Eliminating finger binding reduced bulk and minimized seams that could cause abrasions and cuts.

Enhanced Padding: Padding was added to the sides of the glove at the index and pinky fingers to protect vulnerable bone structures.

Ergonomic Fit: The gloves featured an ergonomic curved wristband for a better fit around the wrist and scooped/angled finger holes to eliminate bunching on the inside of the fisted hand.

Material Development: VICIS RFLX stacked foam padding, designed for maximum flexibility and protection, was used in the gloves, while the lining was composed of custom-printed 2-way stretch material that moves with the hand.

Weight Reduction: The gloves were lighter, weighing between 3-4.9 ounces, a reduction of 1-1.5 ounces from the previous UFC glove.

Authentication Data Chip: An authentication data chip was included to allow the UFC to identify a pair of gloves to a fighter and a specific fight, authenticating the gloves as fight-worn in a designated fight. 

Fighter Feedback and Performance Impact

The introduction of the new gloves received mixed reactions from fighters. Some, like lightweight champion Dustin Poirier, appreciated the increased comfort and flexibility, noting that it was easier to make a fist. However, Poirier expressed concerns about the potential for more cuts due to less dense padding. Others, such as Islam Makhachev, found the gloves hindered finger movements, making it difficult to open the fingers fully. 

From a performance perspective, the UFC hoped that the new gloves would reduce eye pokes and hand injuries, thereby maintaining the flow of fights and minimizing disruptions. Research indicated that eye pokes occurred once every 14 fights, causing significant delays. The UFC aimed to address this issue with the new design. 

Reversion to Previous Glove Design

Despite the initial optimism, the new gloves faced criticism from fighters and fans. Concerns were raised about the gloves’ comfort, flexibility, and potential impact on knockout rates. Notably, the knockout rate dropped from 31-34% to 22.9% after the new gloves were introduced, leading to an increase in decision fights. 

In response to these concerns, the UFC announced a significant change ahead of UFC 309 in November 2024. The organization decided to revert to the old-style gloves, citing numerous complaints from fighters about the new design. UFC President Dana White explained that the new gloves did not meet expectations and that the decision to switch back was made to address these issues. 

FAQs

What are UFC gloves made of?

UFC gloves are typically made from high-quality leather, most commonly cowhide or goatskin. These materials offer durability, flexibility, and comfort, which are crucial for mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. The padding inside the glove is often made from foam or gel, designed to protect the hands and knuckles while still providing a flexible fit. The gloves are also lined with a breathable material to help with moisture and odor control.

Why do UFC fighters wear gloves?

UFC fighters wear gloves for both safety and practical reasons. The gloves help protect the fighters’ hands from injury, reducing the risk of cuts, abrasions, and broken bones. They also serve as a protective barrier against eye pokes. With MMA allowing a variety of striking techniques, UFC gloves are designed to allow fighters to both strike and grapple with ease.

What is the difference between UFC gloves and boxing gloves?

The main difference between UFC and boxing gloves lies in their design and purpose. Boxing gloves are designed primarily for striking, with more padding around the knuckles. UFC gloves, on the other hand, are smaller and less padded to allow for grappling. UFC gloves leave the fingers exposed, which is essential for gripping, clinching, and performing submissions. Boxing gloves, with their full coverage and padding, protect the hands better for punch-heavy sports.

Why did the UFC redesign its gloves in 2024?

In 2024, the UFC introduced a new glove design aimed at addressing long-standing issues with eye pokes and hand injuries. The redesigned gloves featured enhanced padding, a new wristband locking system, and less binding on the fingers, giving fighters a more flexible and ergonomic fit. The goal was to reduce eye pokes, hand injuries, and other concerns raised by fighters over the years. However, after testing, the UFC reverted to its old gloves due to feedback from fighters who found the new design uncomfortable.

How much do UFC gloves weigh?

UFC gloves typically weigh between 4 and 5 ounces. This weight is considered optimal for providing both protection and mobility, which are critical in MMA. The lightweight design allows fighters to maintain agility while still providing sufficient protection for the hands and knuckles during strikes and grapples.

In Summary

The evolution of UFC gloves reflects the organization’s commitment to fighter safety and performance. While the introduction of new designs aimed to address specific concerns, the mixed feedback and subsequent reversion to previous designs highlight the challenges in balancing innovation with practicality in combat sports equipment. As the UFC continues to prioritize athlete well-being, future developments in glove design will likely consider both technological advancements and the real-world experiences of fighters.

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