Best MMA Glove Review: Top Training Options For Sparring, Grappling (& For Women)
Contents
- The 10 Best MMA Gloves Reviewed
- 1. RDX MMA Gloves
- 2. Venum Challenger MMA Gloves
- 3. RDX F12 MMA Gloves for Sparring and Punching Bag
- 4. Hayabusa Tokushu Regenesis MMA Gloves
- 5. Everlast Pro Style MMA Grappling Gloves
- 6. Hayabusa T3 MMA Gloves
- 7. Venum Undisputed 2.0 MMA Gloves
- 8. UFC MMA Gloves
- 9. Combat Sports Max Strike MMA Training Gloves
- 10. Sanabul Essential 7 oz MMA Hybrid Sparring Gloves
- MMA Gloves vs Boxing Gloves
- Weight
- Padding
- What Is The Best Material For MMA Gloves?
- Leather
- Synthetic Leather
- Which Are The Best MMA Gloves For Me?
- Best For Heavy Bag
- Best For Sparring
- Best For Women
- Conclusion
- Sources
You might be wondering what the difference is between all the different kinds of exercise gloves on the market these days. Boxing gloves, kickboxing gloves, and MMA (mixed martial arts) gloves all have specifications that make them perfect for what they are made to do.
So...
Using the wrong gloves for the job raises the risk of injury to you and your training partners.
MMA gloves balance knuckle padding with open fingers so you can grapple. They have much less padding than boxing gloves, so they protect your partner less when you strike.
You’ll also need different MMA gloves depending on the type of training you are doing, whether it is grappling, sparring, or striking. Let’s take a look at the best MMA gloves for every aspect of your training.
The 10 Best MMA Gloves Reviewed
1. RDX MMA Gloves
Our Verdict: Best Overall
The best MMA gloves for durability and the highest quality are the RDX MMA Gloves as RDX lists them as cowhide leather, unlike the synthetic options in this review.
Leather should last for years with proper care.
The padding is thick for an MMA glove, with layered foam on the knuckles and a padded wrist area.
That extra padding makes them a good choice for MMA sparring, and they have a covered thumb.
The quick EZ hook and loop also makes them easy to put on with a Velcro closure that ensures a snug fit as well as proper wrist protection thanks to the double wrap-around strap. A moisture-wicking lining helps with sweat.
Some customers have also found that the hard edges can also be a bit rough on your partner so watch out you’re not doing more damage than intended.
Pros:
- Authentic cowhide leather
- Durable
- Reinforced stitching
- Extra padding
- Quick EZ hook and loop
- Sweat-wicking management
- Wrist and thumb protection
- Great for sparring
Cons:
- Can be a little bulky for grappling
- Hard edges can be rough on partner
The Nabla-Palm design also makes these a good option for grappling with more breathability and movability; however, they are still slightly bulky with all that extra padding.
2. Venum Challenger MMA Gloves
Our Verdict: Venum Challenger MMA Gloves
Made from polyurethane (synthetic) leather, the Venum Challenger is fairly durable, and its light design makes it our pick for grappling.
With layered foam for greater protection on the knuckles, these are the best grappling gloves because they have reinforced finger and thumb openings and knuckle padding.
It is contoured to your fingers, instead of oval knuckle pads, which spread the padding over the whole hand.
This allows you to move your fingers in a way that provides greater freedom and movability so you can grapple with your opponent.
The padding is fine for light striking but too thin for hard bag work or heavy sparring.
It is enough to protect your knuckles during light drills and grappling.
Pros:
- Best grappling gloves
- Contoured knuckle, thumb and finger protection
- Wrist strap
- Comfortable PU leather
- Lightweight and slim
Cons:
- Not much palm padding
- Not great for striking
They are also great when it comes to wrist protection thanks to the double wrap around wrist strap. The lightweight material is perfect for training and, in addition, these MMA gloves come in a range of colors to suit you.
3. RDX F12 MMA Gloves for Sparring and Punching Bag
Our Verdict: Best for Heavy Bag
Another set from RDX is the RDX F12 which are the best MMA gloves for heavy bag as, unlike others in this MMA gloves review, they are designed with punching bag training in mind.
The resilient Maya Hide leather should be durable but some customers have had problems with the material scuffing after a while so you might want to make sure you are using them on a smooth surface or a high-quality punching bag.
The contoured layered padding absorbs shock well on the bag.
The solid knuckle guard should keep your knuckles protected, but some customers have found it could use more inner padding to be comfortable on the knuckles.
With an improved EZ hook and loop closure, these gloves are easy to take on and off and the compact strap offers wrist support. The D cut palm is also great for airflow and ventilation so you won’t get too hot during heavy bag training. For excess sweat, there is a moisture-wicking synthetic micro-fabric inside the gloves which removes sweat and keeps you comfortable.
The only complaints are that some customers have also had problems with the fit and have found that the gloves can slip during heavy sparring.
Pros:
- Contoured padding
- Maya Hide leather
- Solid knuckle guard
- Open palm
- 4 colors
- EZ hook and loop
- Wrist support
- Best for heavy bag
Cons:
- Material can scuff
- Gloves can slip due to poor fit
The natural grip and flexible palm also give these gloves a more natural feel. With 4 color options and a few different sizes, you should be able to find a version of these MMA gloves to suit you.
4. Hayabusa Tokushu Regenesis MMA Gloves
Our Verdict: Best for Sweat & Odor Control
Made from a tougher, leather-like material called Vylar-2, the Hayabusa Tokushu Regenesis gloves are made to be more durable and are the best MMA gloves for sweat and odor control.
As well as the durable material, they feature open palms and AG anti-microbial fabric which absorbs sweat and diminishes odor. This should keep your hands comfortable inside the gloves during heavy training.
However, some customers have found the gloves to be too tight and that the stitching on the inside can rub because of this.
The open thumb provides some comfort and makes the gloves easy to put on at least.
They also feature a dual X wrist closure for maximum punching control and wrist support. However, some customers have also found this strap to be a little weak compared to wrap around wrist straps.
Pros:
- Pre-curved shape
- Dual X wrist closure for wrist support
- Secure fit
- AG anti-microbial fabric
- Anti-odor
- Easy to put on
Cons:
- Weak straps
- No thumb protection
- Can be tight
- Stitching can rub
The Y-Volar design is made to ensure an extremely secure fit for maximum stability, which is also helped by the slightly tight sizing. The pre-curved shape is designed to reduce hand strain.
5. Everlast Pro Style MMA Grappling Gloves
Our Verdict: Best Training Gloves
These premium synthetic leather gloves are durable and designed to be similar to professional gloves. Everlast Pro Style is the best for MMA training gloves because of the broad protection but might not be quite professional quality.
Helpful features include the moisture-absorbing lining and EverDri Technology which keep the hands dry and sweat-free while you are training. They also have open palms that allow for more flexibility and breathability.
They have a full wrist wrap strap for support. This also makes the fit adjustable which is helpful as there are only two size options to choose from and they might not be the ideal fit for every hand size.
Pros:
- Premium synthetic leather
- EverDri Technology
- Full wrist wrap strap for adjustability
- Large foam padding
Cons:
- No thumb protection
- Only comes in two sizes
The padding covers the knuckles and back of the hand but leaves the thumbs open, which raises the risk of jamming a thumb while you are still learning to punch correctly.
6. Hayabusa T3 MMA Gloves
Our Verdict: Best for Women
The best MMA gloves for women are the Hayabusa T3 which come in a range of sizes to suit smaller hands. They are also lightweight at just 4 oz which means they will feel more natural and suit both beginners and professionals.
The sizes are actually smaller than some customers expected which is great for users with smaller hands as they should fit tightly but others have found them to be a bit too tight. They can also be stiff until you’ve used them a few times.
In spite of these points, they are great all-round MMA gloves for sparring, grappling, and striking and the material is very durable. The curved design is made to reduce hand fatigue.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Range of colors and sizes
- Curved design reduces hand fatigue
- Great all-round glove for MMA
- Dual strap closure for wrist support
Cons:
- Can be smaller than expected
- Stiff to begin with
The dual strap closure gives strong wrist support when you strike. At 4 oz, though, they are better for bag work and drills than for hard sparring.
7. Venum Undisputed 2.0 MMA Gloves
Our Verdict: Best for Sparring
Another offering from Venum, the Undisputed 2.0 MMA gloves are made from high-quality Napa leather and are the best MMA gloves for sparring thanks to the knuckle protection.
Despite their extra knuckle protection, some customers have found that these gloves do not provide enough padding for heavy bags so you might have to take it easy after a few rounds of training.
They are built in an MMA competition style with durable material.
Layered foam offers greater protection and the high wrist wrap offers adjustable support which helps to keep the gloves tight to the hand. The exclusive Velcro strap system makes it easy to use as you can tighten them with one hand.
The foam also conforms to the natural curve of the hand for maximum comfort and to keep the glove in place while you train. What’s more, this contouring is great for making sparring feel more natural.
Pros:
- Napa leather
- Layered foam protection
- Wrist support and adjustable strap
- Easy to use and adjust
- High-density stitching
- Natural curve
- color options
Cons:
- Not enough padding for heavy bag
- Some customers have found them to be uncomfortable
There are a few size options so you can get the fit that’s right for you. Some customers have found that the inside of the gloves leaves a little to be desired in terms of comfort but this is a small downside compared to all their great qualities.
8. UFC MMA Gloves
Our Verdict: Best for Professionals
The UFC MMA Gloves are officially licensed, affordable, and light. They are retail training gloves, not the fight gloves used in the Octagon.
The open thumb and palm make them a solid option for grappling as you have the freedom to move, use your hands, and grab on to your opponent. The multi-layered foam gives decent knuckle protection, and the pre-curved shape fits a closed fist.
Made from durable synthetic leather and with an easy hook and loop closure, these MMA gloves won’t let you down. They also have comfortable finger compartments to add to the comfort of the contoured design.
Pros:
- Open palm design for grappling
- Easy hook and loop closure
- Comfortable
- Pre-curved shape
Cons:
- Velcro could be more secure
- Not many size options
The only problems customers have found are the lack of sizing options and that the Velcro strap could be more secure. Other than this, these gloves are a solid option for MMA training.
9. Combat Sports Max Strike MMA Training Gloves
Our Verdict: Best for Beginners
These are the best MMA gloves for beginners thanks to their extra protection. The Combat Sports Max Strike has thick molded foam padding that is firm without feeling stiff.
Whilst providing padding, the hinged knuckle still allows for a range of movement which is integral to MMA training. The open palm also lets the skin breathe and release more sweat while you train. You’ll be grateful for the breathability during a hardcore training session.
The synthetic leather material makes these gloves relatively durable but some people have found that they can’t take on a lot of heavy use, for example, if you are using a punching bag.
They are still great for striking as long as you are not wearing them out.
The Velcro strap is also relatively weak but it does make these gloves easy to slip on and off. This can be good if you want to move quickly between exercises but isn’t ideal for keeping the gloves firmly in place during MMA.
Pros:
- Extra padding
- Hinged knuckle for movement
- Breathable palm
- Synthetic leather
Cons:
- Not very durable
- Weak Velcro strap
- Not many color options
Lastly, they come in a few sizes and color options but could definitely do with offering a few more choices.
10. Sanabul Essential 7 oz MMA Hybrid Sparring Gloves
Our Verdict: Best Hybrid Option
Hybrid MMA gloves have more padding than 4 oz fight gloves, usually around 7 oz, so they are safer for striking in sparring while still letting you grapple. The Sanabul Essential is a budget hybrid, but it isn't padded enough for heavy bag work.
Designed for striking and sparring, these MMA gloves offer modest dexterity during grappling and are fitted to protect the hands.
The hook and loop closure should keep them tight to the hand making them feel like part of your body and keeping them locked in place throughout your workout. This also makes them easy to put on and adjust alongside the Velcro strap and wrist protection.
They are also the best MMA gloves for anyone on a budget as they are a cheap option that doesn’t skip out too much on the quality.
Pros:
- Fitted to protect the hand during striking
- Good for grappling
- Hook and loop closure
- Velcro wrist strap
Cons:
- Can’t use them with a punching bag
- Not as durable
The material is easy to clean and maintain but some customers have found that the stitching starts to come away which means they might not last as long as the more expensive options in this MMA gloves review.
MMA Gloves vs Boxing Gloves
With MMA you need the freedom to grapple with your opponent that just isn’t possible with a bulky pair of boxing gloves. If you already have a pair of boxing gloves or gloves for Muay Thai, you might be thinking about saving money by using them for different combat sports.
I always try to get the most out of my equipment too, but for MMA you will need a specific type of glove. Here are a few of the major differences between MMA gloves and boxing gloves.
Weight
MMA gloves are much lighter than boxing gloves.
Fight gloves are usually 4 to 6 ounces. The Unified Rules of MMA require gloves, and each athletic commission sets the allowed weight. Boxing gloves usually run 8 to 16 ounces.
Training and sparring MMA gloves are often heavier, around 7 ounces, to fit in more padding.
Padding
Generally, MMA gloves are thinner and less padded than boxing gloves. Boxing gloves have a mitt design that covers the whole hand and the extra room for padding is what makes them heavier.
During boxing, all the pressure is focused on using the hands so this extra padding is necessary. But with MMA, you will also need to move your hands and grapple.
Thus, the lightweight design comes in handy and you won’t find that you need quite as much padding, although a little knuckle protection is always appreciated.
For sparring and heavy bag training, you need gloves with more padding. Hybrid sparring gloves still allow some grappling, but if you're doing striking-only rounds, 16 oz boxing gloves are safer for both of you.
For grappling, you will need lighter gloves with the padding focused more on the knuckles so that you have minimal padding but enough where you need it most.
Look for flexible gloves that let you grip, post on the mat, and grab your partner.
Also make sure the glove edges are smooth so they don't scrape your partner.
What Is The Best Material For MMA Gloves?
With some different material options in this MMA gloves review, you are probably wondering which is the best material to look for when buying. There are upsides and downsides to using each material so here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Leather
Leather is typically the most durable material for gloves but it is more expensive and can be harder to maintain. If you want your leather gloves to last for years the material will need regular conditioning.
You also can’t chuck them in a machine to wash them when they get sweaty. So, with this high-quality material, you’ll have to dedicate some time to high-quality care but it will definitely be worth it if you manage to keep the same gloves going for years to come.
Synthetic Leather
Synthetic leathers, like Polyurethane, are the next best thing when it comes to durable material.
Pros may notice the difference between synthetic and real leather, but for most training, synthetic holds up well.
Polyurethane is also easy to wipe clean and comes in many colors. Whatever the material, wipe the gloves after training, let them dry, and don't share them.
Which Are The Best MMA Gloves For Me?
The MMA gloves in this review are designed for different purposes and, because their designs can make a real difference to your training, this might push you towards one or the other.
Also, if you are looking for a specific size or weight, you might want to take this into consideration.
But before all that, here's a cool video on how to punch properly using MMA gloves:
Best For Heavy Bag
If you are thinking about using a heavy punching bag in your training, the best MMA bag gloves are the RDX F12 MMA Gloves. Made from RDX's Maya Hide synthetic leather, they have the durability for heavy bag work.
They also have contoured padding for shock absorption. Wear hand wraps underneath, since punching hard objects is a common cause of a boxer's fracture.
Best For Sparring
Thin 4 oz gloves are a poor choice for sparring because they offer little protection to either fighter. Pick a glove with extra padding, such as the Venum Undisputed 2.0 MMA Gloves, or a 7 oz hybrid.
The extra knuckle padding protects your hands better, but it still doesn't protect your partner as well as 16 oz boxing gloves, so keep sparring light.
Best For Women
Men and women need the same features in MMA gloves, but if you have smaller hands, fit matters most.
With the lack of sizing options when it comes to most MMA gloves, the Hayabusa T3 MMA Gloves offer smaller sizes which will still feel secure on smaller hands. They are also lighter which makes them easier to move with and feel more natural.
After tackling all of the above, what else could be beneficial information about MMA gears? There are actually a lot more, but you can find the best MMA shorts in one of our reviews on this site, too.
Added to that of the above, by the way, check out this review of the best types of bjj gis we have compiled. It will make you realize a lot of stuff about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Conclusion
Although it is difficult to pick an overall winner when there are so many great points about each set of MMA gloves in this review, the best I have seen is the RDX MMA Gloves. Made from leather, these are the most durable option in this review.
Leather takes more care, but if you are serious about MMA training, it is the highest quality material you can find. The separate padding areas also provide superior protection without making the gloves too bulky like boxing gloves.
All the protection and weight are concentrated on the parts of the hand that need it most, leaving you free to move and offering ventilation.
If you are looking for something specific depending on your training and fighting style, try the best sparring or grappling gloves in this review. Or, for an all-round option, go for the RDX MMA Gloves.
Sources
- Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports
- Hand Fractures, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo)
