Well, you’re in the right place! Stick with me, and I’ll break it all down for you. We’re going to dive into:
- The Weight of UFC Gloves: How much do they actually weigh?
- Sizes of the Gloves: What size do UFC champs choose?
- MMA Glove Weights: Wait, aren’t they the same? Let’s find out!
- Hand Wraps Under MMA Gloves: Do fighters wear something underneath? And what are the rules about it?
Grab a seat and let’s jump in! 🌟
What Is the UFC Glove Weight? (What Size Gloves Do UFC Fighters Wear?)
Ever looked at a UFC fighter’s gloves and thought, “How heavy are those?” or “Which size is that?” Let me break it down for you in a fun and simple way!
1. UFC Competition Gloves: The Real Deal
When we see fighters in the UFC ring, most of them have gloves that weigh around 4 ounces (113g). That’s like the weight of a small apple! 🍏
However, some fighters, especially the big heavyweight guys, might wear gloves that weigh 5 ounces (142g) or even 6 ounces (170g). But many fighters still love the 4-ounce gloves because they fit snugly and let them punch with a lot of power.
Here’s a fun fact: When we talk about the ‘weight’ of these gloves, we’re really talking about the weight of the padding (that’s the cushiony part!). The different sizes like X-Small or 3X-Large are just to make sure the glove fits the fighter’s hand comfortably.
2. Training Gloves: Practicing The Punches
UFC fighters don’t just hop into the ring. They practice – A LOT. And for their different types of training, they have special gloves:
- 5-ounce gloves are mainly for wrestling or “grappling” training.
- 6 and 7-ounce gloves are cool for grappling training but with a bit of light punching like hitting bags or pads.
- 8-ounce gloves? These are the big ones for practicing heavy punches. They’ve got extra padding over the fingers and thumb to keep hands safe.
3. Muay Thai & Boxing Gloves: More Choices!
The UFC isn’t just about mixed martial arts. Fighters also train in Muay Thai and boxing. And guess what? They’ve got special gloves for that too!
- For Muay Thai, fighters might wear gloves that are 12, 14, or 16 ounces.
- For boxing, they have gloves that weigh 8, 12, or 14 ounces.
If you see a UFC fighter with these gloves, they’re probably practicing their punches without any wrestling moves. These gloves have extra padding, which is awesome for heavy bag workouts.
Why Do They Even Wear Gloves?
It’s not just about looking cool. 😉 The gloves protect fighters from getting cuts on their faces from bare knuckles and keep their hands safe from injuries. Plus, with gloves on, fighters can punch even harder, which makes the fights super exciting with more punches and knockouts.
Another cool reason? Wearing gloves actually helps protect fighters from severe brain injuries. It’s because gloves can prevent continuous punches to the head like in boxing.
What Is the Weight of MMA Gloves?
Ready for another round of fun facts? This time, let’s dig into the world of MMA gloves. I bet you’ve seen them and wondered, “How heavy are those?” or “Why are there so many types?” Don’t worry; I’ve got your back!
1. Competition Gloves: The Main Event Stars!
When it’s showtime in the MMA ring, fighters wear competition gloves. These gloves are pretty light, weighing between:
- 4 ounces (113g): The standard choice for many fighters.
- 6 ounces (170g): Some states allow fighters to pack on a bit more padding.
- In a few places, even 8-ounce gloves get the green light!
Different commissions, like the New Jersey and Nevada ones, have their own rules about which glove weights are okay for competitions. But most places stick to the 4, 5, and 6-ounce range. Especially for beginners or amateurs, the 6-ounce gloves are popular because of the extra cushion they offer.
These gloves don’t have a ton of padding, which makes punches pack a bigger punch (get it? 😜) and grappling moves easier. But watch out! The lighter padding also means it’s harder to defend against punches.
2. Grappling/Training Gloves: The Practice Pals!
Before they shine in the ring, fighters spend hours practicing. For that, they have:
- 5-ounce gloves: These are super for grappling training, like wrestling or Bjj. Less padding means you can move your fingers freely, perfect for gripping.
- 6 or 7-ounce gloves: If the training session has more punching and less grappling, these are the go-to. Think of them as a middle ground – not too heavy, not too light.
By the way, if you’re hunting for a quality and budget-friendly 5-ounce glove, the UFC 5oz gloves are quite the catch! And for those heavier training sessions? The 7 oz Advanced Everlast Gloves have got lots of fans.
3. Sparring Gloves: Punching Without the Pain!
Then there are sparring gloves. These babies are heavier, weighing around 7 or 8 ounces, and they’re all about protection. When fighters practice their moves with a partner, these gloves make sure no one gets hurt.
While they have more padding (so, yay for safety!), they can feel a bit more restricting. But trust me, when the punches start flying, you’ll be grateful for that cushion! Speaking of recommendations, the 7oz Sanabul sparring gloves get two thumbs up from many fighters.
Do You Wear Hand Wraps Under MMA Gloves?
Ever wondered about those white bandages fighters wear under their gloves? Those are hand wraps! Let’s dive deep and see why they’re like peanut butter to MMA gloves’ jelly.
1. Why Wear Hand Wraps?
Hand wraps aren’t just a fashion statement. They’re like a cozy blanket for a fighter’s hands. 🤜✨ Here’s why they rock:
- Protection: Punching hard can put a lot of stress on your hands and wrists. Hand wraps provide an extra layer of support to reduce the risk of injuries.
- Comfort: MMA gloves are kinda made with the idea that you’re wearing hand wraps. Without them, the gloves can rub against your skin and become uncomfortable.
- Snug Fit: Nobody likes a slippery glove. Hand wraps help your MMA gloves fit better and stay in place.
2. Do All Fighters Wear Them?
Now, if a fighter is only practicing moves like wrestling or jiu-jitsu (where there’s no punching), then hand wraps might take a backseat. But, when punches are in play, most fighters will happily wrap up. Though there’s no strict rule saying “You MUST wear hand wraps during a competition”, any smart fighter who wants to avoid injuries will use them.
3. The Rules of Wrapping
For the pros, there are some specific guidelines for hand wraps:
- Material & Size: Hand wraps should be made from cloth gauze and can’t be more than 2 inches wide and 15 yards long. Plus, they shouldn’t peek out from the gloves above the wrist.
- Taping: A bit of white athletic tape (1.25 inches wide and 10 inches long) can be used over the gauze. There’s also room for a single layer of flexible tape over the athletic tape.
4. The Pre-fight Check
Imagine it like a dress code for fighters. Before stepping into the cage or octagon, both the hand wraps and MMA glove weights get a once-over:
- In the Dressing Room: The referee takes a peek at fighters’ hand wraps and gloves and also goes over the rules.
- Before the Fight: An event commissioner does one last check. It’s like passing through the final gate before the big match!
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it! Whether you’re gearing up for your first fight or just a super fan, knowing about UFC glove weights gives you an edge. Remember, in the world of UFC, it’s not just about the size. It’s all about the weight! 🥊✨
