THE BEST MMA GLOVES FOR TRAINING, SPARRING, GRAPPLING AND COMPETITION IN 2024
Don’t be the guy who turns up to a sparring session and bloodies up your training partner because you decided to strap on a pair of flashy UFC gloves to channel your inner Conor McGregor. That will lead to getting kicked out of the gym or an ass whoopin from the alpha in the room. And definitely don’t show up on fight night with “pillows” on each hand, waking up your opponent instead of putting them to sleep is a rookie mistake!
With options like competition gloves, sparring gloves, and grappling gloves, choosing the right type for your training focus is essential. In this guide, I’ll cover the best MMA gloves for every purpose so you can practice or fight with the right tools for the job.
OUR TOP 6 PICKS
Here are our top six picks for the best MMA gloves from competition gloves to budget friendly options on the market in 2024
Hybrid MMA gloves are designed for versatility, allowing you to train in both striking and grappling without switching gloves. The Hayabusa T3 Hybrid MMA gloves stand out as a top choice in this category, offering comfort, durability and protection through premium materials and innovative technology. These gloves are ideal for sparring, striking, grappling, mitt work, and bag work which makes them a reliable all-in-one option for your training needs. Investing in a pair of good hybrid MMA gloves can be a cost-effective choice as it saves you from purchasing multiple pairs of gloves. Additionally, you save space in your gym bag as you only need to pack one pair.
One of the T3’s standout features is the patented Dual-X closure system. This unique double-strap design offers wrist stabilisation that greatly reduces the risk of injury especially in and around the area of your wrist.
Additionally, the T3 incorporates Deltra-EG multi-layered foam technology which Hayabusa developed through a multi-year research collaboration with the University of Waterloo. The result is a glove that not only withstands high-impact training but also provides the very best protection for your knuckles.
When it comes to durability, the Hayabusa T3 is crafted from Vylar, a high-quality vegan engineered (leather) material known for its flexibility and resistance to tears & cracks. Their longevity makes them a cost-effective investment for athletes who want gloves that can last five plus years, compared to cheaper options that probably need replacing annually due to worn-out straps or velcro whilst likely bringing more injuries along the way.
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 7oz (ounce)
- Material: Vylar vegan engineered leather material – long lasting, flexible, tear and crack resistant
- Dual X-Closure System: great hand and wrist stabilisation
- Deltra-EG Technology: high-density padded foam absorbs impact
- Y-Volar Design: secure fit
PROS
CONS
- Suitable for striking, grappling, sparring, heavy bag and pad work
- Great wrist stability and protection
- Great knuckle protection
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Durable (5+ years)
- Not suitable for competition
- High price point
The Fairtex FGV18 sparring gloves are designed to protect both fighters in training, offering padding that absorbs strikes and minimises injury risk. Ideal for light to intense sparring, the FGV18’s thick padding and larger size make it the safest and largest glove in the Fairtex FGV MMA series, specifically crafted for sparring sessions.
Fairtex is widely trusted by top combat sports organisations, including K-1, WBC Muay Thai, Strikeforce, WEC, Elite XC, Legend FC, Martial Combat, Pancrase, The Contender, a large number of amateur organisations and is used by elite fighters like Gilbert Burns, Michael Chandler and Luke Rockhold.
Each FGV18 glove is handmade in Fairtex’s Bangkok factory, where skilled artisans oversee every stage of production. This hands-on process ensures a unique feel, distinguishing Fairtex from brands that rely on automated manufacturing. The gloves are rigorously tested in Fairtex’s own camp and by sponsored fighters to ensure they meet the demands of high-level training.
Fairtex’s approach is refreshingly simple and traditional, focusing on craftsmanship over complex technology. This approach gives each pair a unique look and feel, making Fairtex gloves feel personal and authentic.
Key Specifications:
- Padding: Thick layer of foam on knuckles, wrist, and thumb for optimal protection
- Material: High-quality synthetic leather for durability and easy maintenance
- Origin: Handcrafted in Thailand, powered by sustainable practices
PROS
CONS
- Exceptional knuckle protection and shock absorbency for safer sparring
- High-quality synthetic leather for durability and ease of maintenance
- Comfortable fit with extra wrist and thumb padding
- Big and bulky makes it difficult for grappling
- Watch out for convincing fraudulent websites scamming people!!!
I’m recommending yet another Fairtex product and this time it’s the FGV12, the smallest and lightest in the FGV MMA glove collection. These gloves are designed to enhance grappling control without sacrificing protection. Featuring an open palm, open thumb loop and split knuckle design allowing for flexibility and control during grappling.
Engineered with an ergonomic, contoured hand compartment, the FGV12 provides a secure and snug fit. Made from premium quality leather, these gloves feature Fairtex’s signature three layer foam construction, delivering outstanding hand and knuckle protection. This unique foam layering absorbs impact effectively, reducing the risk of injury while ensuring durability for long-term use.
The FGV12 is trusted by top organisations around the world and is the official fight glove of Strikeforce (USA), Art of War (China), Legend FC (Hong Kong) and Cage Warriors (Europe) among others. This endorsement speaks for itself.
The FGV12 combines premium materials with an innovative design, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of MMA training and competition. With their unmatched grappling control, snug fit, and top-notch padding, the FGV12 stands out as a versatile and reliable option for serious fighters.
Key Specifications:
- Design: Patent-pending open palm with split knuckles at the base and an open thumb loop for optimal grappling control
- Material: Premium-quality leather for durability
- Padding: Fairtex’s signature 3-layer foam for excellent hand and knuckle protection
PROS
CONS
- Great for grappling
- Premium leather construction for durability and comfort
- Secure, snug fit
- Widely used by pro and amateur organisations
- Not ideal for sparring
- Again watch out for fraudulent websites scamming people!!!
As a big fanboy of Suga Sean O’Malley and the Blessed Express, Max Holloway representing the Sanabul brand, I couldn’t resist picking up a pair. When it comes to versatile MMA gloves that won’t break the bank, the Sanabul Essential 7oz Hybrid MMA gloves are an excellent choice.
My favourite thing about this glove is the Durasoft Impact Protection Foam that provides exceptional protection. This glove feels like a 4oz glove with extra padding around the knuckles to keep you and your training partner safe during sparring sessions.
The quality of the material exceeded my expectations. While they may not be as durable as high priced options I’ve reviewed, they hold up remarkably well, especially for fighters in lower weight classes like myself (bantamweight). They’ve outlasted my RDX gloves, which the finger strap snapped during a wrestling class after they were 4 months old.
Sanabul is dedicated to continuous improvement, and since the fall of 2018, they have made remarkable strides in the quality and craftsmanship of their gloves. Trusted by elite athletes including UFC champions like Michael Bisping, Sean O’Malley and Max Holloway, the Sanabul name is synonymous with performance and reliability. I might be a little biassed, but with Sean and Max backing this brand, I’m all in!
Key Specifications:
- 7oz weight offers a balance of protection and mobility
- Durasoft impact protection foam makes for a great sparring glove
- Open palm design allows for grappling flexibility
- Hook and loop closure for a comfortable and secure fit
PROS
CONS
- Excellent value for money
- Versatile use for grappling and striking
- Trusted by professionals in the MMA community
- Began seeing signs of wear and tear after 6 months of training
- Lack of moisture-wicking materials can lead to discomfort during long training sessions
This review page wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t finish it off by recommending the last glove in the FGV series. If you watch any amateur MMA fight, there’s a high chance you’ll see these gloves in action and there’s a good reason for that. Widely accepted by amateur MMA organisations, the Fairtex FGV15 MMA gloves strike the perfect balance between safety and functionality. They’ve got just the right amount of padding to keep athletes safe without compromising the ability to grapple effectively.
Handmade in Thailand with premium-quality leather, these gloves are designed to handle the intensity of both competition and hard training sessions. The leather is not only durable but also gives the gloves a high-end look.
The full wraparound wristband on these gloves provides superb support, locking your hand in place so you can strike with full force on your opponent, pads, or heavy bag without risking wrist injury. I’ve thrown 100% into my punches, even on mishits, and walked away without a scratch, proof of the fantastic wrist stability this glove delivers.
If you know your sparring is focused on striking the FGV18 is your best option, if focused more on grappling then go with the FGV12. However if you are mixing both grappling and striking the FGV15 is the gloves you want to go on and wear.
Key Specifications:
- 7oz weight offers a balance of protection and mobility
- Durasoft impact protection foam makes for a great sparring glove
- Open palm design allows for grappling flexibility
- Hook and loop closure for a comfortable and secure fit
PROS
CONS
- Suitable for amateur fights
- Versatile use for grappling and striking
- Endorsed by most MMA organisations
- Not suitable for pro competition
No review would be complete without crowning a double champ, and the Fairtex FGV12 gloves deserve this title. Rather than rehashing what makes these gloves exceptional, I’ll leave you with a powerful documentary that captures their iconic journey. The FGV12 gloves have been worn and battle-tested by some of the greatest fighters to ever step into the cage. Former UFC champions like Conor McGregor, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Michael Bisping and current featherweight champion Ilia “El Matador” Topuria and interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Rising stars and fan favourites like Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, Ian Garry, Jack Shore, Molly “Meatball” McCann, Arnold Allen and former UFC fighter and current UFC analyst Dan Hardy have all strapped on the iconic yellow gloves. The FGV12 remains a staple for elite fighters around the globe and here is why:
Whether you’re a competitor or an MMA enthusiast, the FGV12 gloves showcase Fairtex’s unparalleled commitment to quality, performance and tradition in combat sports.
When it comes to MMA choosing the right gloves can significantly impact your performance, safety and training experience. Here are two important factors to consider before buying a pair of MMA gloves, along with some tips to help you find the perfect fit:
1. The Type
There are four types of MMA gloves:
- Hybrid Gloves: Hybrid gloves combine the padding needed for striking with enough flexibility for grappling, so you can switch between disciplines without changing gloves. These are a great all-in-one solution for general training.
- Sparring Gloves: Sparring gloves are generally bulkier because they have more padding to absorb impact and help reduce injury, protecting both you and your training partner when focusing on striking heavy sparring. They can be used for grappling, however they will interfere making it difficult to apply certain submissions.
- Grappling Gloves: Grappling gloves are designed with minimal padding and an open palm, allowing you to grip, control your opponent and apply submissions while minimising interference. Often, grappling gloves also meet the requirements for professional competition.
- Competition Gloves: For fight night competition gloves are designed for both striking and grappling exchanges. For professional bouts gloves typically weigh 4 ounces. However, the exact weight and glove depends on the fighting organisations regulations. For amateur bouts gloves typically weigh 6 ounces, providing extra padding to reduce injury risk for less experienced fighters.
2. The Size
Most gloves come in sizes ranging from small to extra-large but exact measurements can vary between brands, so be sure to check their sizing chart before purchasing. If you plan on buying a pair of gloves for competition you will want to consider going up a size as you’ll be wrapping your hands for extra protection. The same goes for if you are buying a pair solely for the purpose of hitting the heavy bag. You’ll likely want to wrap your hands for the added protection when hitting the bag with full force.
For general training myself and most others skip hand wraps as they’re often unnecessary when executing lighter strikes and time consuming to apply. That said, always aim for a fit that provides stability and protection while allowing for flexibility whether you’re wrapped or unwrapped. To ensure this, measure your hands carefully and accurately.