Best MMA Gloves for Training & Sparring Reviewed 2024

MMA is one of the most painstaking combat sports out there. That’s why, when training for MMA, you need to invest in the best MMA gloves.

Having the best equipment can enhance your performance and make you more confident. As well as top MMA gloves, you should also get the best MMA hand wraps available.

Our Top Picks

Venum Undisputed 2.0 MMA Gloves Nappa Leather-Black - L/XL
RDX Maya Hide Leather Grappling MMA Gloves UFC Cage Fighting Sparring Glove Training F12, Large, Black
Venum Challenger MMA Gloves, Black/Black, Large/X-Large
Our Rating
9.6
9.4
9.1
MSRP
$69.25
$26.99
$40.50
Size
S-XL
S-XL
S-XL
Material
Napa leather
Synthetic leather & maya leather
PU leather
Venum Undisputed 2.0 MMA Gloves Nappa Leather-Black - L/XL
Our Rating
9.6
MSRP
$69.25
Size
S-XL
Material
Napa leather
More Information
RDX Maya Hide Leather Grappling MMA Gloves UFC Cage Fighting Sparring Glove Training F12, Large, Black
Our Rating
9.4
MSRP
$26.99
Size
S-XL
Material
Synthetic leather & maya leather
More Information
Venum Challenger MMA Gloves, Black/Black, Large/X-Large
Our Rating
9.1
MSRP
$40.50
Size
S-XL
Material
PU leather
More Information

They play a crucial role in protecting the hands and knuckles during fights. There are many brands offering MMA gloves on the market, so many choices can be overwhelming.

That’s why we put together this guide of the best MMA gloves. We hope it helps you pick the right pair.

Venum Undisputed 2.0 MMA Gloves

Venum Undisputed MMA Gloves

Venum’s Undisputed MMA gloves top our list of the best MMA gloves. Although Venum has four different models, the Undisputed 2.0 model is our favorite.

They come in three color options, black, matte black, or white. The sizing is simple too, small, medium, or large/X-large.

One of the main reasons that we like them is due to the quality material. They use napa leather compared to faux leather, like with Venum’s Challenger model.

Also, the foam filling is layered, giving them added protection. Even the wrist is fully protected due to it being higher than other MMA glove types.

These MMA gloves have been handmade in Thailand, and are secured using velcro straps.

Pros

  • High-wrist fitting
  • Layered foam filling
  • Quality leather build

Cons

  • More expensive than other models

Product specifications

Size: S, M, L/XL
Material:Napa leather

RDX GGR F12B MMA Gloves

RDX GGR F12B MMA Gloves

Next up is a pair of MMA gloves from the famous RDX. This model, the GGR F12B, is one of the cheaper MMA gloves out there. But are still made with top-quality materials.

This pair of gloves use a mixture of synthetic and Maya leather, which means that they will stand the test of time. They also come with the typical EZ hook-and-loop closure.

These RDX MMA gloves can be used for training, bag work, and even sparring. The D. Cut palm design makes grappling feel natural. It also allows for breezy airflow which keeps your hands ventilated.

If you’re looking for a cheap pair of MMA gloves then this option from RDX is definitely one to consider.

Pros

  • Cost-efficient sparring gloves
  • A mix of synthetic and Maya leather
  • Perfect for men, women and kids

Cons

  • Only a 90-day warranty

Product specifications

Size: S-XL
Material: Synthetic and Maya leather
Best For: Bag work, training, and sparring

Venum Challenger MMA Gloves

Venum Challenger MMA Gloves

Venum’s Challenger MMA Gloves are perfect for fighting in the ring as well as training in the gym. 

The double closure system provides a perfect fit as well as easy access. The wide leather hook and loop closure keep the wrist from getting injured.

They use high-density foam across the most vulnerable areas. Also, each finger and thumb are reinforced with this padding.

The Challenger gloves are cheaper than the Undisputed model as they use faux leather. If you want a cheaper pair from Venum with the same quality design these are the ones for you.

Pros

  • Double closure hook system
  • High-density foam
  • Each thumb and finger is reinforced

Cons

  • Material not durable

Product specifications

Size: S-XL
Material: PU leather
Best For: Gym and ring fighting

RDX MMA Gloves for Grappling Martial Arts

RDX MMA Gloves

Now for the second pair of MMA gloves from RDX. They are also great for grappling like the GGR FF12B model.

These gloves use authentic cowhide leather, which is sturdy and promises durability.

They also have three layers of gel padding to protect your hands. This covers the entire striking surface.

Extra reinforcement around the wrist area ensures that they’re also protected.

The reinforced stitches stop the risk of any crack or tearing while you are using your gloves. So, you can be confident that they’re going to last a while.

The open palm design is what makes them great as grappling MMA gloves.

Pros

  • Authentic cowhide leather
  • Hook and loop closure
  • Sweat-wicking capabilities

Cons

  • Not knuckle friendly

Product specifications

Size: S-XL
Material: Microfabric
Best For: Various combat sports

Everlast Pro Style MMA Grappling Gloves

Everlast Pro Style MMA Grappling Gloves

Now for a pair of MMA gloves from the famous boxing brand, Everlast. Everlast’s MMA gloves come with cell foam technology that offers added hand protection.

An Everfresh treatment keeps the gloves smelling good even after a sweaty session. This means that you won’t have to clean your sparring gloves as often as some other pairs.

The gloves have an adjustable strap to give you a secure fit and easy access. You can’t go wrong with this pair of Everlast MMA gloves as they’re well priced and use quality materials.

They come in two color options, black or red. As well as two size options, small/medium or large/x-large.

Pros

  • Premium synthetic leather
  • Refined glove padding
  • Everdri technology

Cons

  • Could be better for punching

Product specifications

Size: S-XL
Material: Synthetic leather
Best For: Grappling

Sanabul Essential 7 oz MMA Gloves

Sanabul 7 oz MMA Gloves

Sanabul is known for offering fighting equipment that is well-priced. That’s exactly what they have made with these 7 oz MMA gloves.

Due to being 7 oz instead of 4 oz, these MMA gloves are ideal for sparring. That’s because they have that extra padding in the glove.

Instead of using real leather, Sanabul uses engineered leather that is still ultra-durable. There are 6 color options available which are:

  • All Black
  • Black/Green
  • Black/Copper
  • Black/Red
  • Black/Blue
  • Black/Silver

Like the Everlast model above, they also only come in two sizes. These are small/medium or large/x-large.

They are also great for grappling as the entire palm is free. Sanabul states that they shouldn’t be used on heavy bags unless you’re experienced. If you aren’t a novice then they can also act as cardio kickboxing gloves.

These MMA sparring gloves definitely give you the most bang for your buck.

 Pros

  • Cheap alternative
  • Great MMA gloves for beginners
  • 6 color options

Cons

  • Only 2 size options available

Product specifications

Size: S/M or L/XL
Material:Engineered leather

Hayabusa T3 4 oz MMA Gloves

Hayabusa T3 4 oz MMA Gloves

Hayabusa is another brand known for its attention to detail when it comes to quality. That’s why this pair of MMA gloves are a bit more expensive than some of the others.

These MMA gloves use engineered leather that is tried and tested. The curved design of the gloves means that your hands are always protected.

The palm of the gloves uses a Y-Volar design for increased stability. This also makes them a great pair of gloves for grappling. Another great feature is the large dual-x closure that supports the wrists.

One thing that the gloves lack is padding on the thumbs. So, if that’s vital for you then pick another pair. If you’re experienced then you can do without the thumb padding.

You can be sure though that these gloves won’t smell bad after each use. That’s because they have a silver lining mesh that traps any bad odors.

Pros:

  • Increased wrist support
  • Silver lining mesh for bad smells
  • Curved design

Cons:

  • Quite expensive
  • No padding on thumb

Product specifications

Size: S, M, or L
Material:Engineered leather

Liberlupus MMA Gloves For Men & Women

Liberlupus MMA Gloves For Men and Women

Liberlupus is an up-and-coming brand that focuses mainly on MMA gear. Already their MMA gloves are one of the bestsellers on Amazon.

Not only are the gloves well-priced, but they are also made from quality material. They use premium PU leather and have 10mm EVA foam padding under the knuckle area. So, they’re definitely thick enough to last a long time.

These sparring gloves are perfect for both genders too. Although they do only come in black.

The best thing about these gloves is the fact that they come with a 12-month warranty. If for some reason, they do start break then you can contact their support to get a brand new pair!

No doubt, we’ll be seeing more of Liberlupus due to the great price to quality ratio.

 Pros

  • Strong, protective wrist straps
  • Great pair of gloves for beginners
  • 12-months replacement warranty

Cons

  • Only 2 size options available

Product specifications

Size: Regular-XL
Material: Premium PU leather
Best For: Training, and MMA sparring

Combat Sports Max Strike MMA Training Gloves

Combat Sports Max Strike MMA Training Gloves

Combat Sports MMA training gloves are one of the safest options on the list. They are comfortable and have an ergonomic fit since they are made from molded foam padding.

The hinged knuckle gives a full range of motion, and the wrap-around wrist strap is great for support.

The Palm is also fully opened to allow for the skin on skin contact.

 Pros

  • Ergonomic fit
  • Open palm design for the skin on skin contact
  • Extra wrist support

Cons

  • Not strong

Product specifications

Size: Regular-XL
Material: Not specified
Best For: MMA

RDX Kids MMA Gloves for Grappling Martial Arts Training

RDX Kids MMA Gloves

Last up is another pair of MMA gloves from RDX, but this time in kids’ sizes. These gloves assist your child in training safely, especially during sparring.

The top-comments feature triple padding for shock resistance and impact absorbency. It also contains sweat-wicking absorbent padding to keep bad odors at bay.

The unique design allows you more freedom of motion. Then, for extra support, the hook and loop straps provide increased stability. We suggest that these aren’t used on a kid’s heavy punching bag though. For that type of training get a thicker pair of kids’ boxing gloves.

This model is ideal for the punching technique, and they are easy to put on and off.

Pros

  • Leather armors
  • Sweat-wicking
  • Added wrist support

Cons

  • Should have more options when it comes to size

Product specifications

Size: Kids
Material: Maya hide leather
Best For: MMA

MMA Gloves FAQ

MMA Gloves

What is the difference between MMA and boxing gloves?

Boxing and MMA have different rules despite both being fighting sports. It’s these rules that determine what participants should wear when fighting and training.

Here are the key differences between MMA gloves and boxing gloves.

Fingers

One of the most significant differences is the treatment of the fighter’s fingers. 

Boxing gloves go on much like mittens and cover all the fingers in one single padded compartment. 

Though, MMA sparring gloves, separate each finger like regular or normal gloves. This isn’t always true though, bigger MMA gloves like the 7 oz models don’t split the fingers. That’s because these slightly larger gloves are better to use as sparring gloves.

In professional MMA fights, gloves with individual fingers are the official gloves used.

Padding

MMA Gloves On Hands

Another difference between boxing and MMA gloves is the amount of padding.

Boxing gloves need to accommodate lots of activity around the knuckle area. Whereas MMA sparring gloves have less due to being able to use elbows, knees, kicks, and grappling.

This is because in boxing most punches actually go to the head. In MMA competitions there is still punching but also kicking and grappling holds.

There are also more rounds in boxing compared to MMA. 12 rounds with MMA gloves would be brutal.

Closure

Boxing gloves come up the arm much higher than MMA gloves. Boxing gloves used in professional fights also use lace closures instead of Velcro.

MMA gloves don’t come as high on the arm and are held closed with Velcro straps.

Modern heavy bag boxing gloves are also available with straps and velcro closure. These gloves are more often used in training and not competition.

Hand wraps

Boxers can often be seen wearing hand wraps on the upper forearms to reduce the impact of the punches. Boxing gloves are sized to accommodate this whilst not all MMA sparring gloves are. If you are using gel kickboxing hand wraps then you may want to pick one size bigger.

What gloves do best MMA fighters wear?

Fighter Wearing MMA Gloves

There are hundreds of types of MMA gloves out there, and choosing one can seem daunting. Different types of gloves for different types of combat sports are available.

Some even believe that this number of gloves isn’t enough and that you need to depend on skill level as well. 

If you are planning on stepping into the octagon soon, it will be intense, and one pair of gloves may not be enough. 

Your gloves and MMA mouthguard are the only two pieces of gear protecting you in the octagon. That’s why your glove choice is crucial and should be taken seriously.

MMA gloves are believed to protect your partner, but this is debatable. Gloves are only for your own hand and wrist protection. Most of them weigh 4 ounces and so don’t offer much protection at all.

When it comes to MMA gloves that the best fighters use, all models listed above are popular. That’s for sparring and training anyway.

Venum offers great options for people looking for leather and fake leather MMA gloves. The best quality of engineered leather comes from Hayabusa. They’re more expensive but will last a long time.

Are MMA gloves good for punching bags?

If you are an MMA trainer who is working out to keep fit, it’s crucial that you have a regimen for your training. This is one of the toughest workouts out there; but, it’s going to help you burn fat quickly.

Working out using a punching bag is one of the best ways to build stamina and also punching power. An alternative for stamina training is to use a boxing jump rope.

Unless you are an experienced fighter it’s not advised to use MMA gloves as heavy bag gloves.

Techniques such as strikes, punches, and grappling, should be performed with MMA gloves.

A common misconception is that you can just use any MMA gloves on punching bags. But, there are dangers involved in using common gloves on heavy bag workouts. 

Some of these dangers include injuries to the fighters’ knuckles, hands, and wrists. Boxing gloves are designed for heavy bag workouts, whereas MMA gloves are not as suitable. 

They also don’t have a long wrist strap that provides stabilization and protection. One wrong punch could keep you out of training with an injury.

That’s why it is recommended that you use gloves designed for punching bags. These should be padded as this will offer your hands and knuckles protection.

Do MMA gloves hurt more?

Hitting Opponent

From a common-sense point of view, MMA gloves are slimmer and thinner. This is because it contains less padding than other glove types.

So, when it comes to which hurts more, it would be MMA sparring gloves. Boxing gloves contain way more padding than MMA gloves do. 

Once you become an experienced fighter using MMA gloves won’t hurt as much.

Should MMA gloves be tight?

MMA gloves are meant to have a snug fit. But, there is no point in them being too tight as it will restrict your blood flow. Velcro straps allow you to adjust the tightness around the wrists.

You need to have flexibility in your hands to train for MMA. MMA sparring gloves can also be too loose. This obviously isn’t good either.

So, the short answer is that MMA gloves should not be tight or loose, but they should fit comfortably your hands.

Best MMA Gloves Summary

Here we’ve given you a complete list of the best MMA gloves available to buy online. There’s a wide range, some are better suited to beginners, whilst others are for pro fighters.

Boxing gloves and MMA sparring gloves are two of the most crucial aspects of boxing and MMA training. But, the two aren’t interchangeable.

This means that boxing gloves aren’t used in MMA training. That is unless you’re doing intensive heavy bag work.

Our top MMA gloves pick for the price and quality are the Venum Undisputed model.

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