Vladimir VladisavljevicIn this article, we review the best MMA gloves for training, sparring, and competition in 2022.
Some fighters tend to go step-by-step, while diehard addicts dedicate their whole day to success. This topic is crucial for any serious fighter or anyone who plans to push his MMA dream, as mixed martial arts gloves are the first step en route to success.
Purchasing the best equipment makes it easy to focus on your results. The choice of the best MMA gloves depends on the training goals and aspects.
Hybrid MMA gloves (4 oz) let you grapple easier thanks to segmented fingers with padding covering up to the second knuckle, but still offer a decent level of protection. On the other hand, sparring models are usually 7 oz, thick, and provide better levels of protection around the top and front.
Please read our reviews and get to know the best models for your MMA goals!
These are the best MMA gloves right now:
1. RDX F12
If you’d like to focus on competitions, durability comes first. Buying a model that tears apart after a few strikes would be a terrible investment, but RDX F12 is built to last.
It is one of the best MMA gloves for heavy bag in the market. You can hit as hard as you can and land heavy bombs from different of angles; knowing that the glove is resistant to damage and your knuckles will remain safe.
- An affordable, durable model that offers excellent price/quality value.
- No need to worry about fist injuries.
- Good color choice.
- Endorsed by Tony Ferguson.
- Pay attention to the stitches on the outside as they might harm your hand.
These are easy-to-clean MMA gloves for a heavy bag that can keep your hands dry the entire time. Take your striking sessions to the next level with this pair of gloves for mixed martial arts.
2. Venum Undisputed 2.0
Venum Undisputed 2.0 is a great pair of competition gloves for anybody who plans to pursue his MMA dream. The quality is unquestionable. Venum uses special premium Nappa leather, reinforced with high-density stitches.
The glove stands out for creating a natural curve in your hand, which leads to excellent comfort. Knuckle protection is good, especially when you bomb your opponent with violent haymakers. Good for striking and Muay Thai clinch.
- Great wrist support and hand protection.
- Adjustable strap.
- Three size choices and eye-catching classic designs.
- Plenty of padding without being bulky.
- A longer break-in period is required.
- Mid-to-high price range.
Venum Undisputed 2.0 is a top-notch pair of professional MMA gloves for fighters with high goals and aspirations. You can use them for training sessions too, but this brand shows the world that you plan to become the best.
Yes, quality demands more money, but this model is worth every cent. And everybody in your dojo is going to notice your new piece of equipment.
3. UFC Official Fight Gloves
The official glove of the greatest MMA promotion in the world can’t be bad, can it? These gloves are, undoubtedly, the best MMA sparring gloves in the market, especially for those who plan to compete in huge promotions.
These gloves are worn by the greatest legends of the sport. UFC says “the best of the best” in MMA, so buyers who dream of a huge brand and an influential manufacturer should take this model without hesitation.
- Great for grappling and clinching.
- Very light model.
- Comfortable.
- Tight fit.
- Good wrist support and knuckle protection.
- Great size chart.
- Mid-to-high price range.
This is a 4-ounce open-palmed and open-thumbed model. It is suitable for conditional sparring or combos with your partner, especially in the clinch. These are the best MMA gloves for sparring between two skillful fighters.
This is the top-rated brand for a reason; the greatest names of MMA compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
4. Venum Challenger
One could call this model a copycat of Venum Undisputed 2.0, but that’s completely wrong. The top-notch ratio between price and quality makes this Thailand-made model one of the most popular MMA gloves on the market.
The additional panel of layered foam leads to excellent protection and shock absorption, even if your strike doesn’t land clean.
- Adjustable Velcro-strap system.
- Affordable.
- Good shock absorption.
- Excellent padding and knuckle protection.
- Good for grappling and clinching.
- The glove is a bit wide near the palm, so it might affect comfort.
- Can’t be a choice of one-punch knockout artists like John Lineker.
This glove is made for quick combos and tricky strikes on a heavy bag. It is also good for all kinds of sparring and great performance in the competition. One of the best grappling gloves in the market, you can use them for Krav Maga classes too.
5. RDX T2GL
If you’re looking for a well-rounded training session, RDX T2GL is undoubtedly a great option. You can grapple, defend, and land heavy strikes on the bag thanks to reinforced layers of gel technology and improved shock absorption.
The thicker padding on the front area of your knuckles means they are designed for heavy hitters too. Chances of injury are reduced to a minimum. The palm remains free and lets you change positions in the clinch and work on your throws.
- Affordable.
- Hard hitters would love them.
- Made of real leather.
- Lovely knuckle protection.
- Multi-functional.
- Pay attention, the size chart (it’s tricky).
- Very long break-in period, comfort issues.
You should try a high-quality pair of RDX T2GL gloves if you plan to work on every aspect of the game and become an all-around MMA warrior.
6. Everlast Pro Style
Everlast Pro is another well-known name on the list of popular glove models for mixed martial arts. Made of synthetic, it sounds like a good pick for beginners who have just stepped into the world of MMA grappling.
The design is pretty simple, and the foam covers most of the hands and fingers. Open palms let you grapple easily and quickly shift from over-under to Muay Thai plum and vice versa.
- One of the best cheap picks on the market.
- Moisture technology keeps your hands dry.
- Top-notch wrist support.
- Durable.
- Easy to maintain.
- No thumb protection.
- Only two sizes are available.
This model is a great option for someone who has never grappled before. It is easy to learn basic positions and throws with the assistance of Everlast Pro Style!
7. Brace Master MMA Gloves
There will always be complicated buyers with a lot of demands and a limited budget. Yet, Brace Master offers a world-class price-quality ratio, good breathability, plus pretty decent comfort and fist protection. It is one of the best MMA training gloves, as you can use this model for heavy bag sessions and sparring at the same time.
Oh, if you have limited funds for a new pair of gloves for the competition, Brace Master can step in and help you take part in the first few competitions too!
- Great combination of durability and toughness.
- Excellent choice of modern designs and sizes.
- Cheap fighting gloves.
- Very easy to clean, just wipe them out.
- Pay attention due to a tricky size chart.
The power is yours with such a variety of options in one spot. Give Brace Master a shot and try it out, this is a pretty good all-around model! Don’t forget, you don’t have to wash this leather product!
8. ZooBoo MMA Gloves
ZooBoo is a universal glove that helps you improve your combos, connect quick strikes, and counter the fastest guy in the division with a tricky straight punch. If you’re a tricky counter-striker, this model will help you land defensive strikes even faster.
This is an excellent, easy-to-clean, and affordable pair of MMA training gloves for fighting. Your hands won’t be covered in sweat, even during the hardest training sessions in the hot climate. Increased protection levels thanks to premium PU leather, buffer sponge, and high-foaming PE.
- Breathable.
- Good hand and knuckle protection.
- Comfortable fit.
- A good choice between colors, designs, and sizes.
- Strong grip.
- Great price-quality ratio.
- Not the most comfortable choice in the market.
- Not good for light heavyweights or heavyweights with tremendous punch power.
- No separate area for thumbs.
We hope our ZooBoo MMA glove review helps you realize why this model works for experts of counterstriking.
Conclusion
Now it is time to wrap up these MMA glove reviews and see which one stands out.
There are three top training session picks – the RDX T2GL and Brace Master are great for those who plan to work on all aspects of the game. The RDX F12 will take your heavy bag striking sessions to the next level.
Venum Undisputed 2.0 and Venum Challenger are great options from one of the best brands in the MMA market. They’re gloves designed for Muay Thai and the grappling aspect of the game. Top-notch Octagon warriors will love UFC Official Fight Glove, as it is an elite piece of equipment.
But the majority of fighters aren’t rich, so let’s get to the price-quality kings – Everlast Pro Style (best-selling model) and ZooBoo! These gloves are a great starting point for beginners too.
