Stepping into MMA training requires the right gear to ensure safety, performance, and durability. Whether you’re sparring like Jon Jones or drilling like Nate Diaz, quality equipment is non-negotiable. From gloves to shin guards, here’s a detailed UFC fight gear buying guide to equip you for the octagon, tailored for beginners and seasoned practitioners.
MMA Gloves: UFC fighters use 4-6 oz gloves for fights, but training gloves range from 7-8 oz for sparring. Brands like Venum ($70-$120) offer padded gloves with wrist support, ideal for bag work and sparring. Look for leather or high-grade synthetic materials for durability.
Ensure a snug fit—measure your hand circumference (8-9 inches for medium)—to avoid slippage. Fighters like Max Holloway prioritize gloves with thumb protection to prevent eye pokes.
Boxing Gloves: For striking drills, 12-16 oz gloves provide extra padding. Everlast Pro Style ($40-$80) or Cleto Reyes ($150-$200) are popular, with Reyes favored by pros like Israel Adesanya for their slim profile. Choose Velcro for easy on-off or lace-ups for a secure fit.
Test gloves on a heavy bag to ensure comfort during high-volume sessions (100-150 punches per round).Mouthguards: Protecting your teeth is critical.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards, like Shock Doctor ($20-$40), mold to your teeth for a custom fit. Pro fighters like Dustin Poirier use custom-fitted models ($100-$200) from dentists for maximum protection. Ensure the mouthguard covers upper teeth and doesn’t impede breathing during intense rounds.
UFC Fight Gear Buying Guide
Shin Guards: Muay Thai-style shin guards, like Fairtex ($80-$120), protect shins and feet during sparring. Look for lightweight models with instep padding for kicking drills. Beginners can opt for slip-on guards ($30-$50), while advanced fighters need full-coverage for checking kicks, as seen in Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s training. Ensure straps are adjustable to avoid slipping.
Headgear: Sparring headgear reduces concussion risk. Brands like Title Boxing ($60-$100) offer padded models with cheek and chin protection. Choose headgear with clear visibility and a snug fit—measure your head circumference (21-23 inches for medium).
Fighters like Georges St-Pierre prioritize lightweight headgear to maintain mobility.
Rash Guards and Shorts: Compression rash guards ($30-$60) from Under Armour or Hayabusa reduce skin abrasions during grappling. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics and flat seams. MMA shorts ($40-$80) from Venum or Bad Boy offer flexibility with side slits. Ensure a secure waistband to prevent shifting during takedowns.
Hand Wraps: Wraps protect wrists and knuckles. Mexican-style wraps ($10-$20) from Everlast provide flexibility and support. Wrap hands tightly, covering knuckles and wrists, for 100-150 punches per session. Watch tutorials from fighters like Nate Diaz for proper technique.
Gym Bag and Accessories: A durable gym bag ($50-$100) from Adidas or Venum holds gear. Include a water bottle (1 liter, $15-$30) for hydration, as fighters like Khabib consume 1-2 gallons daily. Add a jump rope ($10-$20) for cardio warm-ups, aiming for 10 minutes at 120 skips per minute.
Shop at retailers like MMA Warehouse or local sporting goods stores, and prioritize quality over price—cheap gear wears out quickly. Budget $200-$400 for a complete setup. Test gear during light sparring to ensure comfort and durability. With the right equipment, you’ll train safer and perform like a UFC pro.
With all your gear bought, don’t forget how to legally watch UFC fights online for avid MMA fans as well.
