Best MMA Gloves: Top Picks For Beginners, Sparring, And More

There's a lot to consider when searching for the best MMA gloves, especially as it can be challenging figuring out how much you need to spend to get a quality pair.

Thankfully, we've done some of the hard work for you by compiling a list of our top picks, based on features, price, and reviews, highlighting some of the key differences that make each pair of gloves stand out.

Whether you're looking for something to get you started, like these RDX MMA Gloves, or you're after something to compete in, Everlast Pro Style MMA Gloves, we've got everything you need right here.

Best MMA Gloves

Best All-Round MMA Gloves - Venum Undisputed 2.0

Best MMA gloves Venum product image of a pair of black gloves with the Venum branding in white.
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Image Credit: Venum

Brand: Venum | Material: Leather

Venum is one of the top manufacturers of MMA equipment who took over from Reebook as the official outfitter to the UFC.

Therefore, it may come as no surprise to see us featuring the Venum Undisputed 2.0 gloves on our list.

We haven't just included them off name-value alone though. In fact, the Undisputed 2.0's should be a very well-rounded and durable pair of gloves thanks to high-quality Nappa leather being used on the outside.

Moreover, they come with wrist supports and layered foam inners to help protect your hands when sparring, or during competition.

Ultimately, the Venum Undisputed 2.0's should be well worth considering to cover all your MMA needs.

Best MMA Gloves For Competition - Everlast Pro Style MMA Gloves

Best MMA gloves Everlast product image of a black and red pair of gloves.
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Image Credit: Everlast

Brand: Everlast | Material: Synthetic Leather

You may associate Everlast with making some of the best boxing gloves around, however, they seem to be pretty well-versed at making MMA gloves as well.

Its Pro Style MMA Gloves, in particular, look to be a solid option to consider thanks to their supportive wrist straps and premium synthetic leather outer layer, designed to provide protection whilst also being durable.

Moreover, Everlast boasts its EverDri technology absorbs moisture into the lining to keep your hands dry, whilst also extending the lifespan of these gloves.

All in all, if you're ready to compete and are in need of a top pair of MMA gloves, then these Everlast Pro Style Gloves may be your answer.

Best MMA Gloves For Sparring - Venum Challenger

Best MMA gloves Venum product image of a pair of black and white gloves.
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Image Credit: Venum

Brand: Venum | Material: Faux Leather

For training, you'll no doubt be after something to protect your hands and wrists as much as possible.

Thankfully, the Venum Challenger's seem up to the task as they feature large, adjustable wrist straps so you can alter the levels of support to fit your personal preference.

Moreover, they come with layered foam padding and reinforced fingers and thumbs that aim to minimise injury, especially when sparring.

On the whole, we feel the Venum Challenger's are a great option to consider to take your sparring game to the next level.

Best MMA Gloves On A Budget - Liberlupus MMA Gloves

Best MMA gloves Liberlupus product image of an all-black pair of gloves with a shiny black wolf logo on the top.
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Image Credit: Liberlupus

Brand: Liberlupus | Material: Faux Leather, Polyurethane

MMA Gloves can sometimes be quite expensive, but these Liberlupus Gloves seem to offer you everything you need for sparring and competition, but for a relatively inexpensive price.

For example, the cross-cut design on the back allows for more flexibility in your hands and wrists, which should come in handy when transitioning between holds during grappling.

Moreover, they come with thick 10mm EVA fist padding which will likely absorb a lot of the shock felt when punching, thus protecting your hands.

It's also worth noting that, Liberlupus boasts, its gloves are easy to clean and durable which are just a few more reasons why, we feel, the Liberlupus Gloves are a top budget option to consider.

Best MMA Gloves For Beginners - RDX MMA Gloves

Best MMA gloves RDX product image of a pair of black gloves with a white palm area.
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Image Credit: RDX

Brand: RDX | Material: Leather

If you're just starting your MMA journey, the RDX MMA Gloves may be for you as they're made from genuine durable leather but aren't overly expensive.

Where we feel the RDX MMA Gloves really shine is with their padding. They come with three layers of gel padding, designed to absorb and disperse the impact from high-impact hits with ease.

Additionally, they feature Quick EZ Hook-and-Loop straps so you can adjust the fit to suit your preference to whatever is most comfortable.

All in all, the RDX MMA Gloves seem to be a great starting point to begin your journey, but should also suit more experienced fighters as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About MMA Gloves

People often have a tonne of questions about MMA gloves, but we're here to clear up a few common queries to help you make your purchase.

How Much Do MMA Gloves Weigh?

The weight of your MMA gloves will vary depending on your experience level.

Most professional fighters wear 4 oz gloves, which is significantly less than the gloves worn in boxing.

However, if you're more of an amateur fighter, you're probably better off using 6 oz gloves as they provide a bit more protection through added padding.

Why Do You Need To Wear MMA Gloves?

Like with most combat sports, the primary reason why you wear gloves is to protect your hands and wrists because, without them, you'll end up absorbing a lot of punishment which can cause injury quite easily.

Their other use is to protect your opponent as bare-knuckle fighting can cause serve injury, often involving large cuts across the face.

What Types Of MMA Gloves Are There?

You can differentiate MMA gloves into three separate styles: grappling, sparring, and competition.

Grappling gloves allow additional finger movement which comes in handy when in a clinch or on the ground.

Sparring gloves are typically a bit heavier than competition gloves to give you a bit more protection so you can train longer and harder, without sustaining an injury.

As previously mentioned, competition gloves normally weigh around 4 oz, thus providing minimal protection, but are particularly good at dealing more damage to your opponent.

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