As soon as you start MMA, you'll need MMA gloves from your very first session. You can often borrow a pair at the gym for your trial class, but once you decide to continue with the sport, it's time to buy your own set of MMA gloves.
That's much more hygienic.
In this article you'll discover the 3 best MMA gloves in 2024 and we'll tell you why.
Are you looking for MMA gloves with excellent value for money? Read on and choose the MMA gloves that suit you best today.
What size MMA gloves do I need?
Before we look at the specific models of 2024, it's useful to know what size you need first. MMA gloves are not measured in ounces, but in regular sizes such as Small and Medium.
The exact sizing depends heavily on the brand. Some brands start at XS and go up to XL, whilst others only have S to XL. And then you have brands that work with in-between sizes such as S/M and L/XL.
That's why it's always good to check the size chart of the specific glove you want.
If you have the size chart in front of you and want to measure your hands, do it as follows:
Place the measuring tape just below your knuckles and without the thumb. In general, most brands have the following measurements:
- 16-18 cm: S
- 19-21 cm: M
- 22+ cm L/XL
As mentioned, do check the size chart of the specific brand and model you want to buy, as this can vary enormously.
What are the best MMA gloves in 2024?
The Challenger 3.0 is an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced fighters who train several times a week and are looking for a great design, solid padding and a competitive price.
The Venum Challenger 3.0 is by far our most popular MMA glove and for good reason: they are simply incredibly good.
Advantages of the Challenger 3.0:
- Solid padding to protect yourself and your training partner.
- Curved fist to prevent eye pokes.
- Available in many different colours.
The 'X' series are ideal for the martial artist looking for luxury, a sleek design and who values comfort highly. These MMA gloves are suitable for beginners, advanced and professional fighters who train more than 3 times a week.
The Caged 'X' Series sparring gloves are one of our favourites, if only for the timeless design.
Advantages of the 'X' Series:
- Handmade with high-quality cowhide leather, making them last longer
- Premium fabric that feels wonderfully soft on the inside. This ensures the gloves are extremely comfortable.
- Extra solid padding and curved fist to prevent accidents to yourself and your training partners.
The Challenger is very similar to the 3.0 variant, except these are not specifically for sparring. They therefore lack the thick padding around the knuckles and the curved shape. The advantage of these gloves is that they are extremely suitable for grappling. So if you have MMA training where you practise a lot of ground techniques and don't need to strike hard, the Challenger is ideal.
Advantages of the Challenger:
- More freedom of movement due to the smaller amount of padding.
- Lots of grip strength and control with grappling, thanks to the thin and short fingers.
- For competition fighters: Simulates fights, as these are fought with smaller gloves.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need leather or synthetic leather MMA gloves?
That depends on your preference. Leather generally lasts longer and is often better finished than synthetic leather gloves. The price is therefore also higher. If you're still exploring whether you want to practise the sport, we recommend buying synthetic leather gloves.
If you've been training for a while and want high-quality gloves, we recommend leather gloves.
How often should I replace my gloves?
The lifespan of your gloves depends on how often and intensively you train. In general, well-maintained gloves last 6 to 12 months with regular use.
Look out for signs of wear such as thinning padding and tears in the material. Replace your gloves if they no longer provide sufficient protection to prevent injuries.
Can I use MMA gloves for training on the punching bag?
We would not advise this. MMA gloves have little to no protection at your thumb and the risk of injuries is therefore much greater. It's best to buy regular boxing gloves for bag training and regular boxing or kickboxing training.
MMA gloves are best used for MMA-specific training.
Do you want to browse a bit more before deciding which MMA gloves you want to buy? Click here to view all our MMA gloves.