Boxing Gloves Vs MMA Gloves - Pros, Cons, Features (Buying Guide)

MMA gloves are the go-to for mixed martial arts training, where you need to balance striking and grappling. But if you're into old-school boxing, sparring, or sports that focus on striking, boxing gloves are your buddies. They're all about top-notch hand protection and wrist support.

Let’s find out more about each type of boxing gloves:

MMA Gloves:

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) gloves are specialized gloves designed for use in mixed martial arts competitions and training. MMA gloves balance hand protection and dexterity to support MMA techniques like striking, grappling, and submissions.

MMA Gloves Main Features:

Open-Finger Design:

MMA gloves have open fingers, allowing for better gripping and dexterity. This design is essential for grappling, clinching, and performing various submission holds.

Lightweight:

They are typically lighter than boxing gloves, which facilitates quick strikes and smooth transitions between striking and grappling.

Less Padding:

MMA gloves have less padding compared to boxing gloves. While they provide some hand protection, they prioritize flexibility and mobility.

Wrist Strap:

MMA gloves often feature a wrist strap or closure system to secure them in place, although the wrist support is not as robust as that of boxing gloves.

Boxing Gloves:

Boxing gloves are specifically designed for the sport of boxing. They are intended to protect the hands and wrists during boxing training and competitions, where the primary focus is on striking with the fists.

Boxing Gloves Main Features:

Closed-Finger Design:

Boxing gloves have a closed-finger design, covering the entire hand. This design maximizes hand protection and minimizes the risk of hand injuries during punches.

Ample Padding:

These gloves are heavily padded, with extra padding over the knuckles and on the wrist area. This padding absorbs the impact of punches, reducing the risk of injuries.

Wrist Support:

Boxing gloves offer excellent wrist support, with a secure wrist strap that helps maintain proper punching form and prevents wrist injuries.

Weight Variation:

Boxing gloves come in various weights, with lighter gloves for training and heavier gloves for sparring. The weight adds resistance, enhancing punching power and endurance during workouts.

MMA Gloves Vs Boxing Gloves - Main Differences:

Design:

The most significant difference is the design. MMA gloves have open fingers to allow for grappling and dexterity, while boxing gloves have a closed-finger design for maximum hand protection during striking.

Padding:

Boxing gloves have significantly more padding, especially over the knuckles, to protect the hands from the impact of punches. MMA gloves have less padding to maintain dexterity for grappling.

Wrist Support:

Boxing gloves provide superior wrist support with a secure strap, whereas MMA gloves offer some wrist support but not to the same degree.

Versatility:

MMA gloves are versatile and suitable for a range of techniques, including striking and grappling, making them ideal for mixed martial arts. Boxing gloves are specialized for boxing and primarily suited for striking.

How to Select the Best MMA Gloves - Guide

1. Consider Your Training Goals:

Determine your primary focus. If you're heavily into MMA training involving striking and grappling, you need versatile gloves that allow for both.

2. Size and Fit:

MMA gloves come in various sizes, typically measured in ounces (oz). The most common sizes for training are 4 oz to 7 oz. Choose a size that fits snugly but not too tight, ensuring your fingers can move comfortably.

3. Padding Thickness:

Decide on the level of padding you need. For more striking emphasis, opt for gloves with slightly more padding. If grappling is a significant part of your training, lean towards lighter padding to maintain dexterity.

4. Finger Mobility:

Ensure the open-finger design allows for good finger mobility and dexterity. You should be able to grab and control opponents effectively.

5. Wrist Closure:

Check for a secure wrist strap or closure system. While MMA gloves offer less wrist support than boxing gloves, a well-secured wrist strap is still essential to minimize the risk of wrist injuries.

How to Buy The Best Boxing Gloves - Guide

1. Determine Your Boxing Style:

Consider your specific boxing style and goals. Different gloves are suitable for training, sparring, or competition.

2. Size and Weight:

Boxing gloves come in various sizes and weights, ranging from 8 oz to 20 oz or more. For training and bag work, opt for 12 oz to 16 oz gloves, which offer a good balance between hand protection and workout intensity.

3. Padding Type:

Choose between foam and gel padding. Foam padding is more common and provides excellent shock absorption. Gel padding offers enhanced protection but can be bulkier.

4. Closure System:

Look for gloves with a secure hook-and-loop (Velcro) closure system. This ensures a snug fit and wrist support.

5. Thumb Attachment:

Ensure the thumb attachment is secure and comfortable. The thumb should be attached to the glove to prevent it from getting caught during punches.

6. Quality and Brand:

Invest in reputable brands known for their quality and durability. Well-known brands often provide better craftsmanship and materials.

7. Try Them On:

Whenever possible, try the gloves on before purchasing. Ensure they fit comfortably and securely, and that your hand feels well-protected.

The Bottomline

Boxing gloves are ideal for traditional training, bag work, sparring, and boxing-specific drills.

MMA gloves are the go-to choice for MMA training and competitions. They're also useful for anyone looking to incorporate a mix of striking and grappling techniques into their training routine.