Time to pick new MMA gloves?
Whether you’re stepping into the octagon for the first time or you're an experienced fighter searching for your next pair, choosing the right MMA gloves is crucial. But with so many options out there, how do you find the best ones for you?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the perfect MMA gloves. And spoiler alert... yes, we believe Gladius is the right choice for you.
Step 1: Define your budget
The first step in finding the right gear is deciding how much you’re willing to invest. MMA gloves range from $30 to $200 depending on the type, material quality, and brand reputation.
Gloves under $60 are typically entry-level, suitable for beginners but lacking in durability and performance. While it’s tempting to go for the lower price brackets, as your skills grow, these gloves may hold you back.
Most high-quality brands start around $60–$70 per pair. That’s the level of investment needed for gear that truly honors the art.
High-quality MMA gloves may be more expensive, but they will last you longer. Over time, the higher price tag pays off.
Step 2: Choose the right type of MMA glove for your training
MMA gloves come in two different styles, each designed for a specific purpose. Understanding which one matches your training needs is the fundamental step in making the right choice.
Traditional MMA gloves (a.k.a competition or grappling gloves)
These are the classic MMA gloves you see in events like the UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship. They offer minimal padding and weight (around 4oz), which means less protection for both your hands and your training partner, but greater ease when grappling.
These gloves are not recommended for everyday training due to their lack of protection. Most gyms don't even allow them in the training room.
They are best for fighters preparing for competitions. If that’s your situation, we recommend training with gloves as close as possible to those provided by the competition organizers. If possible, ask the matchmaker to send you a sample or brand reference of the event’s gloves.
💡 At Gladius, we don’t sell MMA competition gloves due to limited commercial demand. Most fighters prefer to train with hybrid gloves and only switch to traditional ones a few weeks before the fight.
Hybrid MMA gloves (a.k.a training or sparring gloves)
Hybrid MMA gloves are the go-to choice for everyday training. They offer the protection needed to safely train all three facets of MMA: striking, grappling, and ground-and-pound.
While the added padding and weight can feel a bit cumbersome for grappling at first, most fighters adapt quickly. Once you do, you'll be able to wrestle and submit with nearly the same ease as with bare hands.
We recommend this model 99% of the time when someone asks us which MMA glove to buy. It’s used by everyone, from beginners to professionals, making it an essential weapon in any fighter’s gear bag.
💡 At Gladius, all our MMA gloves follow the hybrid model, tested and approved by experienced coaches for safety and performance.
On top, a traditional MMA glove with flat profile. On the bottom, a Gladius hybrid MMA glove with a rounded profile.
Step 3: Choose the right fit
Gloves should feel like an extension of your hands. Too tight, and they’ll restrict movement. Too loose, and they won’t offer the protection you need.
Unlike boxing gloves, MMA gloves usually come in three main sizes that aren’t marked by ounces. Most brands label them as small, medium, and large, with a few offering an extra large option for heavyweight fighters who need a looser fit.
Why not ounces? Simple: There’s not much weight variance between MMA gloves of the same type. A small, medium, and large hybrid glove all weigh roughly the same. The only difference is the size of the hand compartment.
When buying MMA gloves, watch for these signs of a good fit:
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Snug but comfortable: Your gloves should fit tightly but not cut off circulation. We usually ask fighters to do the "shake test" (shake your hands, do you feel the glove moving too much? If yes, it is not as tight as it should).
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Feels good while wearing hand wraps: Always test the fit of your gloves with hand wraps on. You need to ensure there’s enough room for wraps, especially during sparring.
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Wrist support: A strong closure system is key to avoid injuries. Most gloves use velcro or laces, pick the one that you feel that offers better wrist stability for you.
💡 Extra Tip: If you’re unsure about your size, check the size guide available on our product pages.
MMA glove sizes do not differ by ounces. Instead, they differ by the size of hand compartment.
Step 4: Choose the material quality
Not all gloves are created equal. Durability and material quality matter, especially if you’re training multiple times a week.
MMA gloves can vary in three key areas: the outer material (leather vs. synthetic), stitching quality, and inner padding. Here’s what we recommend:
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Outer material: Leather gloves are more durable and comfortable. Synthetic leather is a budget-friendly alternative, but if you're planning to use your gloves long-term, leather is the better investment.
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Stitching: Look for double or triple stitching. It's a reliable sign of long-lasting construction. A quick inspection is often enough to spot quality.
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Inner padding: High-density layered foam, like the kind we use in Gladius gloves, offers excellent protection without sacrificing flexibility. This has become the go-to standard for most MMA gloves.
A quick inspection and fit check is enough to spot if the materials used in the glove are high-quality or not.
Step 5: Choose the brand
Once you’ve nailed down your budget, glove type, size, and material, your list of options will likely shrink to just a few brands.
Choosing which brand to commit to is a personal decision. Some brands have a philosophy that aligns more closely with yours. While we’d love for you to choose Gladius, we acknowledge that other top-tier brands also offer great products.
To help with your decision, here are a few things to look for:
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Warranties and benefits: Quality brands stand behind their gear. Some offer warranties or unique perks. For instance, Gladius offers a lifetime 8% discount after your first purchase.
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Design philosophy: This matters more than most people think. Do you like bold, flashy gloves or something more classic and minimal? Choose what matches your personality. Remember you’ll be wearing them for a long time.
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Ease of purchase: Some brands are only available in specific regions or suffer from stock issues. Make sure the brand you choose is easy to buy and ships reliably to your location.
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Reputation: Check out photos, online reviews, glove origin, and ask your experienced gym friends which brands they trust.
Step 6: Choose the aesthetics and design
MMA is as much about mindset as it is about technique. When you step into the cage or hit the training mats, your gloves should reflect your style and spirit. Choose the gloves that:
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Inspire you: The choice of colors, design and overall look of the glove needs to drive you to action. Don't take this lightly. Training with a piece that feels made for you will make a tremendous difference in your training consistency.
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Remind you of stories that ground you: Your glove needs to serve as weapon of combat and as a symbol that helps you quickly recall why you love to fight. Are you in this game to conquer multiple belts, to test yourself among other people or simply to break a sweat? Let your gloves be the token that always makes you remember it.
At Gladius, we believe fighting is a mental game. We take immense proud in being a pioneer in the field of treating fighting gloves as more than just protective equipment. Visit our product pages to learn more about our collections. Maybe you will find the right glove that inspires you to action.
Gladius Sailor and Empire side by side. Will one of these become yours?
Extra step: Maintain your gloves like a pro
Did you go through all 6 steps and define the glove you want to buy? Great. But your job isn’t done yet. Now you need to maintain your gloves properly to honor your investment and make them last as long as possible.
Remember: a master always takes care of the tools.
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Air them out: After each session, let your gloves dry to prevent odor and bacteria buildup. It is recommended to leave them in an open space that does not have direct sunlight.
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Clean regularly: Wipe them down with a damp cloth and use a leather conditioner once a month if needed.
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Store properly: Keep them in a well-ventilated area, avoiding damp places.
If you want to be a pro in glove care, we recommend you check our Glove Care 101 Guide.
Final thoughts
Choosing your new pair of gloves should be an exciting process. We hope these 6 steps help you narrow down your options and pick the pair that’s right for you.
You’ll be using this glove for a long time, so take your time, and treat the decision with the respect it deserves. It’s also a great opportunity to reflect on your goals, training style, and what truly inspires you.
When you’re ready, explore our Gladius collections. We’re confident you’ll find a pair that fits your path. And if you have any questions, our team is always here to help.
