The majority of modern combat sports, including martial arts, use gloves in one way or another. This article will take you through the difference between MMA gloves and boxing gloves so keep on reading.
There are two primary distinctions between MMA gloves and boxing gloves. Firstly, boxing gloves are more significant in size than the former most of the time. Secondly, MMA gloves are open-handed. Also, the fingers point out from the gloves.
Differences between MMA gloves and boxing gloves
1. Padding
One of the main distinctions you’ll notice in the gloves is the padding. Boxing gloves typically include good padding, and particular variations weigh 16 ounces or more.
A boxer may often throw and receive more punches than an MMA fighter during any competition. The MMA gloves don’t come with the same padding and are also less heavy.
2. Fingers
The design for the fingers is another significant difference between the two gloves. The boxing gloves cover all of the hands, and instead of being similar to regular gloves, they are more like mittens.
On the other hand, the MMA gloves are more similar to genuine gloves in this way. However, they will give the fingers space to move around freely inside the gloves.
If we compare boxing and MMA, boxing is only throwing punches. Whereas in MMA, it is essential to make sure the hands you use are as agile as they can be.
3. Closure
Traditional boxing gloves cover half of the fighter forearms. Furthermore, they are held in place with laces like the ones you will usually find on shoes. Mixed martial arts gloves seldom cover the upper part of the wrist.
Instead, they are secured with a strap or Velcro tabs that wrap around the wrist. Contemporary boxing gloves are equipped with a strap-and-Velcro closure, which is a method that is used more often for training than during competition.
4. Hand Wraps
Boxers wrap around their wrists and hands to shield wrists, forearms, and knuckles from the force of hundreds of strikes. Boxing gloves are designed to take on this additional weight.
In contrast, hand wraps are not as standard in MMA, and the gloves are noticeably smaller and have a narrow space between the glove and the hand itself.
Which One Is Better?
MMA gloves
These are open-handed gloves for MMA competitions. These gloves have open fingers, are small, and typically have around four to six ounces of padding along the upper part to shield the hands of fighters.
They are also referred to as grappling gloves because they enable the fighter to grip the opponent. That’s why they’re so different from boxing gloves.
Moreover, they help protect the hand of the fighter as well as lessen the risk of facial injuries in the opponent’s corner. Although, they cannot prevent severe brain injuries or traumas.
Nevertheless, they are a crucial component of MMA equipment.
Boxing gloves
Boxing gloves are cushioned and are used in boxing and other combat sports. They are more significant than standard MMA gloves.
In terms of design, the boxing gloves come with lace-ups or Velcro. The former option will be more secure and offers an ideal fit; however, you’ll need help from someone to put them on. The latter option adds more security to the wrist since the Velcro acts as an additional hand wrap.
In addition, wearing your gloves on top of the second cotton hand wrap supports your fist and prevents fractures. Lastly, the passing protects your fingers and fist.
Comparison
Based on the differences between MMA gloves and boxing gloves, if you’re trying to decide which is more suitable, then the answer is both are equally great in their respective fields. But, honestly, it all depends on what you’d like to pursue as your training and career.
If you’re a fan of MMA, choosing MMA gloves would be a better option. They specifically cater to the needs of MMA fighters.
While boxing gloves appear safer than MMA gloves, they aren’t much better than MMA gloves. They protect the hand of the fighter (here, the boxing gloves may perform better, however, not by much) and their faces from cuts.
However, just like MMA gloves, boxing gloves aren’t a sure thing in the event of severe head trauma or injuries.
Both MMA and boxing gloves can increase the chance of severe head injury because fighters can strike harder while in gloves. They both offer better protection than fighting with bare knuckles. However, they can’t shield you from dangerous situations.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the difference between MMA gloves and boxing gloves, you can choose or change your gloves based on the size and type of training you are undergoing.
