Official UFC Glove Requirements

The UFC is the premier mixed martial arts promotion in the United States. MMA has evolved a lot since the UFC's inception in 1993. The UFC has been criticized for brutality in the past, but it is now a highly regulated sport.

  1. History

    • When the UFC was founded in 1993, the fighters were not required to wear gloves. It wasn't until UFC 14 in 1997 that gloves were made mandatory.

    Glove Requirements

    • All gloves must be approved by the UFC. The gloves must weigh between 4 and 6 ounces and provide one inch of padding over the knuckles. They must also have open fingers so the fighters can grab.

    Benefits of Gloves

    • Gloves decrease the risk of hand injuries to the fighters throwing punches.

    Styles of Gloves

    • UFC gloves are usually made of 100 percent leather and can be purchased in many styles. The most popular style has a fully open thumb and palm.

    Fun Fact

    • Gloves appeared in the UFC prior to being mandatory. At UFC 1 in 1993, Art Jimmerson wore a single boxing glove on his left hand. He was submitted in the first round by UFC 1 champion Royce Gracie.