MMA gloves are open fingered gloves with a lighter layer of padding across the knuckles than typical boxing gloves. The open finger design lets a wearer grip, clinch and apply certain submissions, which a fully enclosed boxing glove does not allow, reflecting the mix of striking and grappling in mixed martial arts.
Because the padding is thinner, MMA gloves offer less cushioning for the puncher's own hand than boxing gloves do, which is one reason many gyms use them mainly for controlled sparring and technical drilling rather than for the hardest striking sessions. Some training gloves in this category add extra wrist support or a more padded palm to help with grappling exchanges.
Sizing is typically simpler than for boxing gloves, often following small, medium and large rather than an ounce weight, though fit around the palm and wrist strap still needs checking for comfort during both striking and grappling movements. Hand wraps are commonly worn underneath for added wrist support. See our boxing gloves sizing guide for fitting principles that carry over to MMA gloves.
