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Boxing gloves have been around for much longer than MMA gloves. They appeared alongside the sport of boxing.
The development of MMA gloves was essential to adapt to the demands of rising combat sports. These gloves offer fighters the necessary form to perform effectively. Those gloves tend to have their specialized design. So MMA gloves have become essential equipment for combatants of all levels.
Boxing gloves' primary function is to support striking. But MMA gloves help grappling techniques as well. The main difference between the two types of gloves is their purpose.
There is a significant difference between MMA and boxing gloves. MMA gloves are smaller and have open fingers. While boxing gloves are more oversized and cover the entire hand. Furthermore, both gloves have various subtypes with distinct characteristics and advantages.
MMA gloves
MMA gloves tend to:
Be small
Be open-fingered
Contain 4-6 ounces of cushioning
Fingers are free for grappling/wrestling
Also, these gloves have different categories:
Competition Gloves: When it comes to competition gloves, size matters. For amateur-level matches, fighters use more oversized 6-ounce gloves to cut the risk of injuries. Professionals, however, use smaller 4 oz gloves.
Training/sparring gloves: These are for training, as the name suggests. You would use them during practice. Opt for a size large, 7 oz, to avoid any potential injuries.
Wrestling/Grappling Gloves: Fighters often use this item during their classes, as it helps during grappling.
Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves are a necessary item for practice. Fighters wear these gloves during matches and training for protection.
Modern boxing gloves' design makes them non-lethal. The padding protects the fighter's hand and the opponent's head during a fight. There are also specialized gloves for sparring and other forms of boxing training.
Proper gloves are crucial for any practitioner's safety and success in the ring.
Similar to MMA gloves, boxing gloves also come in various types:
Bag gloves: Athletes sometimes use cushioned gloves to protect their hands when training with punching bags. It makes sense, as heavy strikes can take a toll on the hands. However, trainers don't recommend using these gloves for boxing training, especially if you're not sparring.
Their sizes range from 8 oz - 16 oz.
Bag mitts: When practicing punches on a bag, it's beneficial to use mitts. They provide padding for your hands, helping to strengthen them. Also, they help you improve your technique for closed-fist punching.
Size: 2oz
Sparring gloves: Choosing the right size is essential if you need a sparring glove. It would be best if you made a choice based on your hand size and punching strength. There are various sizes available to accommodate different individuals.
Size range: 4 oz - 20 oz
Competition gloves: Athletes use these gloves during competitions. Their design complies with the rules of the matches.
Size Range: 8 oz - 12oz
Weighted gloves: Boxers use weighted gloves to increase training resistance. The aim is to strengthen the punching movement. The fighters need to use them in moderation. One should be rotating with unweighted practice to avoid injuring the muscles.
Weight range: 1 kg - 3 kg
Could You List The Difference Between MMA and Boxing Gloves?
So here are the main differences between those gloves:
Open/closed finger
Material
Padding
Weight
Functionality
Design
Wrapping
Which One is Safer?
Based on the facts, boxing gloves are the way to go if you ask which is safer. In the short term, there's less chance of getting cut or facial fractures. However, in a long time, it's a different story. While wearing boxing gloves, you can take more punches to the head before getting knocked out, which also means more brain trauma over time. Before deciding, you need to assess the benefits and cons.
When To Use One or The Other?
You might use MMA gloves during the following:
MMA striking classes (including private classes)
MMA sparring
Grappling classes with striking
Whereas you could use Boxing gloves in:
Boxing classes/sparrings
Muay Thai classes/sparrings
MMA striking classes focused on boxing
Bag work
Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between MMA and boxing gloves, it's time to put them to the test! Whether starting out in MMA or entering the boxing ring, ensure you have the right gear to protect your hands and improve your performance. Good luck on your journey in combat sports!