- George Chung
- Apr 13, 2024
- 4 min read
In a thrilling update for mixed martial arts fans, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has officially introduced a new set of fight gloves, just in time for the highly anticipated UFC 300. This landmark event promises to be more than just a celebration of the sport's growth—it's also a showcase for groundbreaking gear designed to enhance fighter safety and performance.
The new gloves, dubbed "UFC Elite," feature several advanced technological improvements aimed at providing athletes with better protection and increased flexibility during matches. Developed with input from numerous fighters and sports scientists, these gloves include reinforced padding around the knuckles and wrist areas, ensuring maximum impact absorption and reducing the risk of injuries.
One of the standout features of the UFC Elite gloves is their ergonomic design. The gloves are tailored to fit the natural curvature of the fighters’ hands, which helps maintain a comfortable, snug fit throughout bouts. This design not only prevents the gloves from shifting during intense exchanges but also aids fighters in executing more precise and powerful strikes.
UFC President Dana White expressed his enthusiasm about the new gear at the launch event, stating, “Safety and performance are always our top priorities at the UFC. With the UFC Elite gloves, we’re taking these elements to a whole new level. These gloves are a game-changer for our athletes and the sport itself.”
The introduction of the UFC Elite gloves follows a series of safety and equipment enhancements the organization has implemented over the years. As MMA continues to evolve, the UFC remains at the forefront, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the sport.
The New UFC Official Fight Glove – Features and Improvements
Construction Features
New wristband locking system, better fits to the wrist, removing any space that permits an opponent from grabbing the glove
Lack of seams minimize abrasions and cuts; all seams are now on the palm side of the hand just below the fingers
Innovative padding makes it easier for fighters to keep their fingers in a natural position and minimize eye pokes
Removal of finger binding reduces bulk and minimizes seams that may cause abrasions and cuts
Padding added to the sides of the glove at the index and pinky fingers to protect vulnerable bone structure
Fit and Sizing
Glove sizing has been rescaled to better fit the athletes’ hands; slimmer profile removes excess space at the outside of the hand
Eliminated male/female sizing, streamlining the number of gloves to 10 unisex sizes, from XXXS – XXXXL, that properly scale with increase in hand size
Weight
Minimized weight and weight differential based on sizes
Glove weighs between 3-4.9 oz (1.9 oz differential)
Weight reduced 1-1.5 oz from previous UFC glove
Shape
Ergonomic curved wristband for better fit around the wrist
Scooped/angled finger holes eliminate bunching on the inside of the fisted hand
Material Development
Lining, custom printed 2-way stretch, moves with the hand
VICIS RFLX stacked foam padding, engineered for maximum flexibility and protection
Updated low profile hook and loop, minimizes snagging and reduces weight.
The debut of these gloves at UFC 300 not only marks a significant step forward in fighter gear but also commemorates the UFC's journey from a niche fighting league to a global sports phenomenon. As fighters gear up to step into the Octagon with these new gloves, fans can look forward to even more thrilling and safe performances.
The new UFC Official Fight Glove will be manufactured by Dyaco, UFC’s official combat and fitness equipment supplier.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Dyaco's history, with the unveiling of the UFC 5Eight and 3Eight Official Fight Gloves,” said Allen Ting, Chief Strategy Officer Dyaco International Inc. “This revolutionary glove design, developed in close collaboration with seasoned UFC fighters and top engineers, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of combat sports. As these innovative gloves make their debut in the Octagon, we are thrilled to bring a new level of protection and performance to fighters. It's an honor to contribute our expertise and passion for sports and fitness to this groundbreaking moment in UFC history.”
As an additional first-time innovation for UFC gloves, the 3EIGHT and 5EIGHT series will be embedded with NFC chips that utilize technology on the VeChainThor blockchain powered by VeChain, UFC’s official blockchain partner. Fans who purchase the gloves as memorabilia will be able to scan the chips via the official UFC website to view and verify the authenticity of the gloves and any history that is associated with them. Vechain’s proprietary NFC chip technology authenticates the gloves, and if fight worn, the athlete that used them and the bouts they were used in.
“This integration is a watershed moment in not only VeChain’s partnership with UFC but also in redesigning the blueprint for community engagement,” said Sunny Lu, CEO of VeChain. “This application showcases to a global audience the tangible, real-world benefits of our technology, further bridging two brands with their loyal and growing communities. The digital certificate minted on the VechainThor blockchain linked with the glove’s NFC chip will be in the form of a token securely stored, ensuring it is unique, verifiable, and authentic - opening up a world of verified fan memorabilia to relive cherished memories.”
Athletes are expected to debut the new UFC Official Fight Gloves in competition at UFC® 302 on Saturday, June 1 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
