In a significant development, the UFC has introduced a revamped design for its official gloves, which debuted at UFC 302’s highly anticipated lightweight title bout between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. The revamped gloves aim to provide a more comfortable fit, enhance flexibility, and reduce injuries. While Makhachev has expressed concerns about the new design, Poirier has given a thumbs up to the innovation.
UFC CEO Dana White unveiled the redesigned gloves during UFC 300, touting them as a “game changer” for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. The new gloves are designed to feel lighter, fit fighters’ hands better, and prevent injuries. However, Makhachev has voiced concerns that the stiffer design might lead to more cuts during fights. In a recent video, Makhachev noted that the new gloves are stiffer than their predecessors, which could cause more cuts due to the inability to fully open one’s hand.
On the other hand, Poirier has been experimenting with the new gloves and has come out in support of the redesign. In an interview on The MMA Hour, Poirier explained that the old gloves were flat, making it difficult to form a fist and causing strain on the forearm, leading to fatigue. He believes the new design addresses this issue, allowing for a more natural fist formation. Poirier stated, “I like them. They’re a lot easier to make a closed fist.” He added that the old gloves were tough to make a closed fist with, whereas the new ones provide a snug fit.
When asked about the new gloves, Poirier shared his experience, saying, “My hands kind of got a little banged up. They’re thinner. They’re thinner, right? My hand is still healing. Oh, damn. Yeah. Right here. Like all the… And that’s nine days later. Both hands, actually.” Despite showing signs of wear and tear, Poirier remains optimistic about the new design, emphasizing that he can make a tighter fist with the new gloves.
