Longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan has voiced his discontent with the promotion’s latest attempt to address the ongoing issue of eye pokes. Despite the recent unveiling of new gloves at UFC 302, Rogan believes the changes have not made a significant impact in deterring this prevalent problem.
During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the veteran analyst shared his honest assessment of the new gloves. “These new gloves, they ain’t no better than the old gloves,” Rogan said. “Dudes are still getting poked in the eyes.” While acknowledging that the updated gloves feature improved padding, Rogan believes the core design flaw remains unaddressed.
Rogan’s primary criticism lies in the fact that the fingers are still able to protrude from the gloves, potentially causing accidental eye contact during matches. “The best gloves are clearly not made yet, they need to cover the fingers,” he explained. “You don’t ever [overlap fingers], they don’t come into play, you always [make a fist] or [grip]. All you have to do is padding on the knuckles and a protective, thin leather layer that covers the hands that the fingers slip into.”
The UFC’s new gloves, which debuted in golden championship colors, were meant to address a long-standing issue that has plagued the sport. High-profile events, such as the Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier trilogy, have been marred by multiple eye poke incidents, leading to growing calls for a solution.
Rogan, however, believes the latest iteration of gloves has failed to provide a meaningful remedy. “That eliminates 90% of all eye pokes, and doesn’t change everything with grappling and striking,” he said.
The respected commentator has long been an advocate for gloves designed by renowned head coach Trevor Wittman, who has trained fighters like Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman. Wittman’s gloves have garnered praise for their comprehensive approach to protecting fighters’ eyes.
Many UFC fans believe that the new gloves are to blame for lack of knock outs on the cards lately.
