In a surprising turn of events, the UFC has decided to revert back to their old style of gloves for the highly anticipated UFC 309 card headlined by the heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. This comes just six months after the introduction of newly designed gloves that were touted as a game-changer in reducing eye pokes and improving fighter comfort.
The new gloves, engineered by sports equipment manufacturer Vicis RDI, promised a better fit, increased flexibility, and strategic padding to keep fighters’ fingers in a more natural position. However, since their debut at UFC 302 in June, many fighters have expressed dissatisfaction with the gloves, citing discomfort and difficulty in training with them.
Fighter Complaints Prompt UFC to Take Action
Even the legendary Jon Jones, who is set to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, voiced his concerns about the new gloves during fight week.
“The shape, the curve in your hands, they’re very uncomfortable for me,” Jones revealed. “I was actually really stressed thinking, how am I going to go into fight week wearing these gloves that I don’t even really want to train in?”
– Jon Jones, UFC Heavyweight Champion
Jones’ sentiments echo those of many other fighters who have competed since the introduction of the new gloves. The UFC, known for prioritizing fighter safety and performance, ultimately decided to listen to their athletes and revert to the tried-and-true glove design.
The Evolution of MMA Gloves
MMA gloves have come a long way since the early days of the sport. In the UFC’s inaugural event in 1993, fighter Art Jimmerson famously competed with one bare hand and one boxing glove. It wasn’t until UFC 14 in 1997 that the organization made padded gloves mandatory for all competitors.
Over the years, glove design has focused on balancing protection for the fighters’ hands with the ability to grapple and apply submissions. The open-finger design allows for gripping, while padding on the knuckles and back of the hand provides striking protection.
The Challenge of Preventing Eye Pokes
One of the primary motivations behind the UFC’s attempt to introduce new gloves was to reduce the frequency and severity of eye pokes. Eye pokes can occur when a fighter’s outstretched fingers make contact with their opponent’s eyes, often leading to fights being stopped or even ruled a no-contest.
The new glove design featured different finger positioning to mitigate this risk. However, based on fighter feedback, it appears that the changes may have compromised comfort and feel for the athletes.
What’s Next for MMA Equipment Innovation?
The UFC’s decision to abandon the new gloves and return to the old design raises questions about the future of MMA equipment innovation. While the organization’s commitment to exploring improvements is commendable, this setback underscores the challenge of balancing performance, safety, and fighter preferences.
As the sport continues to evolve, it’s likely that we will see more attempts to refine and enhance the gear fighters use in training and competition. However, the UFC’s experience with the new gloves serves as a reminder that any changes must be carefully tested and vetted by the athletes themselves to ensure they meet the demands of elite-level MMA competition.
The Show Must Go On
For now, fans can look forward to seeing Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic do battle for the heavyweight title at UFC 309, with both men wearing the familiar gloves that have been a staple of the sport for years. While the future of MMA equipment may be uncertain, one thing remains clear: the fighters’ needs and preferences must always be at the forefront of any decisions regarding their safety and performance.
As the UFC continues to grow and evolve, it will be fascinating to see how they navigate the challenges of equipment innovation while staying true to the fighters who have made the organization the global leader in MMA. One thing is for sure – the gloves may change, but the heart, skill, and determination of the athletes who wear them will always be the true essence of the sport.
