The Essential MMA Fight Equipment Every Fighter Needs

Fancy joining an MMA gym? Want to step out of your comfort zone and engage in some fisticuffs? Maybe you’ve just watched all of the Rocky movies (again) and feel motivated to get into shape. Whatever your reasons for wanting to become an MMA expert, there’s no doubt that you’re in for some real hardcore training.

MMA is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, and, as such, you need to make sure that you’re properly outfitted with all the right gear before you even think about stepping into the ring. No one can deny the benefits of owning exercise equipment, and MMA certainly falls into that category.

What Equipment Do MMA Fighters Use?

Since this is an extremely contact-heavy and physically demanding sport, there’s a lot of specialised gear that you’ll need to stay safe and protected while you’re training. When you go to a well-stocked MMA fight store make sure you pick up the following:

Gloves

As the main point of contact between you and your opponent, gloves are absolutely essential in MMA. They offer extra cushioning and support for your knuckles and fingers, especially upon impact. They also prevent cuts and scrapes, and some even have built-in wrist support to help reduce the risk of injury.

Most gloves have an open design that allows you to easily make a fist, but there are also fingerless options available if you prefer. Both models offer pretty much the same level of protection, so it really comes down to personal preference. Either way, you should look for something that fits snugly and is comfortable to wear as you’ll be wearing them for long periods of time during training sessions.

Headgear

Moving on to the most critical part of your body – your noggin. Headgear is an absolute must in MMA, as even the slightest tap to the head can cause serious damage. Not only does it help to cushion blows, but it also protects your ears from being squished and your face from being scratched.

When you go to an MMA fight store, look for headgear that’s made from thick, high-quality foam. Anything too thin or flimsy won’t do much to protect you, as the foam will quickly compress upon impact. Don’t go too thick either – you still want to be able to hear your coach’s instructions clearly, and thicker headgear can make it more difficult to do so.

Mouth and Ear Guards

These small but mighty pieces of gear you can easily find at your chosen MMA fight store are often overlooked, but they’re actually just as important as gloves and headgear. Your teeth are delicate, and a hard hit to the mouth can easily break them. Having something on top of them will help to protect them, as well as your lips and gums.

Similarly, your ears are susceptible to being hit and damaged during a fight. While headgear does offer some protection, it’s not enough to completely safeguard this particular area. Wearing ear guards helps reduce the risk of injury, and can also assist in muffling the sound of blows landing which can be rather loud and disorienting if you’re not used to it.

The ringing sensation you sometimes experience after a hard hit is called tinnitus, and it can be quite debilitating if it’s severe enough. That’s why you should take measures to protect your ears, even if you’re just training and not actually fighting in competitions.

Cups

Boys, this one’s for you. The cup is designed to protect your man bits from being hit, kicked, or otherwise bruised during a fight. If you’ve ever been hit in that area, you’ll know just how important this piece of gear is. And if you’re lucky enough to have never experienced that particular brand of pain – you don’t want to.

The protective cup is essentially a small, hard shell that covers your junk. It’s made from a variety of materials, but most are either plastic or metal. A soft, padded version is also available, but it doesn’t offer as much protection as hard-shell cups.

Rash Guards

As tough as these areas might seem, they’re actually quite delicate and can be injured quite easily. Any blow to the elbow – whether it’s a direct hit or one that lands at an awkward angle – can cause severe pain. The same goes for the shin, as this particular bone is quite close to the surface.

That’s why you need to wear pads on these areas when you’re training or sparring. Elbow pads help to cushion impacts and absorb some of the shocks, while shin pads offer similar protection for your shins. Both types of pads are usually made from foam or gel and should be easy to slip on and off.

Footwear

You probably wouldn’t give footwear too much thought when you enter an MMA store but it’s actually an important piece of gear for any fighter. The right pair of shoes can help improve your balance and increase your traction, which is especially important when you’re trying to avoid getting taken down.

Perhaps more notably the right shoes can help prevent injuries. Look for shoes that have good ankle support and a wide base, as these will help to stabilize your feet and ankles. You should also opt for models with a soft sole, as this will help to absorb some of the impact when you’re training or sparring.