Best MMA Gloves for Grappling in 2021
Unless you are a beginner in MMA, you know how important grappling can be to the art. Grappling is the technique where the performers do not use strikes or punches. Instead, the aim is to get into a superior position to be able to control your opponents body and weight and apply submissions (and use a variety of punches in MMA Grappling).
For these specifics, there are specialized MMA gloves. Grappling does not essentially require separate gloves, but some things are achievable more so due to them. Here is our pick of the best MMA gloves for grappling in the market.
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Quick Overview of Top 3
#1 Winner
Venum Challenger MMA Gloves
#2 Runner Up
RDX MMA Gloves
#3 Third
Venum Undisputed 2.0 MMA Gloves
Buying Guide
Here are the things you should look out for when you are buying MMA gloves for grappling. It is important to know that some of the elements will vary from user to user, however.
Weight
The weight factor when buying any gloves can be a little complicated. You want a pair of gloves that fit well but also make your punches and strikes feel heavy. If you will be grappling a lot, it is best to get gloves that are more on the lighter side.
Gloves under 7 ounces with some padding will suffice well for this. Make sure that whatever gloves you are getting are able to leave your hands flexible and easy to move around. This is going to be essential for grappling.
Wrap
Wrapping is not very important in grappling. It may be risky to not wear any wrappings for your gloves, but it essentially makes it difficult for grappling with your gloves.
It is best to add some very minimal wrapping just for that extra bit of protection. However, if you feel stiff, it’s best to get rid of it.
Padding
Some padding is essential for all MMA gloves, and this is no exception. However, since this is going to be focused on grappling, it’s best to not get something too bulky. Excessive padding will make it harder for you to move your hands and grapple well.
Size
Size is very important when it comes to buying any kind of combat sports gloves. For grappling, you want something that fits your hands perfectly. Luckily for you, you will be able to find measurements for gloves wherever you are going to buy them.
So take some measurements of your palm and its curvature, as this will help you to decide what gloves you should buy.
9 Best MMA Gloves for Grappling
Venum Challenger MMA Gloves
The Venum Challenger is an easily affordable pair of MMA gloves that comes high in quality. If you are thinking of practicing grappling for MMA, this can be a great pick. These fit easily and are able to provide a lot of support.
Straight from Thailand, these gloves are made of leather, crafted for multi-purpose objectives. Velcro is always an additional benefit when it comes to gloves. They add the benefit of adjusting your glove exactly as much as you need.
The Velcro strip is also able to tighten your glove enough to avoid injuries. Additionally, the PU leather is able to absorb shock exactly the right amount. Foam and padding are constructed the right amount to handle the impact properly.
Pros:
- Five stylish colors to choose from, each adding to the visual appeal
- Foam is built in layers in order to make sure your hands stay protected
- Made by one of the most veteran companies when it comes to MMA gloves
Cons:
- Palm is not very well protected, so there is a risk of slipping the hands
RDX MMA Gloves
The RDX MMA gloves provide the user with the practice durability they need. The absorption technology for shock impact goes perfectly with the triple-layered padding installed inside. It also ends up covering the knuckle region and the wrist-joint area for maximum protection.
These are great gloves for under the budget in terms of quality. The cowhide leather construction is the most notable feature implemented in these gloves. This adds more value to the already great resistance to shock.
If you are worried about adjustment and fitting, the Velcro straps are great for this. Lastly, for cooling and sweating, ventilation is installed well in the RDX MMA too. The mesh type build is able to absorb most moisture that may collect inside.
Pros:
- Great pair of color schemes to choose from for your visual appeal
- 100% authentic cowhide leather is used for construction for durability
- Cooling and moisture absorption is ensured by a specialized micro-fabric
Cons:
- Takes time to break in as the leather construction proves to be stiff
Venum Undisputed 2.0 MMA Gloves
If you are familiar with the original Undisputed, you already know where this is going. The Undisputed 2.0 is created with a more comfortable design compared to its predecessor.
It also comes with a curved shape that lets you pack an even more powerful punch. The closure system implemented here fits all sizes and lets you close the fist more comfortably and easily.
The best feature of these gloves is their design and crafting. The layered foam is excellently implemented for extra protection. Look no further if you are looking for MMA gloves for grappling.
Pros:
- Six great color schemes and combinations to choose from
- Crafted and created by Thailand’s renowned MMA gloves brand
- Great protection provided by the layered foam structure
Cons:
- Takes a while to break in for your hands after you start using them
Hayabusa T3 MMA Gloves
The Hayabusa T3 is great for sparring, grappling, or striking. These are engineered for performers of all weight classes and are a great addition to your MMA gears.
What makes these good for grappling is their pre-curved design, reducing hand stress and stabilizing the wrists during grappling. The XT2 antimicrobial lining is able to repel the inside of your gloves from odor.
The Y-Volar design is also convenient, as it is able to deliver great stability and superior control compared to the standard MMA glove. Consistent, stable, and adjustable fit, what else do you need for a good MMA glove for grappling, right?
Pros:
- Great Y-Volar design is able to make the most for stability and control
- Excellent microbial technology to make sure that your hands stay cool
- Comes and manufactures in six different color schemes for aesthetic
Cons:
- Can take a long time for your hands to break in, the design is slightly stiff
Everlast MMA Gloves
The Everlast MMA gloves are one of the best in the market for grappling. They will give you the experience you need for premium synthetic leather. This also adds to the durability, alongside the longevity and the functionality.
The EverDri technology used here is one of the most well-implemented features in these gloves. It keeps the insides of the gloves cool and dry, and thus gives you comfort, even after many hours of training.
Grappling is made easy with these, however, the support is not very good for your palms. Additionally, they also add a lot of value to the budget for beginners who want to start out.
Pros:
- Visual appeal is maintained by two great color schemes to choose from
- Premium synthetic leather is used for construction making it durable
- EverDri technology by Everlast makes the interior well ventilated
Cons:
- Not very durable for a pair of MMA gloves when compared to others
Combat Sports MMA Gloves
These gloves are versatile, as they are great for sparring, striking, competition, and grappling too. As one of the most technically durable gloves on this list, it is very popular. They weigh about 5 ounces, and the padding is done well too.
They have an open palm design, which is great if you are a grappler as an MMA performer. It is able to give you a firm grip and control. Longevity is maintained well with these gloves due to the synthetic leather build.
For beginners who want to start training, these gloves are great for MMA.
Pros:
- Made for people of all ages, including young learners aged above 12
- Eight color schemes to choose from for you adding to the visuals
- Meets the standard requirements of the MMA for all competitions
Cons:
- Not good in terms of durability when compared to other MMA gloves
Hayabusa Tokushu Regenesis MMA Gloves
Hayabusa Tokushu Regenesis is one of the best gloves in the market. The construction is able to improve the curved design by 30%. It also features the Dual-X wrist closure system, which is very popular in the MMA community.
The anti-microbial lining is excellent for the highest comfort on the inside for your hands. Additionally, they are also installed with the AG inner fabric. These make the experience more comfortable and soft for your hands.
The anti-odor and dryness you will feel on the inside are implemented by the X-Static XT2 technology. Lastly, the gloves are open palm. This makes them essentially perfect for grappling in MMA.
Pros:
- Cooling and odor is handled perfectly by multiple types of technology
- Dual-X closure is able to make sure your gloves stay on tight perfectly
- Two great color schemes to choose from, which adds great visuals
Cons:
- Might take a long time for your hands to break in as the gloves are stiff
RDX F12 MMA Gloves
Grappling is made easy with the RDX F12 MMA Gloves. If you are looking for resilient, flexible gloves to get into MMA, look no further. The Maya-Hide construction is long-lasting and durable. However, this is not as durable as other RDX models.
Affordability is probably the most prominent feature in these gloves as they are great for the value. Additionally, the padding is done with polymax. This glove is able to bend and curve over your hands and knuckles, protecting them.
The inside of these gloves is micro-fabric, with a moisture-wicking element to them. This takes away moisture and provides your hands with the breathability and comfort that they need.
Pros:
- Four color schemes to pick from for the best visual appeals
- Created from a synthetic Maya-Hide build for durability
- Affordable and great for the budget for the quality it delivers
Cons:
- Not as durable as it should be for a product of this caliber
Sanabul Battle Forged MMA Gloves
Created for sparring, striking, and grappling, you can find versatility in these gloves. Transfer to each mode of MMA without needing to change your gloves. The Sana Battle Forced MMA achieves this through excellent engineering.
No chance of fungi or bacteria collecting internally, as this is handled by the anti-microbial premium lining. This is also able to make sure that your gloves do not collect moisture and make your hands sweaty and have an odor.
Fitting and adjustment are handled excellently by the Velcro straps installed. This lets you put them on with ease and take them off without hassle.
Pros:
- A great Velcro strap installed for your hands to feel comfortable
- The anti-microbial lining makes sure that bacteria and fungi do not form
- Three different color schemes to choose from in order to make them appealing
Cons:
- Breaking your hands into the gloves can take ample amounts of time
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need padding for gloves for grappling?
Padding is not a mandate, however, a bit of padding can help you quite a bit for grappling. Essentially, if you have no experience with MMA or grappling, it is highly advisable that you get a glove with significant padding.
However, the padding will hinder your grappling as it will make it harder to move your fingers freely. Moreover, it may make your hands feel uncomfortable when you are grappling. So it is not recommended if you have been in the MMA scene for enough time.
Is it okay to use gloves that are a bit oversized?
Not at all. Oversized gloves will make it harder for you to move your hands-free and fall at risk of letting your hands slip. This is absolutely not desirable in the art of grappling in MMA.
How much maintenance do I need for my grappling gloves?
Modern MMA gloves mostly have some technologies built into them that make them self-maintainable. However, you should put your gloves up for cleaning at least once a month if you are practicing or performing very vigorously.
Conclusion
Grappling is an essential part of the art of MMA. So it is important that you get the right gloves for when you are practicing or performing in this art. The best gloves are those that protect your hands but also lets you move freely.
This applies especially in the domain of grappling, as the inability to move your hands with agility will hinder your performance. Any one of these gloves is great if you are looking for something to start grappling with.
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