Ahead of Saturday’s massive UFC 300 card in Las Vegas, the promotion unveiled its brand new glove which is scheduled to make its own Octagon debut this summer.
The new official fight glove, dubbed the 3Eight and 5Eight, will be first used on June 1 when the promotion returns to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
“The UFC’s had evolutions in many aspects of its operation,” UFC executive Duncan French said on Friday. “The one thing that’s been static for 11, 12 years is one critical component, and that’s the gloves. To go down this road of new gloves is essential.”
Key Features and An Assortment of Colors Highlights the UFC’s New Glove Presentation
Some of the key features of the new glove that will earn appreciation from fans and fighters include a wristband locking system designed to better fit the wrist and eliminate any space that would allow an opponent to grab the inside of the gloves during a grappling exchange.
The gloves also sport a new seamless design to help prevent cuts and abrasions upon impact.
One of the more technological updates to the new gloves is an authentication data chip that will be implanted in each glove. This allows the UFC to identify a pair of gloves from a specific fight and the fighter who wore them, authenticating the gloves as being fight-worn.
Perhaps most importantly, French said the UFC is confident the new gloves will “significantly reduce” both eye pokes and broken hands.
Duncan French is asked if the new #UFC gloves will help reduce eye pokes. pic.twitter.com/fAuG3Vdn1y
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) April 12, 2024
The new line of gloves will also come in a variety of colors, coordinating with a specific fight or event. Championship fights will feature the gold-colored gloves while non-title fights will dawn the more traditional black — same as with bouts on The Ultimate Fighter.
However, athletes featured on Dana White’s Contender Series will wear blue gloves. A red pair will also be utilized for miscellaneous events, i.e. Road to UFC.
The different gloves.#UFC pic.twitter.com/pqlqqYvVc9
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) April 12, 2024
“We have been working on these gloves over the past few years with the best designers, engineers, and athletes in the world,” said UFC CEO and President Dana White. “This redesign will truly be a game changer for the entire sport of MMA.
“These gloves will feel lighter, fit fighters’ hands better, prevent injuries, and provide maximum flexibility during the fights. You’ll start to see these in competition this summer.”
Check out the full presentation below:
Transcription by MMA Junkie.
