An MMA session might start with punching combinations, move into a takedown and end with ground work. Your gear needs to keep up with those changes. Shorts that feel comfortable when you’re standing should stay comfortable when you turn your hips. Gloves need to suit the drill: striking with closed boxing gloves is different from gripping with open MMA gloves.
In this guide, you’ll put together a complete MMA kit for striking, grappling and mixed training. You’ll learn which items form the foundation, how to compare specific models and which accessories are useful. Detailed sizing and care questions are covered in separate in-depth guides.
MMA gear starts with three types of training
MMA in a product name is a useful starting point, but your training session determines what you wear. Because you combine different ranges and techniques, it pays to consider your gear for each use. That way, you can make a targeted choice instead of expecting one pair of gloves to work equally well for every drill.
- Striking: practicing punches and kicks, throwing combinations on pads and doing suitable forms of standing contact training. Choose gloves and protective gear for the specific drill.
- Grappling: clinching, takedowns, positions and ground techniques. A snug-fitting rash guard, comfortable shorts and gear that moves with you are important here.
- Mixed MMA training: switching between striking, gripping and ground work. Open MMA gloves offer different options from closed boxing gloves; the design must suit the type of contact.
That gives you a practical foundation: suitable gloves, clothing, a mouthguard, a properly fitting groin protector and shin guards for kicking drills. Choose Handwraps and extras to complement the rest. You can mix brands without a problem. A well-fitting protector and comfortable shorts do not need to have the same logo.
MMA training gloves: room to strike and grip
A padded MMA training glove combines open fingers with a defined striking surface. That makes it useful for drills where you switch between striking, gripping and taking positions. Look at the shape of the knuckle padding, the room around your fingers and how the cuff fastens around your wrist.
Comparing MMA hybrids: closure, material and room for your hands
The 7 oz models discussed are distinctly different from the more compact 4 oz gloves below. More padding is a relevant consideration, but not a license to go harder in every partner drill. The type of contact still matters. Check the letter size too: 7 oz indicates weight, not your hand size.
Hayabusa T3 7 oz
The T3 hybrid has pre-shaped knuckle padding, multilayer foam and the Dual-X closure with two belts. Hayabusa lists partner drills, pad work and punching bag training among its uses. The black version has a synthetic exterior. A focused choice if you want an open training model with an adjustable wrist closure.
Hayabusa T3 LX Retro 7 oz
The LX gives this training option a leather exterior and a brown retro look. Full-grain leather is a concrete difference from the synthetic T3, not an automatic indication of a different permitted level of contact. Give the fit and closure the same attention you would with any other model.
King Pro Boxing Revo 2 7 oz
The Revo 2 uses skintex, thick knuckle padding and an extended hook-and-loop closure that wraps twice around the wrist. The short, protected thumb section also stands out. This is another design to compare if you want a padded open model and want to feel which cuff and fit suit you best.
Compact 4 oz MMA gloves
A compact open glove leaves relatively little bulk around your hand. That is familiar from MMA competitions, but the look of a competition glove does not tell you which glove is best for your next partner drill. Compare the actual padding and intended use, not just the look of a professional fight.
Hayabusa T3 4 oz
The T3 4 oz has open fingers and a more compact knuckle design than the 7 oz hybrid. Its synthetic exterior, Dual-X closure and Y-Volar palm are specific design features. Hayabusa positions the model for MMA training and competition; that does not automatically mean it is approved for a specific event.
If you're buying your first MMA gloves, start with how you plan to use them. A compact design can have a specific role in your gear, while a training model with more padding makes more sense for other drills. Check the letter size and the space available with any handwraps separately for each model.
Boxing gloves for separate striking sessions
Many MMA athletes also do separate punching sessions. That is where a closed boxing glove comes in: your fingers sit together in the hand compartment, and the shape is designed for a closed fist. That works well for the intended punching, but it does not offer the same ability to grip as an open MMA model.
Rival RS11V Evolution
The RS11V is a sparring glove with a hook-and-loop closure. This model belongs in a separate sparring category, not in a general recommendation for the punching bag. Compare the glove weight you want with the actual space inside the glove; those are two choices that the same number cannot answer.
XPRT Pro V3
The Pro V3 is a closed boxing glove to compare with other training models. Assess the cuff, the room around your knuckles and how your fist closes with the handwraps you plan to wear. The XPRT Top Gloves and the white Winning MS600B with hook-and-loop closure offer other models for a focused comparison.
A universal oz rule based only on your body weight oversimplifies the choice. Hand shape, wrapping, glove model and training goal all matter. The detailed boxing guide helps you choose that separate striking equipment without turning the MMA guide into a second full boxing guide.
Our Fight2Win picks for a complete MMA foundation
This selection brings together seven specific items for an athlete who combines stand-up work and grappling. It’s an editorial selection of individual products, not a bundle with one shared size or a promised set discount. A separate boxing glove also has its own role in dedicated striking training.
Hayabusa T3 7 oz
Our open-fingered training option with padded knuckle protection and the Dual-X closure. Check the letter size and whether you can open your hand with the wrap you plan to use. If you prefer leather, the T3 LX is another option.
Rival Mexican Stretch
A stretchy handwrap you can wrap evenly around your hand and wrist. Choose an amount of fabric that fits comfortably in your MMA glove. How the full combination feels matters more than making the wrap as thick as possible.
Rival SH20 MMA
The shin guard has a padded front, neoprene back and separate leg and ankle fastenings. Compare how it fits for stand-up work and how it feels when transitioning to kneeling and ground positions.
Shock Doctor Gel Max
The mouthguard in this selection. Choose the version that suits your teeth and mold it according to its instructions. A suitable case and a regular cleaning routine are part of the setup.
Shock Doctor Ultra SD329
A cup with a jockstrap as a compact groin protection option. If you want a different way to wear it or a women’s model, compare the Bioflex compression shorts or a groinguard shaped for that purpose.
XPRT Hybrid 2.0
Shorts for switching between punches, kicks and groundwork. The stretch fabric, elastic waistband and drawstring make them a practical clothing choice for a varied training week.
Booster GS
A close-fitting rashguard with stretch panels as a top layer for grappling and MMA training. Choose your size based on the room you need to move through your torso and shoulders, independently of your shorts size.
Handwraps: a well-fitting wrap under your gloves
Handwraps let you adjust the wrapping around your hand and wrist to suit your fit. With MMA, there’s a practical trade-off: you need enough room to open your hand and grip. A thick wrap that feels comfortable in your boxing gloves can feel very different in an open-fingered glove.
Comparing MMA handwraps: stretch and room for your hands
With an open MMA glove, it is not just the length of your handwrap that matters, but above all where you place the fabric. Keep the layers flat and check that your fingers can move freely and you can comfortably close your hand. Compare the following models using the wrap you wear for your own training.
Fight2Win V2 450 cm
Fight2Win V2 is a practical choice when you want to arrange the layers yourself with a long handwrap. Keep the layers flat, avoid bunching in the palm and check the fit with the gloves you will train in. Judge the combination, not just the roll of fabric on its own.
Rival Mexican Stretch
A stretchy handwrap feels different to wrap than a stiffer version. Rival Mexican Stretch and XPRT Easy Stretch are examples to compare for stretch, fabric thickness and fastening. Do not pull the fabric so tight that your fingers tingle or you have trouble closing your fist.
Extra gel or thicker handwraps are specific options, not an automatic improvement for every MMA glove. Choose an amount of material that feels comfortable and lets your fingers do their job. The handwrap buying guide and the instructions for putting them on go into more detail on material choice and wrapping in even layers.
MMA shin guards for stand-up work and transitions
With shin guards, look at the front and at what happens behind your leg. Absorbing a kick is one situation; kneeling, moving your foot and working through a takedown are others. The fastening, flexibility at the ankle and fit around the calf all make a difference.
Rival SH20 MMA
The SH20 combines a padded front with a perforated neoprene back. A hook-and-loop closure below the knee and an elastic band around the ankle hold it in place. This is a specific construction to compare if you are looking for an MMA guard with a back that wraps around your leg.
Hayabusa T3 Core Sleeve
The Core Sleeve takes a different approach: a sock-like knitted sleeve without separate belts or a hook-and-loop closure. You pull it on like a sleeve. When comparing it, look at the fit around your calf, the length of the striking surface and how the foot section moves with your ankle.
A large kickboxing shin guard and an MMA sleeve are not just different styles. They feel different when you switch between stand-up and ground work. Use the model's own size chart and check the space around your knee and instep. The general size guide provides background, not a substitute for model-specific measurements.
A mouthguard belongs in your contact gear
Your mouthguard deserves its own place in your gear. It is not an accessory that other protective equipment can replace. Choose a version that fits your teeth and make sure it stays comfortably in place without having to keep clenching down hard.
Shock Doctor Gel Max
The Gel Max is a moldable mouthguard you can compare with other models. Molding it correctly is a separate step: follow the instructions for this exact model rather than using one general boiling method for all mouthguards. The SafeJawz Intro is another specific option in the range.
If you have braces, choose a suitable model. Clean your mouthguard after use, let it dry and carry it in a suitable case. The bottom of a sports bag is not a good place to store it. A mouthguard is important for protecting your teeth, but it does not guarantee protection against concussions.
Groin protection that moves with you
In MMA, how a groinguard fits when you bend at the hips, kneel and grapple on the ground matters. Trying it on only while standing gives you an incomplete picture. Assess the cup and support system together, wearing the clothes you use during training.
Shock Doctor Ultra SD329
The Ultra SD329 combines a cup with a jockstrap. It's a compact support system to consider wearing under your MMA shorts. Check the waistband size and how the cup fits; looser shorts won't fix an uncomfortable cup shape.
Shock Doctor Core Bioflex compression trousers
This model has a removable Bioflex cup in compression trousers. This gives you a different way to keep the cup in place than a separate jockstrap. Care for the trousers and cup separately according to their instructions.
The Bio Flex SD213 and the XPRT Basic versions offer other options. There are dedicated women's models, such as the XPRT Basic. Compare their individual shapes and fits. A large professional boxing no-foul protector is a different category and may not allow the same freedom of movement as a sports cup under MMA shorts.
MMA shorts: comfortable in every position
Good MMA shorts stay comfortable when you kick, bend deeply and turn on the mat. Check the room around your hips, the leg length and the waistband. Trousers that fit well when you're standing must also give you enough room with a bent knee and a twisted torso.
XPRT Hybrid 2.0
The Hybrid 2.0 uses stretch polyester microfiber and an elastic drawstring waistband. The slightly longer design is made for athletes who combine striking and grappling. A straightforward choice if you want one pair of training shorts for both.
King Pro Boxing Stormking Basic
The Stormking Basic has stretch polyester and an elastic waistband with a drawstring. Pay particular attention to its own sizing and how it feels around your hips. Its shape and sizing are not necessarily the same as the XPRT's.
Booster Skull
The Booster Skull has a slightly longer fit, a polyester outer layer and an elastic waistband with a drawstring. It gives you a different style to compare with the more understated models. Choose the design you like, but make freedom of movement and fit the basis of your decision.
For partner training, also check the finishing details. Loose fastenings and hard parts need attention. Check competition clothing separately against the event's requirements. The difference between MMA shorts and boxing or kickboxing shorts is more than just the brand on the leg.
A rashguard for grappling and mixed training
A close-fitting layer of fabric is practical for groundwork. A rashguard stays closer to your torso than a loose shirt and provides a layer between your skin and the surface you come into contact with. Check for room around the shoulders and armpits and how it fits when you raise your arms above your head.
Choosing a rashguard for movement on the mat
Assess a rashguard while making the movements you use on the mat: rotate your torso, extend your arms and bend at the hips. The fabric should move with you and stay comfortably close to your body. This lets you assess the fit as part of your MMA gear.
Booster GS
The black Booster GS combines polyester and elastane with stretch panels at the sides. Its understated design pairs well with different shorts and protectors. Choose a size that fits snugly without restricting your movement; a rashguard should not keep riding up when you turn.
A rashguard is no substitute for a clean mat, personal hygiene or washing your clothes. Wear a clean one for every training session and wash it according to the label. For separate fitness or bag training, you can also choose another comfortable sports shirt. Different rules for tops may apply in competition than at the gym.
Knee and elbow pads as targeted additions
A lot of groundwork means your knees regularly come into contact with the mat. A soft padded protector can be a comfortable addition. Check where the padding sits, how the back of the joint is finished and whether the model moves well as you bend.
Booster B-Force knee pads
The B-Force combines padded neoprene with stretch mesh at the back. The silicone edges are one notable difference on the McDavid Flex Force. Compare how they fit and feel during the same kneeling movement.
Booster B-Force elbow pads
The elbow version is shaped around the joint, with neoprene and stretch mesh. Choose this addition for exercises where padded elbow protection is appropriate. A soft protector is no reason to increase the intensity of partner contact.
Also distinguish between padded training gear and a thin joint sleeve. The clothing rules for an MMA match may treat them very differently. Just because a protector feels comfortable during practice does not automatically mean it is permitted in competition.
Bare feet, headgear and separate training gear
For typical mixed MMA training on the mat, you generally train barefoot. Boxing shoes are for boxing as a separate discipline, and wrestling shoes are for wrestling training. They are useful specialist shoes, not standard footwear for every mixed MMA exercise.
Headgear is not automatically part of every MMA session either. For separate stand-up contact training, a suitable model may have a place. For clinch and ground work, visibility, fit and how the protection behaves matter in their own right. Headgear does not replace your mouthguard and does not guarantee protection against concussions.
This keeps your gear logically organized: first the equipment for the training you actually do, then targeted additions for the disciplines you practice separately. For a more extensive boxing setup, you can find gloves, shoes and boxing protective gear together in the boxing guide.
Combining MMA brands for their strengths
A complete kit does not have to be a matching set from one brand. You can choose shorts for freedom of movement, gloves for their construction and protective gear for its fit. In MMA especially, comparing these features often gives you a more personal setup than choosing by logo or color alone.
Hayabusa for open MMA gloves
The T3 and T3 LX let you compare synthetic and leather versions, alongside the clear difference between compact 4 oz and more padded 7 oz models. Start with the version and use you need, then choose your preferred material.
Rival for protection and separate punching practice
The SH20 is designed specifically for MMA, with a padded front and a wraparound neoprene back. For separate stand-up punching practice, closed Rival boxing gloves serve a different purpose. That way, you can combine protection and gloves according to their role in your MMA training.
XPRT for practical clothing choices
The Hybrid 2.0 is a clear link between stand-up and ground work. You can also compare XPRT hand wraps or a groinguard based on how each fits. The brand does not have to appear on every item for it to fit well into your gear.
Booster and King Pro Boxing as alternatives in their own right
Booster offers rashguards, shorts and soft joint protectors, among other items. King Pro Boxing offers a different glove and clothing construction with the Revo 2 and Stormking Basic. Choose the differences you actually find comfortable, rather than just a matching color scheme.
A jump rope for your warm-up and conditioning
Your own jump rope is a useful addition when you want to work on rhythm, footwork and conditioning before or alongside MMA class. You can alternate short intervals with other exercises and easily take the rope with you. The cable, handles and adjustment all affect how it feels.
Fight2Win Classic Speedrope
The Classic has a PVC-coated steel cable with swivel joints and an adjustable length. It comes with a storage pouch. A straightforward choice if you’re looking for a compact speedrope for your regular training gear.
Rival Aluminum Grip Speedrope
This model combines a steel cable with aluminum handles. It offers a different grip and adjustment to compare. The Booster Thai P1 has a different feel again; the jump rope guide helps you compare cables and designs side by side.
Punching mitts for more punching combinations
With the right punching mitts, you can work on combinations, distance, and reactions together. For an MMA athlete, this complements the punching part of training. A small striking surface for punching combinations serves a different purpose from a larger kicking shield or Thai pad.
Rival Fitness+ RPM7
The RPM7 combines a curved striking surface with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure and a padded finger guard. Compare how the punching mitt fits the holder’s hand and how large the striking surface feels. The RPM5 Parabolic and Winning CM-20 are other models to compare for this purpose.
Choose the pad based on the techniques you want it to absorb. For MMA, you can alternate targeted punching combinations with distance work and transitions to another training position. Compare the striking surface and fastening with the movements you want to practice together.
A gym bag that keeps your MMA gear organized
Open and closed gloves, shin guards, clothing, and a towel take up space together. A gym bag is a practical way to keep them all together. Consider the opening, compartments, and carrying comfort, not just the outer dimensions.
Hayabusa Ryoko Duffle
The Ryoko Duffle has a mesh glove compartment, separate compartments, and a removable shoulder strap. This lets you keep your gear organized. Ventilation in a bag is no substitute for unpacking your gloves at home and letting them dry completely.
The Fight2Win Elite Retro Classic and the King Pro Boxing Stormking backpack offer different ways to carry and organize your gear. Set out a water bottle, towel, and case for your mouthguard beside your bag. Having a set place for each small item makes it easy to find everything for your next session.
Caring for your MMA gear after training
Your care routine starts as soon as you get home: open your bag, take out your clothes, and let your gloves and protective gear air out. Wipe the outside with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Let everything air-dry away from direct heat. Gloves should not go in the washing machine, dryer, or a water bath.
Sukkiri for caring for the inside
Sukkiri is an option for caring for the inside of your gloves. FreshKO is another choice for the same care routine. Use them according to their instructions and do not spray them on the outer material, even if your gloves have a synthetic exterior.
Rival-deodorizers for your drying and odor-control routine
A suitable deodorizer can complement your care routine. Unpacking and airing out your gear remain the essentials; a scented product will not turn a damp, zipped-up bag into a good place to dry it. With open MMA models, also check whether the shape of the deodorizer is a practical fit.
Wash shorts, rashguards and handwraps according to their care labels. Clean your mouthguard and its case separately. For smooth leather exteriors, you can apply a thin layer of suitable leather cream to a clean, dry surface. That is different from applying just any oil or thick layers of grease.
Training gear is not the same as competition equipment
In regular training, you alternate between exercises and equipment. A competition has a fixed set of rules, equipment checks and its own clothing requirements. The words MMA, competition or sparring in a product name therefore do not mean automatic approval for every event.
The professional ABC Unified Rules, for example, set out equipment and clothing rules for competition. The publication consulted, dated August 2026, also mentions amendments proposed for implementation in November 2027. That does not make it a universal list of rules currently in force for every Dutch amateur competition.
Before your event, check the current requirements for gloves, handwraps, clothing and protective gear. For everyday training, choose equipment based on the exercise and the fit. Those two questions may lead you to the same product, but they are different checks.
Buy your MMA kit in Waddinxveen
Want to compare an MMA hybrid with a closed boxing glove, try on shorts or check how shin guards fasten? At our showroom in Waddinxveen, you can buy your MMA kit and compare different items side by side.
We’re happy to help you choose the right combination of gloves, clothing and protection. We can also explain how to use care products. You can see the current versions and sizes on the product pages.
Conclusion: a complete MMA kit gives every item a clear purpose
The best foundation is a kit that fits your actual training week. Choose open MMA gloves for suitable mixed drills and closed boxing gloves for dedicated striking training. Match your shin guards, clothing, mouthguard and groin protection to your movements and fit.
A jump rope, pads, gym bag and care products make that basic kit practically complete. Compare each item by its own function, and keep competition eligibility separate from your everyday training choices. That way, you have a cohesive MMA kit that is comfortable to use, not just a collection of separate items.
