An MMA training session can start with punching combinations, move into a takedown and end with groundwork. Your gear needs to keep up with those changes. Shorts that feel comfortable when you stand upright should still feel good 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 questions about sizing and care are covered in separate guides.
MMA gear starts with three types of training
The MMA name on a product is a useful starting point, but your training session determines what you wear. Precisely because you combine different distances and techniques, it pays to assess your gear by use. That way, you can choose deliberately rather than expect one pair of gloves to work equally well for every drill.
- Striking: practising punches and kicks, working combinations on pads and suitable forms of standing contact training. Choose gloves and protective gear for each specific drill.
- Grappling: clinching, takedowns, positions and groundwork techniques. A close-fitting rashguard, comfortable shorts and gear that moves well with you are important here.
- Mixed MMA training: transitioning between striking, gripping and groundwork. Open MMA gloves offer different possibilities from closed boxing gloves; their construction must suit the type of contact.
That gives you a practical foundation: suitable gloves, clothing, a mouthguard, a well-fitting groin protector and shin guards for kicking drills. Choose Handwraps and other additions 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 space around your fingers and how the cuff closes around your wrist.
The 7 oz models discussed here are distinctly different versions from the more compact 4 oz gloves covered later. More padding is a relevant consideration, but it is not a license to do every partner drill harder. The type of contact remains the deciding factor. 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, multi-layer foam and a Dual-X closure with two belts. Hayabusa lists partner drills, pad work and bag training among its uses. The black version has a synthetic outer material. A focused choice if you’re looking for an open training model with an extensive wrist closure.
Hayabusa T3 LX Retro 7 oz
The LX offers a leather outer material and a brown retro look for this type of training. The full-grain leather is a tangible difference from the synthetic T3, but it does not automatically mean a different level of contact is permitted. Pay as much attention to the fit and closure as 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. It’s another design worth comparing if you’re looking for a padded open model and want to find out which cuff and fit feel most comfortable.
Compact 4 oz MMA gloves
A compact open glove leaves relatively little bulk around your hand. That’s familiar from MMA competitions, but a competition glove isn’t necessarily the best choice 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 outer material, 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 particular event.
If you’re buying your first MMA gloves, start with how you plan to use them. A compact version can serve a distinct purpose in your gear, while a more heavily padded training model makes more sense for other drills. Check the letter size and the room available with any handwraps separately for each model.
Boxing gloves for separate striking training
Many MMA athletes also do separate punching sessions. That’s 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 punching, but it doesn’t offer the same gripping ability as an open MMA model.
Rival RS11V Evolution
The RS11V is a sparring glove with a hook-and-loop closure. It belongs in a separate choice for sparring, not a general recommendation for the punching bag. Compare the glove weight you want with the actual room for your hand; one number cannot answer both questions.
XPRT Pro V3
The Pro V3 is a closed boxing glove to compare with other training models. Check the cuff, the room around your knuckles and how your fist closes with the handwraps you want to wear. The XPRT Top Gloves and the white Winning MS600B with a hook-and-loop closure give you other models to compare.
A universal oz rule based only on your body weight does not do the choice justice. Hand shape, wrapping, 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.
Bag gloves for punching bag and pad work
A dedicated pair of bag gloves can be a useful addition if you do a lot of separate punching work alongside MMA. That pair then has a clear purpose for bag and pad work, with its own fit and feel for your hands. That is different from using a sparring glove on every surface.
Rival RB5
The compact RB5 shows that a bag glove does not have to be a boxing glove with a different oz label. Compare the fit and how your fist feels in the appropriate size. The RB11 Evolution and RB100 Professional are other series to compare in the same way.
Do not use a bag-only glove for sparren. If you switch from the punching bag to partner contact during a session, you need to switch equipment too. For pad and bag work with an MMA hybrid, check the intended uses of that specific model.
Handwraps: a wrap that fits under your gloves
Handwraps let you build up the layers around your hand and wrist to suit your fit. With MMA, there is a practical consideration too: you need enough room to open your hand and grip. A thick wrap that feels comfortable in your boxing gloves may feel very different in an open-finger model.
Fight2Win V2 450 cm
The Fight2Win V2 is a specific choice if 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. Assess 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. The Rival Mexican Stretch and XPRT Easy Stretch are examples to compare for stretch, fabric thickness and closure. 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 fits comfortably and lets your fingers do their job. The handwrap buying guide and the instructions for putting them on go into more detail about choosing materials and wrapping them smoothly.
MMA shin guards for stand-up and transitions
When choosing shin guards, look at the front and at what happens behind your leg. Blocking 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 strap around the ankle secure it. This is a specific design to compare if you are looking for an MMA shin guard that wraps around the back of 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, check the fit around your calf, the length of the padded area and how the foot section moves when you flex your ankle.
A large kickboxing shin guard and an MMA sleeve are not just different styles. They feel different when switching between stand-up and ground work. Use the model's own size chart and check the fit around the knee and instep. The general size guide provides background information, not a substitute for model-specific sizing.
A mouthguard belongs in your contact-sport 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 suits your teeth and make sure it stays comfortably in place without having to clench hard all the time.
Shock Doctor Gel Max
The Gel Max is a moldable mouthguard to compare with other versions. 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 product range.
If you have braces, choose a suitable version. Clean your mouthguard after use, let it dry and carry it in a suitable case. The loose bottom of a gym 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
For 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 how it's held in place together, while wearing the clothing you'll use during your session.
Shock Doctor Ultra SD329
The Ultra SD329 combines a cup with a jockstrap. It's a compact option to consider wearing under your MMA shorts. Check the waistband size and how the cup fits; roomier 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 XPRT Basic versions offer other options. There are also dedicated women's models, such as the XPRT Basic. Compare their individual cuts and fits. A large professional boxing no-foul guard is a different category and may not offer the same freedom of movement as a protective 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. Pay attention to the room around your hips, the leg length and the waistband. Trousers that fit well when you're standing should 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 has an elastic waistband with a drawstring. This slightly longer model 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 is made from stretch polyester and has an elastic waistband with a drawstring. Pay particular attention to its sizing and how it feels around your hips. Its cut 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 another option to compare with the more understated models. Choose a design you like, but keep freedom of movement and fit at the heart of your choice.
For partner training, also check the finishing details. Loose fastenings and hard parts deserve attention. Check competition clothing separately against the event requirements. The difference between MMA shorts and boxing or kickboxing trousers goes beyond the brand on the leg.
A rashguard for grappling and mixed training
For groundwork, a close-fitting layer of fabric is practical. A rashguard stays closer to your torso than a loose shirt and forms a layer between your skin and the contact surface. Check the room around your shoulders and armpits, and the fit when you raise your arms above your head.
Booster GS
The black Booster GS combines polyester and elastane with stretch panels at the sides. Its understated design goes with various 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. Put on a clean one for every training session and wash it according to the label. For separate fitness or bag workouts, you can also choose another comfortable sports shirt. Competition rules for tops may differ from those at the gym.
Knee and elbow pads for targeted protection
Lots of groundwork means frequent contact between your knees and the mat. A soft, padded protector can make that more comfortable. Check where the padding sits, how the back of the joint is finished, and whether the pad moves with you as you bend.
Booster B-Force knee pads
The B-Force combines a padded neoprene construction with stretch mesh at the back. The silicone edges are one specific difference with the McDavid Flex Force. Compare how they fit and feel during the same kneeling movement.
Booster B-Force elbow pads
The elbow version has a shape designed to fit around the joint, with neoprene and stretch mesh. Choose this addition for drills where padded elbow protection is appropriate. A soft protector is not a reason to increase the intensity of partner contact.
Also distinguish between padded training gear and a thin joint sleeve. MMA competition clothing rules may treat them very differently. Just because a protector feels comfortable during a drill does not mean it is allowed in competition.
Bare feet, head protection and separate training gear
In a typical mixed MMA training session on the mat, you usually train barefoot. Boxing shoes are for dedicated boxing sessions, and wrestling shoes are for wrestling practice. They are useful specialist footwear, not the default for every mixed MMA drill.
Headgear is not automatically part of every MMA session either. A suitable model may have a place in separate stand-up contact training. For clinch and ground work, visibility, fit and how the protection performs matter too. Headgear does not replace your mouthguard or guarantee protection against concussions.
This keeps your kit logically organized: first, the gear for the training you actually do, then specific 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.
Combine MMA brands for what each does best
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 protectors for their fit. In MMA, comparing items this way often gives you a more personal kit than choosing by logo or color alone.
Hayabusa for open-finger MMA gloves
The T3 and T3 LX let you compare synthetic and leather versions, alongside a clear difference between compact 4 oz and more padded 7 oz models. Start with the version and intended use you need, then choose your preferred material.
Rival for protection and separate striking sessions
The SH20 is designed specifically for MMA. For separate striking or bag sessions, Rival boxing gloves and bag gloves serve a different purpose. That distinction makes the brand useful for different parts of your kit, without treating every model as though it were used the same way.
XPRT for a practical clothing choice
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 need to appear on every item to fit well into your gear.
Booster and King Pro Boxing as alternatives
Booster offers a rashguard, shorts and soft joint protectors, among other items. With the Revo 2 and Stormking Basic, King Pro Boxing offers different glove and clothing designs. Choose the differences you genuinely prefer, rather than just a matching color scheme.
A jump rope for your warm-up and fitness
Having your own jump rope is useful when you want to work on rhythm, footwork and fitness before or outside MMA class. You can alternate short rounds 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 practical choice if you're looking for a compact speedrope to keep with 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.
Punching mitts for more punching combinations
With the right punching mitts, you can work together on combinations, distance, and reactions. For an MMA athlete, this complements the punching part of training. A small target 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 consider for this focused comparison.
Choose a pad based on the techniques you want it to absorb. For additional heavy bag training, the heavy bag guide has its own structure of rounds and exercises. That keeps this main guide focused on your gear, with a clear path to the training itself.
A sports bag that keeps your MMA gear organized
Open and closed gloves, shin guards, clothes, and a towel take up space together. A sports bag is a practical way to keep everything in one place. Look at the opening, compartments, and carrying comfort, not just the bag's exterior dimensions.
Hayabusa Ryoko Duffle
The Ryoko Duffle has a mesh glove compartment, separate pockets, and a detachable shoulder strap. These help you keep your gear organized. Ventilation inside a bag is no substitute for taking your gloves out 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 mouthguard case alongside your bag. Keeping these items in the same place makes them easy to find for your next session.
Caring for your MMA gear after training
Your gear 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. Don't put gloves in the washing machine, dryer, or a water bath.
Sukkiri for interior care
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 basics; a fragrance product does not turn a damp, zipped-up bag into a good place to dry it. With open MMA designs, also check whether the deodorizer’s shape is a practical fit.
Wash shorts, rashguards and handwraps according to their care labels. Clean your mouthguard and its case separately. For smooth leather outer surfaces, you can apply a thin layer of suitable leather cream to a clean, dry exterior. That is different from applying just any oil or thick layers of grease.
Training gear is not the same as competition gear
In regular training, you alternate between exercises and equipment. A competition has a fixed rulebook, 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, describe equipment and clothing rules for competition. The publication consulted, from August 2026, also lists 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.
Check the current requirements for gloves, hand wrapping, clothing and protective gear before your event. For everyday training, choose gear based on the exercise and the fit. Those two considerations may lead you to the same product, but they are separate checks.
Our Fight2Win picks for a complete MMA foundation
This selection brings together seven individual items for an athlete who combines stand-up work and grappling. It is an editorial selection of separate products, not a bundle with one shared size or a promised set discount. A separate boxing glove or bag glove also has its own role if your training week calls for it.
Hayabusa T3 7 oz
Our open training option with padded knuckle construction and the Dual-X closure. Check the letter size and how easily you can open your hand with the handwraps you plan to use. If you prefer leather, the T3 LX is another option in its own right.
Rival Mexican Stretch
A stretchy handwrap to wrap snugly around your hand and wrist. Choose an amount of fabric that fits comfortably inside your MMA glove. How the whole combination feels matters more than making the layer as thick as possible.
Rival SH20 MMA
A shin guard with a padded front, neoprene back and separate leg and ankle fastenings. Check the fit during stand-up work and when transitioning to kneeling and ground positions.
Shock Doctor Gel Max
The mouthguard in this selection. Choose the version that fits your teeth and mold it according to its instructions. A suitable case and a regular cleaning routine go with it.
Shock Doctor Ultra SD329
A cup with a jockstrap as a compact groin protection option. If you want a different support system 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 the size based on how freely you can move your torso and shoulders, independently of your shorts size.
Buy your MMA equipment in Waddinxveen
Want to compare an MMA hybrid with a closed boxing glove, try on shorts or check how shin guards fasten? In our showroom in Waddinxveen, you can buy your MMA equipment 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 the care products. You can see the current versions and sizes on the product pages.
Conclusion: a complete MMA setup gives every item a clear purpose
The best foundation is equipment that suits your actual training week. Choose open MMA gloves for suitable mixed drills, closed boxing gloves for dedicated punching sessions and bag gloves for focused work on the bag and pads. Match your shin guards, clothing, mouthguard and groin protection to your movements and fit.
A jump rope, pads, sports bag and care products make that basic setup practically complete. Compare each item according to its own purpose and keep competition eligibility separate from your everyday training choices. That way, you have a cohesive MMA setup that's comfortable to train with, rather than a collection of separate items.
