As a professional MMA fighter, I am often asked about the differences between MMA and other fighting gloves, such as boxing gloves. One question frequently arises whether MMA gloves cause more pain than other gloves.
In this article, I will discuss the science of pain in fighting gloves and my personal experience as a professional MMA fighter to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
The Science of Pain in Fighting Gloves
When it comes to pain in fighting gloves, it’s important to understand that the type of glove used can greatly impact the force of punches. MMA gloves, for example, are typically smaller and less padded than boxing gloves, which means that punches will generally be harder and more painful.
However, it’s not just the padding that determines the level of pain caused by a glove. The materials used in glove construction can also play a role.
MMA gloves are often made with synthetic materials that are stiffer and less flexible than the leather used in traditional boxing gloves. This can also contribute to the level of pain caused by the glove.
Research studies on the pain caused by MMA gloves compared to other gloves have found that MMA gloves do cause more pain than other gloves. However, it’s worth noting that these studies have been conducted on a small scale, and more research is needed to fully understand the pain caused by different types of gloves.
Personal Experience as a Professional MMA Fighter
In my personal experience as a professional MMA fighter, I can attest that MMA gloves cause more pain than other fighting gloves.
The smaller size and less padding of MMA gloves mean that punches land harder and can be more painful. This is something that fighters and coaches need to take into consideration when selecting the right type of glove for their needs.
However, it’s not just the pain caused by the gloves that need to be considered. MMA gloves also affect training and performance in different ways.
For example, MMA gloves are smaller and have less padding, so fighters must be more precise and accurate with their strikes. This can be a good thing as it can improve your technique, but it also means that training with MMA gloves can be more demanding than training with other types of gloves.
Conclusion
The science and personal experience suggest that MMA gloves cause more pain than other fighting gloves.
However, it’s important to remember that this pain is not always bad. It can be used to improve technique and training and can also be minimized by selecting the right type of glove for your needs.
As a professional MMA fighter and a gear addict, I would recommend fighters and coaches consider the pain caused by MMA gloves and make an informed decision when selecting the right type of glove for their needs.
FAQ
Does it hurt to punch with MMA gloves?
It can hurt to punch with MMA gloves as they have less padding and are smaller in size than traditional boxing gloves. The hard and stiff materials used in MMA gloves can also contribute to the pain caused by punches.
Do bare fists hurt more than gloves?
Bare fists can cause more damage and injury than gloves due to the lack of protection for the knuckles and fingers. They can also cause more pain to the person you are punching, which is why gloves are typically used in combat sports.
Are boxing gloves worse than MMA gloves?
It depends on what aspect you are comparing. MMA gloves are smaller and less padded than traditional boxing gloves, making punches harder and more painful. However, boxing gloves also provide more protection for the hands and wrists, which can prevent injuries during training and competition.
