MMA: the fighter's equipment

Mixed Martial Arts

MMA, or mixed martial arts, combines striking techniques from boxing, kickboxing, and Thai boxing, throws from wrestling and judo, and ground work from Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Fights take place standing or on the ground, in a cage or on a ring. In France, MMA competitions have been permitted since 2020, regulated by a governing federation, which has led to a surge in the number of clubs and practitioners.

By type of equipment

The MMA selection is organised by type:

• Gloves.
• Protective gear, shin guards, cups, and knee pads.
• Textiles, shorts and rashguards.
• Punching bags.

Combat sports also include boxing, judo and jiu-jitsu, karate and taekwondo, wrestling, on the combat sports page.

MMA gloves

The MMA glove leaves the fingers free to grab, control, and submit while protecting the knuckles during strikes. Competition gloves, like the Metal Boxe The Claw or open-finger gloves, are lightly padded to maintain the sensation of striking and freedom of movement for the hands. Sparring gloves, like the Metal Boxe The Shell, which are thicker, provide more protection for both the training partner and the hands during drills. Grappling gloves, like the adidas Power, which are very light, are used for ground work. They are worn with wraps that support the wrist.

Protective gear and outfit

MMA shin guards, like the Metal Boxe Legacy or the Booster Fight Gear for kids, which are thinner and more flexible than those used in kickboxing, cover the shin and the instep without interfering with ground work. Knee pads RDX and neoprene elbow guards protect the joints during ground transitions. The MMA shorts, like the Fightnature Cage or adidas, which are split at the sides, allow the legs to move freely for kicks and guards; the compression shorts are worn underneath. The punching bag Metal Boxe, shipped empty, can be filled according to the desired weight.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. Major events of the year follow a consistent order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, winter sales, French Days in spring, then summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between an MMA glove and a boxing glove?

The MMA glove is open and allows the fingers to grasp the opponent, with a thin padding on the knuckles. The boxing glove, closed and much thicker, protects only for striking and prevents any grabbing.

How do you choose the size of your MMA gloves?

MMA gloves are chosen based on clothing size, from S to XL, according to the hand circumference measured at the knuckles. The glove should fit around the hand without squeezing, leaving the fingers free to close.

Is MMA more dangerous than boxing?

MMA offers multiple ways to win, on the ground or by submission, which often shortens fights, while boxing focuses strikes to the head over many rounds. In both cases, proper training in clubs and protective gear reduces risk.

What protective gear should you have to start MMA?

MMA gloves or grappling gloves, mouthguard, cup, and shin guards for striking sessions. Shorts without pockets or hard fastenings and compression shorts complete the outfit for ground work.

Is MMA suitable for children?

Clubs offer young people an educational practice, without seeking out-of-match situations, focusing on grappling, movement, and controlled striking. The equipment remains that of adults: gloves, mouthguard, cup, and shin guards.