In an era of explosive growth, the mixed martial arts (MMA) industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. More and more young people are beginning to train MMA for self-defense, to get healthier, or to try to become the next big star in the sport.

As the world of mixed martial arts continues to evolve, so does the equipment that fighters use to train and compete. Sparring in MMA is essential for success, and for it, you will need sparring gloves which are different compared to those used in real fights.

So, if you are looking for MMA sparring gloves reviews, then you have come to the right place.

There are a ton of them on the market, so picking the 5 best MMA gloves for sparring ones was a difficult decision.

5 Best MMA Sparring Gloves (2023 Reviews)

The gloves on this list are engineered for sparring to give you the best possible protection in the ring, while still being lightweight and comfortable.

Let’s jump in and see the 5 best ones.

1. Everlast Train Advanced MMA 7-Ounce Training Gloves

Everlast has been making high-quality combat sports equipment for over a century, so the quality of their MMA gloves doesn’t come into question. These 7-ounce gloves are near perfect for MMA sparring.

Lightweight and comfortable, Everlast Train Advanced MMA gloves are made from polyurethane and feature a padded thumb area to protect that part of your hand. While that part of the glove is padded, you shouldn’t worry about it decreasing the mobility of your hand, as it doesn’t at all.

There is also padding over the knuckle area, so when you make contact, you can do that with confidence. On the inside, you have the finger loops which match the color of the glove’s outside.

These also feature wrist support and a wrist strap that lets you customize the fit. You can also use these gloves for traditional bag workouts, and with their great price, it’s no wonder that the Everlast Train Advanced are one of the best MMA sparring gloves you can find.

The only flaw that these have is that they don’t provide the best fit for those who have huge hands. If that is you, we suggest you look for some other gloves.

2. Hayabusa T3 MMA Sparring and Training Gloves

Hayabusa T3 MMA Gloves for Sparring

By far the most expensive gloves on this list, the Hayabusa T3 are premium gloves made from leather that are packed with a ton of features that will make your sparring and training more enjoyable and effective.

These 7oz gloves are effective for sparring, heavy bag, and grappling, due to their design. The fantastic design of the Hayabusa T3, with its pre-formed curve, open palm, and Dual-X Closure makes them a fantastic hybrid glove.

The Hayabusa T3 Hybrid is also one of the most comfortable gloves that we have tested. And, not just that, the leather that they are made from makes them one of the most durable.

However, since they are made from real leather, they take some time to get fully broken in a showcase their full potential. Among that, their high price may turn some people away from them, but if you are serious about MMA and need a pair of sparring gloves that will last you a long time, these are the ones for you.

3. Venum Challenger 3.0 Sparring MMA Gloves

Venum Challenger 3.0 MMA Gloves

One of the best-looking gloves on this list made by the legendary brand Venum, the Challenger 3.0 MMA Sparring gloves are a bit more expensive than the previously mentioned Everlast Train Advanced, but these can also be used for grappling.

When you are sparring intensely, you will sweat very much, and that can represent a distraction. Luckily, Venum has thought about that issue, and they have put neoprene inside the glove to combat the sweat.

Venum Challenger 3.0 gloves feature a Velcro closure system that makes it easy to adjust the tightness of the glove and make sure it stays securely in place while sparring. The velcro system takes up a big area, and that is designed for protection.

Also, these have excellent padding inside the glove, so you can rest assured that your hands will be protected while sparring.

4. Combat Sports Max Strike MMA Sparring Gloves

While not the most stylish gloves on this list, the Combat Sports Max Strike gloves are loaded with padding, and, unlike the two previously mentioned gloves, they have an open palm, for a more realistic MMA experience.

These are made from polyurethane and are designed to give you the best possible protection while sparring. That extra padding may interfere with the hand movement, but, if you are looking for maximum protection, these are the way to go.

Max Strike gloves fit your hand perfectly, so you can make sure that your hands are in the best position while sparring or training.

So, if you are looking for gloves that provide a padded knuckle, maximum impact protection, and optimal striking performance, these ones from Combat Sports are the way to go.

5. UFC 8-oz MMA Sparring Gloves

Made from very soft PU leather, the UFC 8-oz MMA sparring gloves are a very affordable option for people that are training MMA recreatively. These stylish gloves feature a pre-curved design and a ton of padding in the knuckle area.

This is great not only for sparring but for solo heavy bag work when you are sharpening those newly-learned striking techniques. But, we feel that they could’ve added a bit more padding in the thumb area.

Other than that, there aren’t many flaws in the design of these gloves. They are lightweight, soft, and comfortable, considering the affordable price tag.

For beginners and amateur fighters, these gloves should be on the very top of the list. With 4 available sizes and two different colorways, you can rest assured that with these, you will be getting a glove that is stylish and has a great fit.

How To Choose MMA Sparring Gloves – Buying Guide

Knowing what to look for in sparring gloves is essential to choosing the right ones for you. Here are a couple of things that you should look at before purchasing a pair of MMA sparring gloves.

Padding

The main thing that you should think about before purchasing a pair of gloves for sparring is safety. What determines how safe are the gloves is the padding, and having a lot of it in vital parts of the gloves is essential for your safety.

You want your hands to be safe in the moments of impact, so look for sparring gloves with quality foam padding.

Material

The highest quality MMA sparring gloves are made from real leather. This is the best material for providing comfort and durability for those intense sparring sessions.

However, if you are an amateur or recreationally training MMA, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on gloves made from leather, since they are much more expensive than the ones made from PU leather.

Weight

The weight of MMA gloves used in professional matches is 4 oz. Sparring gloves, however, are a different story.

Their weight is from 7 – 9 oz, and that weight is optimal for sparring since you don’t want to go full ballistic mode in sparring and get an injury or injure your training partner.

Size & Fit

Since MMA sparring gloves are designed to protect your hands from the impact of punches, gloves should fit snugly on your hands and protect them from injury.

Quality

Since MMA sparring gloves are designed to protect your hands from the impact of punches, gloves should fit snugly on your hands and protect them from injury.

Conclusion

Choosing any pair of gloves featured on this list will be a great choice. They are made from trusted brands and quality materials so you can get the best experience.

It’s up to you to choose the right ones for your needs. Happy sparring!