UFC 309 to Reintroduce Old Gloves Amidst Controversy Over New Design

The reintroduction of old gloves at UFC 309

In a move sparking discussion within the MMA community, UFC has decided to revert to the previous version of its gloves for the upcoming UFC 309 event, set to take place this Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Fighters were informed of this unexpected change earlier this week, with UFC officials confirming the news on Tuesday to MMA journalist Damon Martin. Ariel Helwani initially broke the story, which has stirred conversation around the evolving equipment in the octagon.

The shift to the older gloves comes just months after the UFC introduced a newly designed glove, aiming to tackle recurring issues with hand injuries and eye pokes. These new gloves were first used at UFC 302 in New Jersey and included modifications like enhanced padding, updated seams, softer wristbands, and altered finger holes. By making these changes, the UFC hoped to improve fighter safety, especially concerning finger placement and the prevention of eye injuries. However, these new gloves quickly became controversial, with some fighters criticizing their impact on both performance and fighting dynamics.

Fans have also noted, expressing concerns that the new gloves might contribute to fewer knockouts. Observers have pointed to a noticeable decline in knockout rates since introducing the new gloves earlier this year. While some speculate that the more padded design could absorb more impact, potentially reducing knockout power, it remains uncertain whether this perceived trend is statistically significant or merely coincidental due to a limited sample size.

Returning to the older gloves at UFC 309 has added an interesting layer to the high-stakes event, headlined by a heavyweight title showdown between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. As these seasoned fighters prepare for their anticipated clash, the decision to bring back the old gloves raises questions about the balance between fighter safety and maintaining the intensity of the sport. This weekend’s event will be closely watched to see if the reintroduction of the previous glove version affects the fighting outcomes, perhaps shedding more light on the ongoing debate surrounding MMA equipment.