In a groundbreaking move, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced a comprehensive redesign of their iconic official fight gloves. After years of research and development, the new gloves promise to deliver enhanced protection, improved fit, greater comfort, and maximum flexibility for athletes competing in the octagon.
TLDR
- UFC announced a redesigned official fight glove with improved ergonomics, fit, comfort, and protection
- The new gloves feature advanced VICIS RFLX foam technology for impact absorption and flexibility
- Glove sizes have been streamlined to 10 unisex sizes from XXXS to XXXXL for better fit
- The gloves will have NFC chips using VeChain blockchain for authentication and verification
- Athletes will debut the new gloves at UFC 302 on June 1, 2024
The unveiling of the new UFC Official Fight Gloves represents a significant leap forward in mixed martial arts (MMA) equipment technology. Developed in collaboration with VICIS RDI, a leading sports equipment manufacturer renowned for minimizing sports-related head injuries, the gloves incorporate cutting-edge engineering principles and scientific data.
At the core of the new gloves lies the VICIS RFLX advanced layered foam technology, which offers superior impact-absorbing protection. This innovative system features four robust layers of VICIS RFLX foam, each separated by three PTFE slip planes with an extremely low coefficient of friction. This unique structure serves a dual purpose: shielding athletes from impact while providing unparalleled freedom of movement.
As Jason Neubauer, Vice President of Product Development at Certor Sports (parent company of VICIS RDI), explains,
“When UFC approached the RDI team to help develop the next generation MMA glove, we applied our standard development process — start with feedback from athletes, use real data and testing to lead our design, and continue the out-of-the-box thinking that has driven award-winning solutions for top performing athletes.”
One of the most significant improvements in the new gloves is the revamped sizing system. UFC has streamlined the sizing options to 10 unisex sizes, ranging from XXXS to XXXXL, ensuring a tailored fit for every athlete’s hand size. This approach eliminates the need for separate male and female sizing, addressing a long-standing issue in the sport.
In addition to the advanced foam technology and improved sizing, the new gloves feature a range of ergonomic enhancements. These include a new wristband locking system that better fits the wrist, minimizing the risk of an opponent grabbing the glove. The gloves also feature innovative padding that helps fighters keep their fingers in a natural position, reducing the risk of eye pokes, a common concern in MMA.
Another notable feature of the new gloves is the integration of NFC chips powered by VeChain, UFC’s official blockchain partner. These chips utilize the VeChainThor blockchain to authenticate and verify the gloves’ authenticity and any associated history. Fans who purchase the gloves as memorabilia can scan the chips via the official UFC website to access this information, adding an exciting layer of engagement and collectibility.
UFC President Dana White expressed his enthusiasm for the redesigned gloves, stating, “We have been working on these gloves over the past few years with the best designers, engineers, and athletes in the world. This redesign will truly be a game changer for the entire sport of MMA. These gloves will feel lighter, fit fighters’ hands better, prevent injuries, and provide maximum flexibility during the fights.”
The new UFC Official Fight Gloves will be manufactured by Dyaco, UFC’s official combat and fitness equipment supplier. Allen Ting, Chief Strategy Officer of Dyaco International Inc., emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence and pushing boundaries in the world of combat sports with this revolutionary design.
Athletes are expected to debut the new gloves in competition at UFC 302 on June 1, 2024, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This highly anticipated event will mark a significant milestone for the UFC and MMA community, ushering in a new era of advanced equipment technology and athlete protection.
