The best MMA gear and equipment is an instrumental aspect of any true training regiment, with the right mixed martial arts training equipment even a beginner can ultimately climb high in the ranks!
We’re big fans of mixed martial arts and thus decided to take on the task of hunting down some of the best mma gear to consider for our visitors.
We know you don’t have the time to be scouring the internet and reviewing every product listing searching for the best MMA gear for you, but our team does and this is what we found after significant research.
Top MMA Shorts & Clothing
All MMA training gear and clothes should specifically be structured for comfort, quality performance and long-term use. Essential clothing necessary for all serious MMA participants includes the following items listed below.
Related: Choosing the Best Gym Clothes
TIGON MMA Fight Shorts
Comfortable, graphics-patterned fighting shorts of quality microfiber have mesh panels for cooling. These sturdy shorts with reinforced seams follow your every combat move.
The innovative inner gripping waistband with silicone guard lock keeps shorts in position for the ultimate comfort and performance with 4-way stretch.
Highlights
- Multiple Flex Panels for Mobility Ease
- Strength and Endurance Tested
- Internal Pocket and Vertical Velcro Enclosures
Bottom Line
One of the best fighting shorts on the market today. Comfort, style, and durability. Extra flexible directional stretch fabric.
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TITLE Sleeveless Hoodie
A large-cell mesh tank top in your size will see you through the toughest match with flair and the latest sports style. Made of durable nylon, polyester or cotton blend, this reversible tank is constructed of double-layered fabric for comfort and coolness.
Highlights
- Black, Grey, and/or White
- Four Different Sizes
- Light-weight Material
Bottom Line
Perfect hoodie for working out, punching the bad, running, martial arts, or just an edgy feel.
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Long Sleeve Rashguard
Most popular rash guard designs today are pro-sublimated graphics in Polyester and Spandex blend fabric. Because the colorful graphics are created with permanent fabric dyes, there is never any creasing, cracking or peeling. This shirt comes with protective, long body and full-length sleeves.
Compression Spats
These fighting spats or tights exert even pressure to maintain locked muscles in your lower body and legs for lasting endurance through long, grueling combat. With 4-way Spandex construction, elastic waistband and ergonomic seams, they support top performance and stamina. Dry Tech fabric cools and dries skin for the duration of each match.
Jiu-Jitsu Sandal Flip Flops
Sandal Flip Flops designed for Jiu-Jitsu tend to be on the cheap MMA gear side for the most part, and ideal for MMA practice and combat. With lasting treads, this flexible footwear is made of top quality rubber. Specially modeled, they align with every foot movement, stopping slips or falls.
Top MMA Protective Gear
Protective gear is a requirement for participants in today’s MMA sporting events. Some of the necessary MMA gear bundles for safeguarding the health and well-being of fighters include:
Protective Headgear
Quality lightweight headgear is necessary to protect fighters from head injuries. These EVA rubber foam helmet-like designs are molded to shield the heads of athletes engaged in flag football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and MMA.
Top-position air vents keep your head cool during combat when wearing this ever more important quality MMA head gear, and a snug, custom fit is ensured by the sturdy loop and hook closure.
RDX Chest Guard MMA Body Protector
With a double layer of foam and a tough vinyl exterior coating, this chest and abdomen guard protects your torso from harm during combat. Its adjustable straps keep the guard in place throughout each match so you can concentrate totally on strategies and performance.
Highlights
- Compact Design and Ultra-Light Weight
- Easy One Snap Attachment
- Virtually No Movement During Training
Bottom Line
Advanced RDX Gel Integrated belly pad is not your regular body shield. It stays firmly in place, super shock absorbing, and is very light and durable at the same time.
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Shields / Thai Pads
With this durable sparring gear as protection for the lower legs, you can deliver strategic kicks without worry about leg injuries.
Very useful in the grappler combat position, these guards are made of absorbent foam to protect legs from the wear, tear and shocks endured by MMA fighters.
Hayabusa Fightwear Striking Shinguard
The guards’ outer coating of synthetic leather lends extra strength and protection. Guards are secured in place by neoprene wrap.
Highlights
- Vylar-2 Engineered Leather
- Advanced Crack Resistance for Longevity and Endurance
- Exclusive Non-slip Inner Lining
Bottom Line
A revolutionary new I-Strap system, it has the first ever calve protective strip that prevents from rotation and provides a firm fit.
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Mouthpieces / Groin Cups
All MMA fighters should wear a mouth guard during each combat match or training session to avoid mouth or dental injuries.
This guard is easily customized and made of soft, shock-absorbing components. After placing the guard in boiling water, insert it into your mouth, letting it assume the shape of your inner mouth as it cools.
Shock Doctor Pro Mouthguard
Highlights
- Heat and Fit Techonlogy
- No Teeth Grinding
- Safe Material
Bottom Line
Comfortable to wear, does not make your lips stick out, and very easy to breathe through.
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Shock Doctor Power Supporter BioFlex Cup
When wearing the kickboxing groin protective cup, you will guard against groin injury while sustaining kicks to the front of your body.
The shell of synthetic leather with 3/4-inch interior padding protects without inhibiting athletic movement. Securing wrap also covers the hip flexor region.
Highlights
- Dimensions: 5 in x 3 in x 1 in
- 51% Polyester, 44% Spandex, 5% Nylon
- BioFlex Cup Included
Bottom Line
Comfortable, it is true to size, and secure. Aesthetically designed MMA gear.
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Top MMA Gloves & Wraps
Once the gloves are on, there is no turning back. MMA padded gloves and wraps provide expert protection during practice sessions at the gym, for example, below are the top choices to consider.
Related: Best Weight Lifting Gloves Guide
Everlast MMA Grappling Gloves
Combat training gloves provide the highest levels of safety during workouts or matches. Their molded foam padding and outer leather coating eliminate the worry of hand and wrist injuries.
The open palm, well-padded thumb and complete wrap-around with secure fastening offer ultimate protection.
Highlights
- Wrist Strap via Hook and Loop Style
- 3/4″ + of Knuckle Padding for Increased Protection
- Reinforced Finger Slots and Seams
Bottom Line
Great value for cage and/or ring training. Non slip padded fit.
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Everlast 3-Pack Hand Wraps
Additional individual neoprene wraps can offer more protective reinforcement against harm to weakened hand muscles or previously injured wrists during strenuous rounds of combat.
Highlights
- Machine Washable 100% Durable Cotton-Weave
- Ideal for Beginners and Professionals Alike
- Dimensions: 8.5 in x 3.5 in x 3 in
Bottom Line
Very convenient and quality 108-inch hand wraps, with thumb loop for superior alignment. Velcro band enclosure for tight secure fit.
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Ringside Punch Mitts
These mitts guard against hand injuries during mitt routines with a slight angle to their striking surface area and receding contact target point. With three-inch thick protective foam padding, a protective hood for finger safety and a palm ball for maximum power and control, these mitts offer multiple benefits.
Combat Grappling Gloves
For the best possible safety during training, grappling gloves are essential. They ensure a thorough training experience and top-speed, vigorous workouts free of injury for users and their partners. These gloves have 3/4-inch padding, open palm design and sturdy leather exteriors
Quick Hand Wrap
This pre-wrapped neoprene or elasticized under-glove comes with attached wrist wrapping to reinforce injured or weakened wrists and hands, allowing MMA fighters to get back into action quickly and perform well.
Top MMA Pads & Shields
Protective shields and Thai pads are important equipment for guarding your body against injury from the blows and kicks of your opponent when engaged in MMA bouts.
There are varied sizes and styles of these protective body shields, but all have general qualities in common that puts them in the essential MMA gear category.
Slammer Shields
These thickly padded, heavy-duty shields successfully guard the bodies of MMA competitors from power punches and kicks. With six-inch interior foam construction, they are reinforced with nylon and vinyl and come with both back and side strap handles for ultimate holding ease.
Curved Slammer Shields
For smooth, easy handling and quick, strategic moves necessary for protecting the body from sudden blows during competitions, MMA fighters often prefer use of curved slammer shields, which move in sync with natural body curves.
Thai Power Shield Pads
Ideal Thai power shield pads are constructed of sturdy, impact-repellent foam that is designed to absorb the shock of fierce punches, strikes and kicks.
Covered by a strong layer of tear-resistant vinyl, these pads are very helpful in improving the power of your own MMA moves in matches as they protect you from possible injury from the quick blows of crafty, fast-moving opponents. Adjustable arm straps provide stability during combat.
Thai Pads with Top Handle – Fairtex Curved Thai Kick Pads
Thai pads designed with nylon top handles coated in rubber ensure secure handling by fighters, especially when warding off powerful impact from kicks and forceful blows. These shields can also be hung on the wall for practicing strategic kicks and chopping blows.
Highlights
- Dimensions: Length 16″ x Width 8″ x Thickness 3.5″
- Weight: 3.65 Pounds
- High Quality Durable Product
Bottom Line
This extra thick kicking pad is not only ideal for Muay Thai but also for general MMA cage training. About as thick as it gets before having to sacrifice mobility.
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Forearm Kick Shield
This durable guard against combat kicks is made of numerous layers of thick foam to absorb jarring impact during MMA rounds. The outer cover of the shield is structured from tear-resistant nylon, and its small size of 12 by 15 inches makes it easy to maneuver during fast-action fighting
Top Punching Bags & Dummies for MMA
Dummies and punching bags are essential training equipment for all combat sports that involve striking, punching, thrusting and kicking. Some popular types include the following items:
Leather Thai Bag
This combat sports punching bag offers full resiliency for practicing kicks and knee thrusts during training. Made of durable leather, this MMA bag weighs 100 lbs. and comes with a sturdy hanging chain and strong swivel.
Hydra Core Heavy Bag
This punching bag is intended for heavy hitter training and is one of the most popular MMA gear bags. Its interior includes a thick layer of foam along with a water core, which gives MMA fighters the feeling of engaging in combat with a human opponent.
Free-Standing Punching Bag
With an interior made of thick protective foam encased in heavy vinyl, this punching bag has a sturdy supporting base with a tank that can hold as much as 140 lbs. of water for stability during combat training. It can sometimes be purchased for relatively cheap. Think Craigslist.
Grappling Dummy for Training – Cage Fitness 40lb
This life-size dummy gives MMA fighters in training the sensation of kicking and punching a real live opponent. Standing five-foot-eight and weighing in at 120 lbs., this training partner has arms extended in grappling position, ready for a good round of combat.
Highlights
- Two Side Handles, Top Handle, and Reinforced Web Straps
- Quality Durable Material
- Black With Cage Logo Design
Bottom Line
Built with cage fitness muscle building and fat burning workouts in mind. Your very own sparring partner.
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Hanging Dummy
The hanging dummy for combat sports training helps fighter’s perfect body strikes and kicks without possible injury to live practice opponents. The hanging dummy’s weightiness aids fighters in gaining arm and leg strength for developing power kicks and punches.
Top MMA Books & DVDs
Some of our favorite books and DVD’s that explore the art and intricacies of hand to hand combat.
You’ll surely recognize the legend himself GSP on this list, he’s one of our all-time favorite MMA fighters!
Related: 20 People Who Changed Fitness Forever
1001 Submissions MMA Finishing Techniques
It’s a ‘new’ type of game out there these day’s, and the fact of the matter is, if you don’t have a ground game, if your submissions aren’t pristine, your chances of success are unfavorable.
A must read for all those trying to improve their technique and add submissions.
Highlights
- Submission Techniques from All Disciplines
- Illustrative With 6,000+ Pictures
- Considered the Encyclopedia of Sumbissions
Bottom Line
Officially the world’s largest fighting manual, this is a must have for any serious mixed martial arts enthusiast.
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Rushfit Georges St-Pierre 8 Week Ultimate Home Training
If you’re trying to get in top shape, and we do mean TOP shape. This home workout program is what you’re looking for.
Highlights
- Total Body MMA-Style Conditioning
- 7 High Intensity Workouts on 6 DVD’s + 2 Nutritional Guides
- 60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee
Bottom Line
From the UFC legend himself, comes this home training program that is fast and efficient.
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MMA Training Gear for Ongoing Practice
There is simply too much stuff to fit into one article such as this, but we’ve tried our best to include as much as possible. Which is why we even included this extra section on additional resources to properly prepare you for your chance at success in the octagon!
Safety Cage Headgear
This ringside headgear offers full protection to the face and head during combat and is recommended as kids MMA gear. The cage is removable, providing flexibility for different levels of fighting.
Made of tough, lasting leather and thick interior padding, this headgear has good ventilation and canals for air release for the ears.
Elbow and Knee Pads
Expertly tapered elbow and knee pads provide free mobility during MMA bouts and are frequently bought with other womens MMA gear. These strong, but pliable protective pads move in alignment with your body as you use both fast and slow movements during combat strategies.
Stretchable material is scientifically formulated to allow skin to breathe normally.
Protective Footgear
Taekwondo foot protectors are a popular youth MMA gear and are good for mixed martial arts combat as protection for ankles, toes and insteps while eliminating slipping. They also decrease shocks from strong kicks as they support foot ventilation and dryness with flexible Spandex fabric composition.
Mini-Thai Pads
Taekwondo-MMA training pads guard against harsh punches and kicks from your opponent during MMA competition. Their well-padded interiors and outer coatings of durable leather enable them to absorb strategic blows and rapid attacks.
Instep/Shin Pads
Lightweight instep and shin pads offer soft, sturdy foam protection without the inhibiting weight of heavier style MMA pads.
There you have it, you're now ready to hit the mat and prep for your upcoming bout! Good luck on your MMA jouney.