In a significant development, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has decided to revert to its previous glove design for the upcoming UFC 309 event, scheduled for November 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This decision comes after the introduction of a new glove design earlier this year, which aimed to reduce eye pokes and hand injuries.
The new gloves, introduced on June 1, 2024, featured modifications intended to enhance fighter safety by minimizing eye pokes and hand injuries. However, feedback from fighters and fans has been mixed. Some athletes expressed discomfort with the new design, citing issues with fit and flexibility. Notably, former middleweight champion Sean Strickland criticized the new gloves, stating, “They absolutely suck.”
Additionally, data compiled by MMA Junkie indicated a decrease in knockout rates since the implementation of the new gloves, dropping from approximately 31-34% to 22.9%, while decision rates increased by 11.5%.
The decision to revert to the previous glove design has sparked discussions among fans and analysts, especially with the highly anticipated heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic headlining UFC 309. Some speculate that the change may favor Jones, who has a history of eye pokes during fights.
UFC President Dana White has acknowledged the feedback regarding the new gloves and stated that the organization is committed to ensuring fighter safety and comfort. The reversion to the old gloves is seen as a response to the concerns raised by fighters and the MMA community.
As UFC 309 approaches, all eyes will be on how the return to the previous glove design impacts fighter performance and the overall dynamics of the event.
