Section 2: Equipment
All athletes competing in sanctioned MMA bouts are required to wear and use approved equipment that meets the standards established by the relevant athletic commission and the Unified Rules of MMA. Equipment requirements are intended to protect athletes while preserving the integrity and nature of the competition.
Mandatory Equipment
- Gloves: Competitors must wear approved MMA gloves that allow the fingers to be free for grappling. Gloves typically weigh between 4 and 6 ounces. No competitor may hold or grab an opponent's gloves during competition.
- Mouthpiece: All competitors are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The bout may be paused for the referee to reinsert a dislodged mouthpiece, but intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece may be penalized as timidity.
- Groin Protection: Male competitors are required to wear a groin protector (cup). Female competitors are required to wear a chest protector where required by the sanctioning athletic commission.
- Athletic Shorts or Approved Fight Attire: Competitors must wear approved athletic shorts, board shorts, or similar fight attire as approved by the athletic commission. Board shorts must not have pockets, buttons, or zippers that could be hazardous to either competitor.
- No Shoes: Competitors compete barefoot. Footwear of any kind is not permitted unless medically required and approved by the relevant athletic commission.
Prohibited Equipment
- Headgear of any kind (professional bouts)
- Shoes or boots
- Shirts or additional padding not approved by the athletic commission
- Any equipment deemed by the referee or commission to provide an unfair advantage or to pose a danger to either competitor
- Jewelry, piercings, or any object that could injure the opponent
Hand Wrapping
Competitors may use approved hand wraps beneath their gloves. The amount and type of hand wrapping material are regulated by the athletic commission. Wraps must be applied in a manner that does not add striking surface or create a hardened pad across the knuckles.