Starting MMA can be exciting, but knowing what equipment to buy can be confusing when you're new to the sport.
With MMA combining striking, wrestling and grappling, there are different types of MMA gear, and each serves a specific purpose.
In this guide, we'll cover the essential MMA equipment for beginners, including MMA gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, mouthguards, rash guards and MMA shorts, so you know what you need to get started and what you can add later.
Quick MMA Beginner Equipment Checklist
If you're completely new to MMA, start with these essentials:
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MMA gloves
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Hand wraps
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Mouthguard
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Shin guards
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MMA shorts
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Rash guard or suitable training top
- Groin guard if required by your gym
You may also need boxing gloves for striking sessions, particularly for pad work, bag work or sparring.
MMA gloves have much less padding than traditional boxing gloves, so they are not a direct replacement for boxing gloves in every training situation.
As your training progresses, you may want to add head guards, additional protective equipment and spare training clothing.
What Equipment Do You Actually Need to Start MMA?
MMA combines several combat sports, including boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. That means your equipment needs to work across both striking and grappling.
Here is what each piece of beginner MMA gear is used for.
1. MMA Gloves
MMA gloves are one of the most recognisable pieces of MMA equipment.
Unlike traditional boxing gloves, MMA gloves have an open-finger design. This allows you to grip, clinch and transition into grappling techniques while still providing padding for striking.
For beginners, it is important to understand the difference between training, sparring and competition MMA gloves.
Competition gloves are usually much lighter and have less padding. They are designed for fighting rather than everyday training.
For regular training and sparring, look for MMA gloves with enough padding to protect both your hands and your training partners.
What to look for in beginner MMA gloves
- Secure wrist support
- Good knuckle padding
- Durable construction
- Comfortable hand compartment
- Secure hook-and-loop fastening
- Enough padding for your gym's sparring requirements
2. Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are inexpensive compared with gloves, but they are one of the most useful pieces of equipment in your MMA kit.
They are worn underneath your gloves to provide additional support around the hands and wrists.
Wrapping your hands correctly can help keep your hands more secure inside your gloves and can also help manage sweat inside the glove.
What should beginners look for?
For most adults, longer wraps provide useful coverage around the hands and wrists.
Common options include:
- Stretch cotton hand wraps
- Elasticated hand wraps
- Traditional boxing wraps
- Gel hand wraps
Choose a length that works with your hand size and the wrapping method taught by your coach.
Learning how to wrap your hands properly is just as important as buying the wraps themselves.
3. Shin Guards
If your MMA training includes kicking, checking kicks or kickboxing drills, shin guards are essential.
They protect your shins and feet during partner drills while also reducing the impact on your training partner.
MMA shin guards are usually lighter and more flexible than some traditional Muay Thai shin guards because MMA involves more movement and grappling.
A bulky shin guard can become uncomfortable when you're trying to move between striking and ground positions.
What makes a good MMA shin guard?
Look for:
- Secure fit
- Adequate shin padding
- Instep protection
- Lightweight construction
- Flexible design
- Secure straps
- Minimal movement during training
Your shin guards should stay in position rather than sliding around your leg every time you kick.
For beginners who are going to train regularly, a properly fitted pair is much better than buying the cheapest option available.
4. Mouthguard or Gum Shield
A basic boil-and-bite mouthguard can be a practical starting point for beginners. If you're unsure which type to choose, our guide to the best boxing gum shields covers popular options for sparring.
For beginners using a boil-and-bite mouthguard, it's also important to get the fit right. Follow our guide on how to mould a boil-and-bite boxing gum shield for step-by-step instructions.
When Should You Wear a Mouthguard?
Follow your gym's rules, but a mouthguard is particularly important once you begin contact or sparring sessions.
Don't wait until your first hard sparring session to think about mouth protection.
5. Groin Guard
A groin guard can provide additional protection during striking and sparring.
Whether it is required will depend on your gym, training style and circumstances.
For male fighters, a groin guard is particularly useful once regular sparring begins.
Choose one that:
- Fits securely
- Doesn't restrict movement
- Works comfortably underneath your training shorts
- Doesn't interfere with grappling
6. MMA Shorts
MMA shorts are designed specifically for combat sports.
They need to allow you to kick, sprawl, grapple and move freely without restricting your hips or legs.
Good MMA shorts typically use lightweight, flexible materials and a secure waistband.
What should MMA shorts have?
Look for:
- Flexible material
- Secure waistband
- Lightweight construction
- Good range of movement
- Strong stitching
- Minimal unnecessary pockets or hard features
Avoid ordinary gym shorts with bulky zips or anything that could become uncomfortable during grappling.
MMA shorts can also be useful for other combat sports and training sessions, making them a practical addition to your gym bag.
7. Rash Guard
A rash guard is particularly useful for MMA grappling and no-gi training.
It is a close-fitting top that moves with your body rather than becoming loose during grappling.
Rash guards can help reduce skin friction and provide a layer between your skin and the mat or training partner.
Long sleeve or short sleeve?
Both can work.
Long-sleeve rash guards provide more skin coverage and can be useful for grappling.
Short-sleeve rash guards can feel cooler and may be preferred during intense training sessions.
Choose whichever your gym allows and which feels comfortable for your training style.
Equipment You May Need Later
As your MMA training progresses, you may find that you need additional equipment depending on your training style, gym rules and whether you start sparring regularly.
These aren't necessarily items you need to buy straight away, but they can become useful as your training develops.
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Head Guard – Extra protection for MMA sparring and contact training.
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Knee Pads – Useful for wrestling, grappling and takedown training.
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Elbow Pads – Helpful for MMA training involving controlled elbow techniques.
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Ankle Supports – Provide additional support during kicking, footwork and grappling.
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Spats – Compression leggings commonly worn for MMA and no-gi grappling.
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Skipping Rope – Useful for MMA warm-ups, cardio, footwork and coordination.
- Training Bag – Keeps your MMA gloves, hand wraps, shin guards and other training gear organised.
MMA Striking vs Grappling Equipment
The equipment you need can change depending on the type of MMA training you're doing.
| Training Type | Recommended Equipment |
|---|---|
| Striking | Boxing gloves, MMA gloves and hand wraps |
| Kickboxing | Gloves, hand wraps and shin guards |
| Grappling | MMA shorts, rash guard and spats |
| MMA Sparring | MMA gloves, shin guards, mouthguard and protective equipment |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first MMA class?
For your first class, check with the gym before buying equipment. You may only need comfortable training clothes, a water bottle and a mouthguard if contact training is involved. Many gyms provide loan equipment for beginners.
Is MMA equipment different from boxing equipment?
Yes. MMA equipment is designed for both striking and grappling. MMA gloves have an open-finger design for gripping, while boxing gloves have more padding and are mainly designed for punching.
Can I use Muay Thai gear for MMA?
Some Muay Thai equipment can be used for MMA training, particularly gloves and shin guards. However, MMA-specific equipment is generally designed with grappling and movement in mind, so your gym's requirements should come first.
How many pairs of gloves do I need for MMA?
You can start with one suitable pair of MMA gloves, but regular trainees may eventually want separate gloves for MMA sessions and boxing or bag work.
What MMA equipment is worth spending more money on?
For beginners, prioritise equipment that affects protection, fit and durability, particularly gloves, shin guards and protective equipment. You don't necessarily need premium gear for every item in your kit.
Can I use regular gym clothes for MMA?
For your first class, regular sports clothing may be fine if your gym allows it. As you progress, MMA shorts and a rash guard can be more practical for striking and grappling sessions.
Final Thoughts
Starting MMA doesn't mean you need to buy a complete kit straight away. Focus on the essential equipment for your training, then add more as you gain experience and explore different areas of MMA.
At Fight Co, you can find a range of MMA equipment and training gear, from MMA gloves and boxing gloves to shin guards, rash guards, MMA shorts and protective equipment, helping you build your kit for every stage of your training.
Choose gear that offers the right balance of protection, comfort, fit and durability, and always check your gym's requirements before buying.