In shocking news, longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan publicly criticized UFC CEO Dana White’s recent plans to introduce a new ring to the promotion, citing concerns about its effectiveness and impact on fighter performance. The controversial sleeve introduced to reduce eye-rolls and increase fighter safety has received mixed reviews from Rogan and top fighters in the UFC.
Mixed Reactions to the UFC’s Glove Innovation
Since their introduction a few months ago, the new 3EIGHT and 5EIGHT gloves aim to revolutionize fighting gear by increasing padding and supposedly reducing eye-pokes but have only produced four knockouts in 37 fights since the former, raising suspicion from Rogan and others in MMA circles.
Joe Rogan’s Book on the New Gloves
During a recent JRE Fight Companion episode, Rogan expressed dissatisfaction with the new gear saying, “Hey bro, these new gloves are no better than those old gloves.” His criticism was mainly about the design’s failure to adequately protect fighters’ wrists, given that great struggle is the most important element of the sport.
“They made good gloves,” Rogan elaborated. I have to say better. Preferably padded. Obviously they haven’t made the best gloves yet, the best gloves. They should cover their sleeves. You know they have to cover their fingers. There is no reason for that. Fingers never get involved.”
The Fighters Say
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and former middleweight champion Sean Strickland have both expressed displeasure with the gloves. Known for his rigorous training methods, Makhachev has revealed how gloves restrict wrist movement and increase the risk of amputation Strickland has now criticized the design and how it clearly does the job, and he has written that it is not conducive to professional competition.
Makhachev said, “The new fingers are very strong. They’ll make more cuts, because the previous UFC gloves were weak. These are more difficult. They don’t let you open your arms completely just so your fingers don’t spread straight out.”
Strickland echoed similar sentiments in a post-fight interview, saying, “Yeah, they suck. I don’t know who—can we talk to the person who made this glove?… That needs to be considered.”
Impact UFC 303 and Beyond
As the debate heats up, questions arise about the impact gloves will have on upcoming events like UFC 303. Fighters like Makhachev and Strickland openly question their eligibility, and UFC officials may face increasing pressure to reconsider gloves or replace gloves to better meet the demands of the sport.
The Way Forward
The UFC’s introduction of new 3EIGHT and 5EIGHT gloves, aimed at reducing eye rolls and increasing fighter safety, has sparked controversy in the MMA community Despite the goal being to revolutionize MMA products and make athlete safety fly effectively, big gloves like Joe Rogan, Fighters like Islam Makhachev and Sean Strickland have also been heavily criticized
As there are concerns about glove performance and impact on performance, UFC leadership subjects itself to investigations in order to address these issues expeditiously Ongoing responses highlight inherent challenges with innovative features emphasis on combat toys, where even intentional changes can outweigh the resistance of those directly affected.
With fighters and commentators alike voicing their dissatisfaction, there is talk of UFC officials rethinking the glove system and possibly making significant changes. The outcome of these discussions could shape future tournaments and overall safety policy inside the Octagon, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and athlete well-being in professional MMA.
