The Dagestani fighter, Islam Makhachev, has been making waves in the lightweight division for his upcoming bout against Dustin Poirier. With a professional record of 25 wins and 1 loss, he’s often compared to his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, due to their similar grappling styles and relentless pressure.
Islam Makhachev Opens up on The New UFC Gloves
The UFC recently introduced new gloves, and fighters like Makhachev have taken notice. According to him, these gloves are significantly stiffer compared to the previous versions.
Makhachev’s observation is crucial because glove design can impact fighter safety.
Islam Makhachev stated “The [new gloves] are very stiff. They will cause more cuts, as the previous UFC gloves were softer. These are stiffer. They don’t let you fully open your hand just to make sure the fingers don’t extend straight forward. But overall, they are pretty much the same. I am going to frame them next to the belt, as the first golden gloves in the UFC.”
Makhachev’s statement about the gloves being “very stiff” suggests that they lack flexibility. Stiff gloves can affect a fighter’s ability to grip, strike, and defend effectively.
The concern here is that the stiffness could lead to more cuts during fights. When gloves are rigid, they don’t conform as well to the shape of a fighter’s hand, potentially increasing the risk of abrasions and lacerations.
Islam Makhachev says the new UFC gloves will cause more cuts due to being "very stiff"
"The [new gloves] are very stiff. They will cause more cuts, as the previous UFC gloves were softer. These are stiffer.
They don't let you fully open your hand just to make sure the fingers… pic.twitter.com/gIfYxvFTWu
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 25, 2024
Islam Makhachev’s decision to frame the gloves next to his belt signifies their significance. Perhaps he views them as a symbol of his journey, akin to the golden gloves awarded in boxing.
As fighters adapt to the new gloves, the UFC will closely monitor their impact. If the increased stiffness indeed leads to more cuts, adjustments may be necessary.
Makhachev points out that the new gloves restrict full hand opening. This design feature aims to prevent fingers from extending straight forward, which could inadvertently lead to eye pokes or other fouls
While acknowledging the stiffness, Makhachev also notes that the overall design remains similar. It’s a delicate balance for glove manufacturers to maintain fighter safety while ensuring fair competition.
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