Mixed Martial Arts Equipment List: 20 Items (with Pictures)

MMA equipment list with all 20 items: MMA gloves, hand wraps, mouthguard, training headgear, shin guards, groin protector and fight shorts.

Eight of the twenty items are the fighter’s own kit, and seven of those eight are protection: gloves, wraps, mouthguard, headgear, shin guards and a groin cup, worn over shorts or a rash guard. Six more belong to the coach, among them heavy bags, focus mitts, kick shields and a grappling dummy, and six describe the gym itself, from cage or ring and grappling mats to strength equipment and medical facilities.

20items in total

8carried by the fighter

12supplied by coach and gym

Quick answers

What equipment do you need for MMA?: Gloves, hand wraps and a mouthguard are the minimum, plus a groin cup and shorts that allow a full range of motion. Headgear and shin guards come out for sparring, and the cage, the bags and the mats belong to the gym.
What is the most important equipment in MMA?: The gloves, because they are the one item worn in every session and in every fight. Hand wraps sit underneath them and take most of the load off the small bones of the hand.
What does a beginner need on the first day?: Wraps, gloves and a mouthguard, then shorts or a rash guard. Shin guards and headgear are usually lent out until sparring starts, and no beginner buys a bag or a mat.
Who pays for the cage, the bags and the mats?: The gym does. The list splits into what a fighter carries in a bag and what a facility installs once, and only the first half is a shopping list.

MMA Equipment at a Glance

Eight items belong to the fighter, six to the coach and six to the facility. Everything a beginner has to buy sits in the first block.

Item	What it does	Who supplies it
MMA gloves4 to 7 oz, open palm	Padding over the knuckles with the fingers free to grip and grapple	Player
Mouthguard	Absorbs strikes to the jaw and keeps the teeth apart	Player
Hand wraps	Bind the small bones of the hand and hold the wrist straight under the glove	Player
Headgearfor training	Padding over forehead, cheeks and ears during sparring, never worn in a fight	Player
Shin guardsfor training	Foam over shin and instep so hard kicks can be drilled at speed	Player
Groin protector	Hard cup against low kicks and knees, allowed in training and in the cage	Player
Rash guard or MMA shorts	Stretch fabric with no zippers or pockets, and a barrier against mat infections	Player
Water bottle	Rounds are short and hot, and fluid gets replaced between them	Player
Punching bagsheavy bag, speed bag	Take full power strikes so combinations can be worked without a partner	Coach
Padsfocus mitts, kick shields	Let the coach hold a moving target for punches, kicks and knees	Coach
Grappling dummy	Stands in for a partner on takedowns, passes and ground work	Coach
First aid kit	Cuts, nosebleeds and sprains get treated at the gym	Coach
Video analysis tools	Records rounds so technique and habits can be reviewed afterward	Coach
Fight cage or ringtraining version	Gives the fighter walls or ropes to work against before a real fight	Coach
MMA cage or ring	The competition surface, sized and fenced to the rules of the promotion	Facility
Mats for grappling	Interlocking foam that takes the impact of throws and takedowns	Facility
Gym equipmentstrength and conditioning	Weights, machines and cardio gear for the conditioning half of camp	Facility
Locker rooms	Changing, showers and a place to leave a bag during training	Facility
Seating for spectators	Set back from the cage so fans can watch an event safely	Facility
Medical facilities	On site care for cuts and knockouts, required at sanctioned events	Facility

Equipment for MMA Fighters

#1 Gloves (MMA specific)

MMA gloves are indispensable for both training and competition, providing protection while allowing the dexterity needed for grappling. They cushion impact, reduce the risk of injury to both the wearer and the opponent, and are a mandatory part of a fighter's gear.

Venum Challenger MMA Gloves

Open palm, hook and loop wrist

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Shellsynthetic leather with reinforced stitching
Paddingmulti-density layered foam
Palmopen, fingers free for grips
Closureadjustable hook and loop wrist strap
Shapepre-curved to the natural hand position
SizesS to XL

The open palm is what separates an MMA glove from a boxing glove: the fingers stay free, so a grip can be taken the moment the range closes. Layered foam over the knuckles is the part that protects the training partner as much as the wearer.

#2 Mouthguard

A mouthguard is a crucial piece of protective equipment for MMA fighters, absorbing shocks from strikes and helping to prevent dental damage and concussions. It's a necessary safeguard for both training and actual fights, ensuring the athlete's oral health is protected at all times.

Venum Challenger Mouthguard

Boil and bite, vented

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MaterialEVA, shock absorbing
Fittingboil and bite, molds to the teeth
Ventsairflow channels for breathing and speech
Profileslim, low bulk
Caseincluded
Fitsadult

A boil and bite guard is dropped into hot water and bitten into shape, which is the whole reason it costs a fraction of a dentist fitted one. The vents matter more than they sound: a guard that blocks breathing gets spat out in round two.

#3 Hand Wraps

Hand wraps are essential in stabilizing the wrists and protecting the small bones in the hands during striking. They complement MMA gloves by providing an additional layer of support and cushioning, which is vital to maintaining hand and wrist health amid repetitive impacts.

Ringside Mexican Style Hand Wraps

180 inches, semi-elastic

Ringside Mexican Style Boxing Hand Wraps 180", 1 Pair, Blue

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Length180 inches per wrap
Stretchsemi-elastic cotton blend, Mexican style
Endsthumb loop at the start, hook and loop at the finish
Caremachine washable
Contentsone pair

Mexican style means the cotton has a little give, so the wrap follows the hand instead of cutting into it. A hundred and eighty inches is the length that covers knuckles, thumb and wrist in one pass rather than forcing a short cut somewhere.

#4 Headgear (for training)

Headgear is a key protective component used in training to help reduce the risk of head trauma. While not used in competition, it allows fighters to engage in sparring sessions with a lower risk of cuts and bruises, providing a safer environment to hone their skills.

Elite Sports Boxing Headgear

Open face, 180 degree view

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Coverageforehead, cheeks, ears and back of the head
Visionopen face, roughly 180 degrees
Adjustmentchin strap, head cap and height
Shapepre-curved, ergonomic
Weightlightweight build
Usesparring only, not competition

Headgear is a sparring item and never appears in a sanctioned MMA fight, which is why the field of view matters more than maximum padding. An open face keeps the peripheral vision that a closed cheek design takes away.

#5 Shin Guards (for training)

Shin guards are crucial during sparring and drills, cushioning the legs from powerful kicks and knee strikes. By absorbing and distributing force, they minimize the potential for painful bruises or more serious injuries, making them a staple item for any serious MMA practitioner.

Elite Sports Shin and Instep Guards

Shin plus instep, washable

Elite Sports New Item Protective Kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai Shin & Instep Guards Leg Pad Training Protective Gear Washable

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Coverageshinbone and instep in one piece
Paddinghigh density impact foam
Shapepre-curved to the shin
Closurehook and loop with a stretch strap
Fabriccotton blend, washable
Fitunisex

The instep is the part beginners forget, and it is the part that meets an elbow or a knee first. A guard that stops at the ankle leaves the top of the foot exposed for exactly the kick it was bought for.

#6 Groin Protector

A groin protector is an essential piece of equipment for male fighters, providing defense against accidental low blows during sparring and competition. It's an indispensable safeguard, ensuring that fighters can train and compete confidently without undue worry about painful and potentially debilitating groin strikes.

Diamond MMA Athletic Cup

Hard cup with soft rim

Diamond MMA Adult Athletic Cup Groin Protector w/Soft Rim | Adult Groin Guard for High Impact Sports, Combat Sports Like MMA, BJJ, Boxing, Muay Thai | Shock Absorbent, No-Shift Sports Cups for Men

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Cuprigid shell that deflects and spreads impact
Rimsoft elastomer edge against the body
Built forrepeated high impact contact sports
Worn withcompression jock strap system
Fitadult

A rigid cup with a soft rim is the compromise this category lives on: hard enough to spread a knee, padded at the edge so the shell itself does not bruise. The maker sells the strap system separately, which is worth knowing before ordering.

#7 Rash Guard or MMA Shorts

Rash guards and MMA shorts are designed to provide comfort, flexibility, and breathability. They support a full range of motion, which is critical in a sport that encompasses both striking and grappling. This apparel also helps reduce the risk of skin infections, such as ringworm or staph, which can be common in close-combat sports.

Elite Sports Black Jack Fight Shorts

Microfiber, side slits

Elite Sports Men's Black Jack Series Fight Shorts, Grey, Large

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Fabric150 GSM microfiber, tear resistant
Waistelastic band with an internal drawcord
Cutside slits and wide leg openings
Finishmoisture wicking, quick dry
Built forno gi grappling, Muay Thai and MMA

Fight shorts carry no zippers, no pockets and no rivets, because anything hard is a hazard on the ground. The side slits are the reason a high kick does not tear the seam.

#8 Water Bottle

Hydration is key in maintaining a fighter's performance and health. A water bottle is considered essential gear for MMA athletes, allowing them to readily replenish fluids during rigorous training sessions and bouts, helping prevent dehydration and supporting overall physical function.

Equipment for Coaches and Teams

#1 Punching Bags

Punching bags, including heavy bags and speed bags, are essential for developing striking power and speed in MMA athletes. They provide resistance and feedback for perfecting technique and building cardiovascular endurance, mimicking the impact of hitting an opponent.

Ringside Powerhide Heavy Bag

100 lb, 42 by 14 inches

Ringside 100 lb Powerhide Heavy Bag for Boxing, MMA & Muay Thai, 42"x14"

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Weight100 lb
Size42 inches tall, 14 inches wide
ShellPowerhide synthetic over a foam liner
Fillsoft filled core
Includedchain assembly and swivel
Mountingceiling, beam or bag stand, rated mount required

At a hundred pounds the bag stays where it is put, which is the point for kicks and knees rather than jabs. The foam liner sits between the shell and the dense core, so the first inch gives before the weight pushes back.

#2 Pads

Pads such as focus mitts and kick shields are crucial for honing accuracy, timing, and power in strikes and kicks. They allow coaches to safely train their fighters' offensive techniques, ensuring precise feedback and protection during intensive striking drills.

RDX Curved Kick Shield

60 cm, three handles

RDX Kick Shield Muay Thai Kickboxing, 60CM Large Heavy Curved Kicking Striking Body Pad, Punching Foot Target MMA Boxing Training, 3 Padded Handles, Martial Arts Karate TKD Taekwondo (ONE PAD ONLY)

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Size60 cm long, 36 cm wide
Thickness13 cm of padding
Shapecurved striking face
Handlesthree padded grips
Strapshook and loop over the forearm
Built forkicks, knees and body shots

A kick shield is held by the coach, so the padding is there to protect the holder as much as to feed the fighter a target. The curve is what keeps a round kick from sliding off the edge into the coach's arm.

#3 Grappling Dummy

A grappling dummy is an invaluable tool for practicing throws, submissions, and ground-and-pound techniques without a live partner. It enhances technical skills and allows fighters to drill maneuvers repetitively, reducing the risk of injury to teammates during training.

Jendila Grappling Dummy

Unfilled shell, adult size

Grappling Dummy MMA Jiu Jitsu – Grappling Wrestling Dummy – Made from Durable Canvas Fabrics – MMA Dummy for Multiple Drills UNFILLED

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Sizesuits training partners of 5.5 to 6 feet
Shellheavy canvas, roughly 30 percent thicker than standard
Stitchingwelt seam over most of the body
Limbsarms and legs reposition and hold
Shipsunfilled, the filling is added at home

It arrives as an empty shell, which sounds like a catch and is actually the useful part: the weight is set by what goes inside. Limbs that hold a position are what make it work for passes and submissions rather than just throws.

#4 First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is vital in MMA to promptly tend to injuries sustained during training or competition. Containing essential medical supplies, it ensures the health and safety of athletes by allowing immediate care for cuts, bruises, and other common injuries.

#5 Video Analysis Tools

Video analysis tools are key for coaches to review and improve the techniques and strategies of their fighters. By analyzing footage, they can identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement, enhancing the overall training and preparation for competition.

#6 Fight Cage or Ring

A fight cage or ring is necessary for simulating actual combat conditions during training. It provides a secure and realistic environment for fighters to practice movement, control space, and execute techniques as they would in an official match, ensuring better preparedness for competition.

Equipment for Facilities

#1 MMA Cage or Ring

An MMA cage or ring is essential for simulating real fight conditions, allowing fighters to prepare for the physical confines and spatial dynamics of competition. This equipment is critical for strategy training, movement practice, and fostering a safe, controlled environment for close-quarters combat exercises.

#2 Mats for Grappling

Quality grappling mats are vital to protect athletes during training and competitions. The mats provide a cushioned surface to absorb impacts from takedowns and throws, reducing the risk of injury. They facilitate a range of movements necessary for groundwork, making them a cornerstone of any MMA facility.

Gold BJJ Home Jiu Jitsu Mats

1.5 inch thick, 12 tiles

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Thickness1.5 inches
Tiles12 interlocking tiles at 20 by 20 inches
Coverage33.3 square feet
Surfacetatami texture for grip
Sidesblack on one face, grey on the other
Usehome, garage or a dedicated training room

Thickness is the number that counts on a grappling mat, because a takedown lands the whole body at once. Interlocking tiles let a room be sized to the space available and taken apart again when it is needed for something else.

#3 Gym Equipment (for strength and conditioning)

Gym equipment such as weights, resistance machines, and cardio machines is crucial for fighters to develop the strength, power, and endurance needed for MMA. A well-equipped facility supports comprehensive conditioning, helping athletes build and maintain peak physical fitness for competition.

#4 Locker Rooms

Locker rooms offer fighters a private space to prepare before training or a bout, and to decompress afterward. They serve as a secure location for personal belongings and play a key role in maintaining hygiene within the facility through showering and changing areas.

#5 Seating Area for Spectators (for events)

A dedicated seating area for spectators is essential for hosting MMA events and fostering a community around the sport. It allows fans to watch bouts comfortably and safely, enhancing their viewing experience and supporting the ambiance during events.

#6 Medical Facilities

Medical facilities are a critical aspect of any MMA venue, ensuring immediate access to medical care in the event of injury. On-site medical provisions help manage risks during training and competitions and are a non-negotiable aspect of athlete safety protocols.

Discover the specifications of the MMA cage dimensions to get a better grasp of the space where this equipment is used.

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to play Mixed Martial Arts?

Gloves, mouthguard, and protective gear are the equipment you need to play Mixed Martial Arts. This gear helps to prevent injury and allows fighters to train effectively.

What is the most important equipment in Mixed Martial Arts?

Gloves are the most important equipment in Mixed Martial Arts, protecting hands and allowing for various techniques to be executed safely during training and competition.

What is a recommended list of Mixed Martial Arts equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of Mixed Martial Arts equipment for beginners: MMA gloves, hand wraps, a mouthguard, shin guards, a groin protector, and headgear. This basic gear ensures safety and comfort as you learn the sport.