UFC Fighters to Wear Gold Gloves for Title Fights; Include NFC Chip for Authenticity

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVApril 12, 2024

Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

UFC announced Friday that fighters will now wear special gold gloves during championship bouts.

Oscar Willis of The Mac Life posted photos of the glove, which will add to the presentation factor of UFC’s biggest fights:

Oscar Willis @oscarswillisUFC title fights will now feature gold gloves. pic.twitter.com/6Kf8qnKKLZ

Per Thomas Gerbasi of UFC’s official website, all UFC fighters will wear newly designed gloves moving forward, and they have been dubbed 3Eight and 5Eight gloves, which references three-round and five-round fights.

Inside the gloves will be a data chip which will allow for easy authentication, as the gloves can be matched to specific fighters and fights.

According to Gerbasi, UFC took into account feedback from fighters, coaches and scientific studies when it came to the development of the new gloves.

In addition to color changes and chip implementation, the gloves will be between one and 1.5 ounces lighter than the previous gloves, and they will feature VICIS RFLX foam layer stack technology to allow for “maximum flexibility and impact absorbing protection.”

Additionally, the new design will decrease the likelihood of cuts and abrasions, while better protecting bones in the hands and fingers.

It was also noted by Gerbasi that the 3Eight and 5Eight gloves are identical aside from the color and graphics featured on them.

The first UFC event was held in November 1993, and since then it has become the preeminent combat sports promotion in the world.

On Saturday, UFC will reach another massive milestone in the form of UFC 300, which will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Several huge bouts are scheduled for the event, including Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway, women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill.

It appears as though the current gloves will be worn at UFC 300, as Gerbasi noted that the launch date for the 3Eight and 5Eight gloves will be announced in the future.