UFC 309 Fighters to Revert to Original Glove Design

The UFC has confirmed that athletes competing at UFC 309 in New York this Saturday will use the original glove design, moving away from the redesigned gloves that were first introduced at UFC 302 in June 2024. The newer glove model, which debuted at UFC 302, has been consistently used across all subsequent events by the promotion. The UFC implemented this modification with the aim of decreasing instances of eye pokes, cuts, and hand injuries. Jon Jones, whose upcoming fight would have been his first since the introduction of the new gloves, expressed that the decision to revert was a “major relief” for him, having tried the new design several weeks ago. Jones stated, “They were very uncomfortable for me and I was actually really stressed thinking about how I’m going into fight week wearing these gloves that I don’t even want to train in?” He further recounted that the UFC explained, “[The UFC] said, ‘Everyone on this card are veterans, why put a bunch of vets in the new glove? Let’s give you guys all what you’re used to’.” Prior to the recent update, the gloves had not undergone a significant redesign since their mandatory adoption at UFC 14 in 1997. The main event at Madison Square Garden will feature heavyweight champion Jon Jones against former champion Stipe Miocic. This bout marks Jones’ initial defense of his title, which he secured by defeating Ciryl Gane for the vacant championship at UFC 285, following a three-year break from competition. The UFC stated that the new gloves, which retain their fingerless design, incorporate fewer external seams to reduce potential abrasions and cuts. Additionally, foam has been integrated to offer enhanced flexibility and impact absorption. Numerous fighters, including lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, have voiced criticism regarding the updated design. Makhachev commented, “They feel a bit harder, but almost the same. But when you try to open your fingers it’s a little difficult. They keep your fingers closed a bit.” This weekend’s co-main event will feature former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler. Other matchups include Scotland’s Paul Craig against Bo Nickal, and Wales’ Oban Elliott facing Bassil Hafez.