According to multiple sources, the UFC has notified fighters competing on Saturday’s 309 card in New York that they will be using the old gloves instead of the new gloves introduced in June. The specific reason is unknown at this time.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani)
November 12, 2024
Familiar fight gear returns in UFC 309.
The Las Vegas-based promotion will use an older version of the gloves for Saturday’s card at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Starting at UFC 302 on June 1st, the gloves have been changed to a new style with an emphasis on reducing the chance of eye bumps and hand injuries. After Ariel Helwani’s initial report, multiple media outlets confirmed the news.
The fighters and their teams were reportedly informed of the glove change on Tuesday. It’s unclear at this time why the older version will be brought back at UFC 309.
UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic. Saturday at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+. Order now!
The new gloves are manufactured by fitness and combat equipment company Dyaco and feature updated seam locations and revised wrist attachments. The new design was also expected to reduce damage caused by the gloves themselves. Since its introduction, there has been speculation that the new version resulted in fewer knockouts in UFC matches. According to data compiled by MMAjunkie.com, decision rates have increased by 11.5% since its introduction.
While the new gloves have received some criticism, they have also received praise from other fighters. After UFC 301, Dustin Poirier provided a positive review, noting that he was able to make a firmer fist than the older version.
UFC 309 is headlined by the heavyweight championship fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. The main card will air on pay-per-view via ESPN+ starting at 10pm ET/7pm PT.
