Are the Gloves the Issue?

Over the past few days, the adequacy of the gloves used by the UFC have been called into question.

The debate was obviously ignited following the peculiar events of UFC 159, in which, among other things, two of the fights were stopped due to eye pokes. Although this event and it's oddities were certainly an outlier, it seems that the eye pokes at UFC 159 were the last straw for many. And it is the gloves that have taken the brunt of the criticism.

Following the controversy, the UFC has decided to design a new glove. On Tuesday Dana White explained, "we have started to work on a new glove that actually curves your hand," adding that "the glove is curved like a 'U' so you can still open your hand, but your fingers don't point straight out." 

Social media has been set ablaze with images of how the apparent new gloves will look, an example being this monstrosity. Many, however, are suggesting that the new gloves will be very similar to the ones used in Pride.

But are the gloves the real issue? Well, they certainly aren't the primary reason fighters are getting poked in the eye. That is the fault of their opponents. This is the issue that needs to be addressed. Instead of wasting time and money partaking in research and development into new gloves, why not stop the problem at its source. The fighters. 

Eye pokes are a workplace hazard in MMA, the same as low blows and headbutts. However, because eye pokes are a phenomenon based mainly in MMA they seem to have slipped under the radar of the ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions). Which is the reason the St. Preux vs Villante debacle was able to occur. Marc Ratner (UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs) is aiming to change this, he plans to request changes to the unified rules at the ABC's summer convention. 

Getting back to the root of the problem, it is either poor technique or malicious intention that will cause an eye poke. An emphasis needs to be placed on keeping the fist closed when striking. Fighters who repeatedly paw out at their opponent should be penalized accordingly. Knowing that points will be taken away if they do this should be enough to deter the frequency of these types of incidents. There is absolutely no need for outstretched fingers to be anywhere near your opponents face when you are striking. This common flaw in technique is what needs to be addressed and altered, not the gloves.

Other than wasting time and money, redesigning the gloves could present different problems. Ever since UFC 14: Showdown in 1997, wearing the current type of UFC glove has been mandatory. Therefore, the majority of the fighters in the UFC today have spent their entire career fighting and training in these gloves. Changing the gloves in any significant way may be difficult to adapt to, at least initially. 

Another concern, perhaps the main concern, is how will the new gloves affect performance. We know why these new gloves are being developed, to avoid eye pokes. However, if too great of an emphasis is placed upon it's function in the striking realm then the grappling aspect of the sport may suffer. Movement of the hand and it's digits is essential for grappling in MMA, restricting that too much would hamper a grappler's effectiveness. Designing the gloves incorrectly may turn MMA into a striking biased sport.

Rules and regulations are what is needed, not redesign.