UFC 302 showcased a new development that may have gone unnoticed by many – the debut of the latest iteration of UFC gloves. Leading up to the event, UFC officials presented the new gloves to the media, emphasizing the extensive research and design process that went into creating them. Fighters were given the opportunity to try on the gloves, with some even testing their ability to prevent eye pokes (spoiler alert: they didn’t fare too well in that department).
During UFC 302, the new gloves were put to the test, but concerns about eye pokes quickly arose as multiple fighters fell victim to finger-related incidents. Despite initial hopes that the gloves would reduce eye pokes, it became evident that this was not the case. Fighters, including UFC welterweight Randy Brown, noted that while the gloves were beneficial for striking, they did little to prevent eye pokes.
The focus of the new glove design seemed to prioritize factors like cuts, comfort, and hand protection, rather than addressing the issue of eye pokes. While the gloves did offer improved flexibility and grip for fighters, the persistent problem of eye pokes remained unresolved. This is a significant issue not only due to the potential danger to fighters’ health and careers but also because it can impact the outcomes of fights.
Despite positive feedback from fighters regarding the new gloves’ performance, the oversight of the eye poke issue raised concerns. The statistics showing a high win rate for fighters who committed eye pokes further highlighted the importance of addressing this issue. Referees may need to take a more stringent approach in penalizing fighters for eye pokes, but ultimately, finding a solution remains a complex challenge.
The introduction of the new UFC gloves aimed to improve various aspects of fighter performance, but the oversight of the eye poke issue raised questions about the design priorities. While the gloves received overall positive feedback from fighters, the persistent problem of eye pokes underscores the need for continued attention to fighter safety and fair competition in the UFC.