UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has mixed feelings regarding the upcoming introduction of new gloves at UFC 302.
Makhachev is preparing for his title defense against Dustin Poirier in New Jersey on June 1st, with this event unveiling the freshly designed gloves that the UFC has been developing for an extended period. Despite the prestige of being the first to sport the new golden gloves as the champion, Makhachev expressed reservations after trying them out during training.
In an interview with Sport 24, Makhachev mentioned that the new gloves are rigid and could potentially result in more cuts compared to the previous softer UFC gloves. He highlighted that the design hinders full hand movement to prevent fingers from extending straight ahead.
While many fans anticipated that the new gloves would reduce the occurrence of eye pokes, Makhachev’s feedback indicates a possible overcorrection in this aspect. Additionally, he noted that the extra material around the finger holes might increase the risk of cuts.
Despite these issues, Makhachev intends to showcase the gloves alongside his belt as a significant achievement in his career. While other UFC fighters have given positive reviews of the gloves during testing in 2023, concerns persist about potential challenges in the upcoming Makhachev vs. Poirier bout.
It remains to be seen if the new gloves will prove effective at UFC 302, but unforeseen complications during the fight could lead to substantial developments.
