In the grand scheme of combat sports, mixed martial arts is still considered a new kid on the block. As the sport continues to gain respect and popularity worldwide, those honing their craft are constantly being pushed to level up. You have world-champion boxers and Muay Thai fighters throwing their hats into the mix, and then you’ve got elite-level sambo and Greco-Roman wrestlers converting to MMA. To keep pace, fighters and coaches need to adapt, learn, and grow.
Boxing too has to be adapted for MMA, and it’s a lot more complicated than people think. The common misperception is that the small gloves favor the boxer, but there’s a lot more to MMA than just being a good boxer.
So often we see knockouts go viral and assume that’s all that’s needed in MMA – one good punch. But in reality, it’s such a complex and dynamic sport. There’s so much going on at any moment; fighters from different disciplines constantly testing their opponent’s fight IQ and readiness. It’s a mental game where one wrong move can change everything. It’s all about precision, timing, mental fortitude, and, most importantly, being able to adapt.
MMA competition gloves typically range from 4 oz to 6 oz, whereas boxing competition gloves range from 8 oz to 10 oz – that’s nearly double what MMA fighters wear into the cage! The size does ultimately depend on the weight class with bigger fighters wearing larger gloves. Bangtao’s head boxing coach, Conor McBride, describes boxing for MMA as simple but complex due to the high-risk nature of fighting in such small gloves.
“In boxing, you can do things like shoulder rolls; the gloves are a lot bigger, so there’s a lot more protection. The head is covered up more because the surface area of the glove is a lot bigger; it’s protecting a lot more. The smaller gloves aren’t protecting much. There’s a higher chance of you getting hit.”
And getting hit in MMA gloves is damage you just can’t afford to take.
Aside from the small gloves, boxing in MMA shares similarities to Muay Thai. In Muay Thai, fighters are trained to kick out the legs of heavy-handed fighters, clinch up, or counter with elbows. And with the scorecards never favoring the boxers, a specific style of boxing is required to find success in Muay Thai. It’s more about knockouts or damaging your opponent.
George Hickman, the head MMA coach at Bangtao, comes from a family of wrestlers. While he has always felt at home on the mats and in the cage, he has never once dropped his guard or underestimated the damage 4 oz gloves can do.
“Striking with MMA gloves, you have to be careful because it’s a lot harder to block shots. You can’t just take shots and think you’re going to be okay. Rather than just covering up, I would say footwork is very important, as is being evasive. Covering up should be your last line of defense.”
Coming from a traditional boxing upbringing, McBride has had to adapt his coaching style to MMA. He describes coaching boxing for MMA as kind of like “a piece left out.”
“Boxing is a lot different. You do a lot more on the inside. But in MMA, if you try to box at a close distance, someone is just going to try to strangle you or take you to the ground. Boxing for MMA is more about your entries and exits or mid-distance fighting. Once you get too close, if you’re a better boxer and I’m a better wrestler, I’m just going to take you down.”
Adding that, “The focus for MMA is more about making your way in and making your way out safely. There’s no staying in.”
It’s all about the entries and exits, fighting at a long range or focusing on your counter shots.
With fighters of all backgrounds entering the cage, the meta is one of continuous adaptation and growth – and boxing is no different.
Ready to Put Theory Into Practice?
At Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, we specialize in helping fighters of all levels master the art of boxing for MMA. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your striking, improve your footwork, or learn how to adapt traditional techniques for the cage, our expert coaches—like George Hickman and Conor McBride—are here to guide you. Check out our class overview and start training with us today. Take the first step towards leveling up your fight game!