The UFC is curently in the process of creating new gloves, in an aim to cut down the recurring problem of eye pokes.
While the issue with the fingerless gloves has always been there, this decision comes after UFC 159, where an unusual number of fights were altered because of accidental eye pokes. The bout between Ovince St. Preux and Gian Villante was ended premeturely, and Michael Bisping’s fight with Alan Belcher was stopped and had to go to the scorecards.
UFC president Dana White said: “We actually have started work on a new glove that actually curves your hand. Like the glove is curved like a ‘u’, so you can still open your hand, but your fingers don’t push straight out.”
Many, including long-running UFC commentator Joe Rogan, have been calling for a change in the gloves for years. These new gloves are still in the early stages of development, but if they’re introduced, it could limit the amount of pokes and potential eye injuries without limiting the grappling options of fighters.
Article by Lewis Smith
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