Starting a heavy-bag workout can make you dubious about a lot of things. Using gloves for mma is one of those doubtful questions you might have in your mind. Can you use mma gloves on a heavy bag?
Heavy bag workout is one of the effective workouts for fat burn and staying active all day long. It’s certainly a great addition to incorporate a heavy bag into your workout routine. But the real question is: which gloves are good for a heavy bag? Boxing gloves or casual gloves?
Well, this detailed blog post is all about clearing your doubts about using gloves on a heavy bag. Additionally, you’ll get to know the difference between mma gloves and boxing gloves and much more.

Can You Use MMA Gloves on a Heavy Bag?
Are mma gloves good for heavy bag? Let’s find out in this section.
Do you want to use you traditional gloves on a heavy bag? If so then keep on reading before jumping into a heavy bag training.
Yes, you surely can use mma gloves on a heavy bag. But it’s always recommended to use boxing gloves on a heavy bag. The padding of gloves makes them suitable for heavy bags.
Why are boxing gloves recommended on a heavy bag? Boxing gloves offer maximum padding as compared to casual gloves. The extra padding makes the boxing gloves effective for heavy bag training.
Well, there are a few points to consider before using your traditional gloves on a heavy bag. Such as less wrist protection, unable to train, and chances of getting an injury.
But first, here’s the set of benefits of using gloves made for mixed martial arts.
Benefits of Using MMA Gloves on a Heavy Bag
Let’s check out the good side of using mma gloves on a heavy bag.
Better Punching Techniques
Mixed martial arts gloves allow a fighter to achieve better punching techniques. It’s effective to use mma gloves on heavy bags to develop better strategy and precision. In addition to that, casual gloves are lightweight and easy to use as well.
Less padding on the mma gloves forces a fighter to use a better and more precise punching technique to avoid any potential injury. Boxing gloves are great for protection but won’t allow going deep woth punching techniques.
Better MMA Training
Fighters who use traditional gloves on a heavy bag can be trained better as compared to fighters with boxing gloves. It’s because mma gloves allow a fighter to practice maximum techniques and methods. Martial arts gloves are great to become a pro at grappling, clinching, and much more. On the other hand, boxing gloves are not easy to use which makes them harder to control especially when you’re not a professional in heavy bag training.
Lighter on the Wrist and Hand
Gloves for martial arts are considered best for a beginner or a new heavy bag trainer. Boxing gloves are well-padded and offer maximum protection but they can’t condition your wrist and hands. That’s not the case with mma gloves.
Mma gloves can condition and prepare the hands and wrists for competition. Additionally, less padding on such gloves will keep you attentive to avoid risky injuries. Using mixed martial arts gloves once in a while makes the wrist muscles strong and resilient.

So, can you use MMA gloves on a heavy bag? We hope this section helped you clear your doubts.
Difference Between MMA Gloves and Boxing Gloves
It’s quite obvious that MMA gloves and boxing gloves both are a bit different in terms of padding, weight, and material. Let’s go into detail about the differences between the types of gloves.
Can You Punch a Heavy Bag without Gloves?
- Mixed martial arts gloves and boxing gloves, both are made of the same material. Most of the boxing and MMA gloves are made of synthetic leather.
- Boxing gloves are supposed to be more protective and offer more wrapping around knuckles. On the other hand, casual gloves are less protective and have less padding on the knuckles.
- Another difference between both gloves is the weight and level of padding. The MMA gloves are mostly weighed around 4 ounces while boxing gloves generally weigh 7 ounces and more.
Now that’s another question. Yes, you certainly can punch a heavy bag without gloves. This action helps you gain strength, resilience, and precision. But you have to be extra careful about not getting an injury.
From arm muscles to knuckles muscles, punching a heavy bag without gloves helps you achieve strength and condition your wrist muscles.
How to Hit a Heavy Bag Without Gloves?
You have to be careful while hitting or punching a heavy bag without gloves. First of all, keep your form arm straight while keeping your posture tight. Keep your two big knuckles forward and try to retract your hand at the moment of contact with the heavy bag.
Also, don’t go over the board with punches. It’s better to punch lightly and with absolute care.
Frequently Asked Question
1: How many oz is mma gloves?
Most of the MMA gloves weigh 4-5 ounces(oz). But you have the choice to go with different weight options as well
2: Do boxing gloves hurt more than MMA gloves?
No, boxing gloves don’t hurt as they come with maximum padding, especially around the knuckles and palms. So, boxing gloves are great to keep your hands and wrist protected and secure.
3: Are mma gloves more dangerous?
Well, mma gloves are not dangerous but you need to take precautionary measures while hitting a heavy bag with them. Otherwise, there’s a potential risk of serious hand injury and bone fracture.
4: What hurts more: MMA gloves or boxing gloves?
Gloves for mixed martial arts hurts more as compared to boxing gloves. Its because of less padding coverage around the knuckles and palm.
Bottom Line
Can you use mma gloves on a heavy bag? Yes, you can use gloves for mma on a heavy as it comes with different benefits. If you’re planning to use mma gloves on a heavy bag, make sure to be cautious and attentive throughout the training session.
We hope this article helped you understand the benefits and drawbacks of using a certain type of gloves on a heavy bag. Now it’s your decision to whether use these gloves or not.