Posted on by mmafitnessguide

Open Palm vs Closed Glove: What to Choose

Two MMA gloves—a lightweight open-palm style and a padded closed boxing glove—placed side-by-side on a gym floor to illustrate the differences between glove types.
Open-palm MMA gloves next to a closed boxing glove, showing the key differences between the two styles for training and sparring.

Choosing between open-palm gloves and closed-gloves is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your MMA training. Both styles have unique strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses depending on whether you’re drilling technique, sparring, competing, or working on grappling-heavy sessions.

This guide breaks down the differences clearly so you know exactly which type of glove is right for your training style and goals.

Why Your Glove Choice Matters

Different gloves change the feel of your striking, grappling, and overall training safety.

The right glove helps you:

  • Protect your knuckles and wrists
  • Grapple more efficiently
  • Strike with better accuracy
  • Reduce sparring injuries
  • Develop proper mechanics
  • Match the demands of MMA-specific training

Using the wrong glove can slow your progress — or worse, increase injury risk.

Open-Palm Gloves

Open-palm gloves are typically used in MMA training and competitions. They expose the fingers and leave the palm open for grappling control.

Key Features

  • Exposed fingers
  • Open or partially open palm
  • Lightweight (usually 4–6 oz)
  • Maximum mobility for grappling
  • Designed for MMA-specific training

Pros of Open-Palm Gloves

1. Great for Grappling

Open-palm gloves allow natural movement of your fingers, making it easier to:

  • Fight for underhooks
  • Grab wrists
  • Lock in submissions
  • Clinch effectively
  • Control scrambles

They are the most versatile option for jiu-jitsu + striking transitions.

2. Realistic MMA Feel

These are the gloves used in actual MMA competition, so training with them helps you adjust to:

  • Smaller striking surface
  • Realistic shot angles
  • Hand positioning
  • Range management

3. Light and Compact

Great for:

  • Shadowboxing
  • Pad work
  • Technical drilling
  • Sparring (when allowed)

Cons of Open-Palm Gloves

1. Less Protection

Because they’re smaller and lighter, open-palm gloves offer less padding on:

  • Knuckles
  • Wrist
  • Opponent’s face (during sparring)

This makes hard sparring riskier.

2. Higher Injury Risk for Partners

Small gloves mean:

  • More cuts
  • Higher impact per strike
  • Less cushioning

Most gyms do not allow full-power sparring with MMA gloves.

3. Finger Exposure

Because the fingers aren’t fully protected, there’s a higher chance of:

  • Finger jams
  • Scrapes
  • Accidental eye pokes

Closed Gloves (Boxing-Style)

Closed gloves fully cover the hand, offering more padding and wrist support.

Key Features

  • Fully enclosed fist
  • Padded knuckle surface
  • Usually 12–16 oz for training
  • Perfect for striking emphasis

Pros of Closed Gloves

1. Maximum Safety for Sparring

The extra padding protects:

  • Your partner
  • Your own knuckles
  • Your wrists
  • Your training longevity

Most gyms require closed gloves for sparring.

2. Better for Pure Striking Work

Closed gloves are ideal for:

  • Hard bag work
  • Power pad rounds
  • Kickboxing sparring
  • Developing punching mechanics

They help you hit harder with less risk.

3. Reduced Chance of Injury

Closed gloves prevent many common injuries like:

  • Knuckle swelling
  • Wrist strain
  • Cuts from knuckle edges

Because the hand is locked into one position, stability increases.

Cons of Closed Gloves

1. Limited Grappling Ability

It’s harder to:

  • Pummel
  • Grab wrists
  • Sink in chokes
  • Fight for underhooks
  • Work clinch ties

Closed gloves restrict hand dexterity.

2. Heavier and Bulkier

This changes how your punches feel and alters defensive movements like:

  • Parrying
  • Blocking
  • Covering
  • Hand fighting

3. Not Realistic for MMA Competition

Closed gloves do not replicate real MMA glove mechanics.

What Should You Choose?

The best glove depends on your training focus.

Choose Open-Palm Gloves If You Want To:

  • Practice MMA grappling + striking transitions
  • Drill cage work
  • Work clinch striking or dirty boxing
  • Do light MMA sparring
  • Shadowbox with realistic glove weight
  • Prepare for competition

Best for: MMA-specific training days.

Choose Closed Gloves If You Want To:

  • Spar safely
  • Work heavy bag power sessions
  • Focus on boxing or kickboxing drills
  • Protect your hands long-term
  • Do high-volume padwork

Best for: Hard sparring, striking days, and general boxing conditioning.

Hybrid Option: Open-Finger Training Gloves

Some brands make “hybrid” gloves with extra padding but open fingers.
These are great for:

  • Light sparring
  • MMA drilling
  • Grappling + striking flow rounds

They offer a balance between mobility and protection.

Final Takeaway

There’s no single “best” glove — the right choice depends on your training goals. Open-palm gloves give you mobility and realism for MMA-specific drills and light sparring. Closed gloves give you safety, power, and wrist support for striking-heavy days.

Most fighters eventually use both:

  • Open palm for MMA technique, grappling, and padwork
  • Closed glove for striking, heavy bag, and sparring

Choosing the right glove for the right session will help you train smarter, safer, and with better long-term progress.