Your first MMA class: what gear you need

Since the first UFC event in Belgrade on 1 August 2026, a lot of people are looking into MMA gyms for the first time. The good news is that you don’t need much to start.

What to bring the first time

• A fitted top, ideally a rash guard. A loose T-shirt is easy to grab and gets tangled on the ground.
• Shorts with no zips, buttons or pockets. Metal and pockets catch fingers.
• Sandals to the edge of the mat. You train barefoot on the mat.
• Water and a towel.

Trim your fingernails and toenails before training. Take off rings, watches and chains. If you have a cut or a skin issue, tell the coach before the session.

What to buy once you keep going

In the order you’ll need them:

1. A mouthguard. The cheapest gear that protects the most. It’s mandatory for sparring.
2. Hand wraps. They support your wrist and hand under the gloves. Wash them after every session.
3. MMA sparring gloves, around 7 oz. You use them for striking, clinch and groundwork. The size guide explains how to choose your size.
4. Shin guards once you start sparring with kicks. MMA uses slimmer ones that stay on during groundwork.
5. A groin guard, for men, for sparring.

Your own gloves or the gym’s

Gym gloves are fine for a first class. Once you train regularly, your own pair is the better choice: you know who wore them, they fit your hand and they dry at your place. Before buying, ask your coach whether the gym has rules for sparring gloves.

How to keep your gear from smelling

• Take your gloves out of the bag as soon as you get home. A closed, damp bag is the main cause of the smell.
• Open the wrist strap and spread the gloves so they air out and dry.
• Don’t dry them on a radiator or in strong sun, as that damages the material.
• Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Wash your wraps after every session.

Not sure which gloves to wear for sparring? Read MMA vs boxing gloves for sparring.