Do You Wear Hand Wraps Under MMA Gloves? The Complete Guide by MRX Products

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should wear hand wraps under your MMA gloves, you’re not alone. Many fighters, both beginners and professionals, debate this question.

Hand wraps aren’t just an accessory; they’re an essential layer of protection that can make a significant difference in your performance and safety.

In this guide, MRX Products explains why hand wraps matter, when to wear them, and how they enhance your training experience.

What Are Hand Wraps?

Hand wraps are long strips of fabric designed to support the bones, tendons, and muscles in your hands and wrists. They’re typically made of cotton or elastic material and are wrapped around the knuckles, fingers, and wrists before wearing MMA gloves.
Their primary purpose is to stabilize your hand structure and prevent injuries during high-impact strikes.

Why Hand Wraps Are Important Under MMA Gloves

1. Enhanced Protection

Your hands are composed of small, delicate bones that can easily be injured during striking. Wearing hand wraps distributes the impact force across your hand and wrist, reducing the risk of fractures, sprains, and bruising.

2. Wrist Stability

Proper wrist alignment is crucial during punches. Hand wraps provide additional wrist support, ensuring that your hand remains in the correct position, which helps avoid painful bends or twists.

3. Improved Glove Fit

MMA gloves can sometimes feel loose, especially for smaller hands. Hand wraps create a snug and comfortable fit, preventing the gloves from shifting during sparring or training.

4. Sweat Absorption

Hand wraps act as a sweat barrier, keeping your gloves cleaner and odor-free for longer. This helps extend the lifespan of your MMA gloves.

Do You Really Need Hand Wraps for MMA Training?

Yes, hand wraps are highly recommended, even though MMA gloves already have padding. MMA gloves are designed for flexibility and grappling, not full cushioning. Without hand wraps, your hands absorb more impact, increasing the risk of injury over time.

Professional fighters and trainers consistently emphasize that hand wraps and gloves work together — the wraps protect the internal structure, and the gloves absorb external shock.

How to Choose the Right Hand Wraps

When selecting hand wraps, focus on length, material, and comfort. MRX Products offers durable, breathable, and stretchable hand wraps that deliver professional-grade support for all training levels.

Key factors to consider:

  • Material: Cotton or elastic blends for flexibility
  • Length: 120" to 180", depending on your hand size
  • Closure: Hook-and-loop (Velcro) for secure fastening
  • Washability: Machine-wash safe for easy maintenance

How to Wrap Your Hands Properly

  • Start by securing the loop around your thumb.
  • Wrap around your wrist 2–3 times for stability.
  • Move around your knuckles 2–3 times.
  • Weave between your fingers for full coverage.
  • Finish with a few wraps around your wrist and secure the Velcro.

If you’re new, you can find detailed tutorials on the MRX Products website, showing how to wrap hands like a professional fighter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wrapping too tightly (restricts blood flow)
  • Leaving gaps between wraps (causes uneven pressure)
  • Skipping finger support
  • Wearing worn-out or loose wraps

Each of these can reduce the effectiveness of your protection and increase injury risk.

FAQ Section

1. Can I train without hand wraps?

Yes, but it’s not recommended for long-term use. Regular training without wraps can lead to knuckle bruises and wrist injuries.

2. How often should I replace my hand wraps?

Replace them every few months or when they lose elasticity or become too worn out to stay tight.

3. Can I use boxing wraps for MMA gloves?

Yes, most boxing wraps are suitable for MMA training as long as they provide proper compression and flexibility.

Final Thoughts

So, do you wear hand wraps under MMA gloves? Absolutely — and you should. Hand wraps play a vital role in protecting your hands, improving glove fit, and boosting performance. Whether you’re striking a bag or sparring with a partner, wraps are your first line of defense.

At MRX Products, we’re committed to helping fighters perform at their best. Our range of hand wraps and MMA gloves combines durability, comfort, and professional design trusted by athletes worldwide.

Back to blog