Fairtex MMA Gloves Review: FGV15 vs FGV17 vs FGV18 Compared

If you train Muay Thai or MMA, there comes a point where traditional boxing gloves simply do not cut it anymore. Whether you are transitioning into mixed martial arts training, drilling clinch entries with strikes, or simply want gloves that allow you to work on technique without the bulk of 16oz sparring gloves, MMA gloves fill a crucial gap in your equipment bag.

Fairtex has built its reputation on premium combat sports equipment since 1958. Their MMA glove range carries the same commitment to quality that has made their Muay Thai gloves a staple in gyms worldwide. But with three main models available - the FGV15, FGV17 and FGV18 - knowing which pair suits your training can be confusing.

This Fairtex MMA gloves review breaks down each model in detail, comparing construction, padding, intended use and value. By the end, you will know exactly which glove matches your training style.

What Makes MMA Gloves Different from Boxing and Muay Thai Gloves?

Before diving into specific models, it helps to understand why MMA gloves exist as a distinct category. The design requirements are fundamentally different from traditional striking gloves.

Boxing gloves prioritise punching power and protection. They feature heavy padding concentrated around the knuckles, fully enclosed fingers, and a longer cuff for maximum wrist support. The trade-off is zero finger mobility. You cannot grip, clinch effectively, or transition to grappling.

Muay Thai gloves distribute padding more evenly across the back of the hand to help block kicks and elbows. The palm is slightly more open than boxing gloves, allowing for clinch work and catching kicks. However, grappling remains impractical.

MMA gloves solve the grappling problem entirely. Open-finger designs allow for grip, more secure underhooks, submissions and cage work. The reduced padding makes them lighter and less restrictive, though this means they offer less protection for heavy sparring. Most MMA gloves weigh between 4oz and 7oz, compared to the 10oz-16oz range of boxing and Muay Thai gloves.

For Muay Thai practitioners crossing into MMA, or fighters who want to train striking and grappling in the same session, MMA gloves bridge the gap between pure striking equipment and bare-handed training.

Fairtex MMA Gloves: The Range Explained

Fairtex currently offers three main MMA glove models, each designed with different training scenarios in mind. All three share core Fairtex qualities: handmade construction in Thailand, ergonomic shaping, latex foam padding and double velcro wrist closures. The differences lie in padding thickness, finger design and intended use.

Quick Comparison: Fairtex MMA Gloves

Fairtex FGV15: The All-Round Workhorse

The FGV15 represents the foundation of Fairtex's MMA range and sits as their best-selling model for good reason. It strikes an effective balance between protection and functionality that suits most training scenarios.

Construction and materials

Built from genuine leather, the FGV15 features Fairtex's signature durability. The leather outer will mould to your hand shape over time and withstand years of regular use with proper care. Inside, ultra-thick latex foam padding provides strike absorption and knuckle protection during bag work and pad drills.

The open palm design allows full grip functionality for clinching, grappling transitions and cage work. An open thumb gives you freedom to control and post, though it does require good technique to avoid thumb injuries during strikes.

Wrist support

One of the FGV15's standout features is its double wrist wrap closure system. Unlike single-strap MMA gloves, the dual velcro straps provide significantly better wrist support and a more secure fit. This makes a noticeable difference during heavy bag sessions where wrist stability matters.

Best suited for

•       Bag and pad work where you want lighter gloves than traditional boxing gloves

•       Technical sparring at moderate intensity

•       Muay Thai practitioners adding MMA training to their routine

•       Fighters who want one versatile pair for mixed training sessions

The FGV15 is not ideal for very heavy sparring where maximum padding is essential. For hard rounds, the FGV17 or FGV18 provide more cushioning for both you and your training partners.

Fairtex FGV17: Maximum Protection with Split Knuckle Design

The FGV17 takes a different approach to MMA glove design. Fairtex describes it as the closest thing to a boxing glove you can wear while still maintaining grappling functionality. For sparring-focused training, this is often the better choice.

Construction and materials

Like the FGV15, the FGV17 uses genuine leather construction and latex foam padding. The key difference is the split knuckle design and more enclosed finger coverage. This provides thicker padding across the knuckles compared to the open-palm FGV15.

The curved, ergonomic shape supports better grip control during grappling while the closed thumb design protects against accidental thumb injuries and eye pokes during sparring. If your gym is strict about partner safety, the enclosed thumb is a significant advantage.

Who should choose the FGV17?

•       Beginners who want confidence and extra protection while learning

•       Sparring-focused training where partner safety is a priority

•       Fighters transitioning from pure boxing or Muay Thai who want familiar glove feel

•       Training that mixes striking with clinch work and takedown entries

The trade-off is slightly reduced finger dexterity compared to the fully open FGV15. If your training involves a lot of ground work, submissions and detailed grip fighting, you may find the FGV15 more practical.

Fairtex FGV18: Built for Heavy Hitters

The FGV18 were custom-designed in collaboration with Alistair Overeem, one of MMA's most iconic strikers. If you hit hard and train primarily MMA, this glove addresses the problem that standard 4oz competition gloves are simply too small for regular sparring.

Construction and materials

The FGV18 uses durable microfiber leather rather than genuine leather. Microfiber offers advantages for training gloves: it is lighter, easier to clean, more odour-resistant and requires less maintenance than traditional leather. For gloves that will see heavy, sweaty use, this is a practical choice.

Where the FGV18 truly stands apart is padding. The gloves feature extra-thick padding on the knuckles specifically designed for heavy punchers. Additional padding around the wrist and thumb provides further protection during intense sparring sessions.

Who should choose the FGV18?

•       Heavyweight fighters or those with naturally heavy hands

•       Coaches working with powerful athletes who spar hard

•       Gyms with a culture of hard sparring where maximum padding protects everyone

•       Anyone who prioritises partner safety above all else

For lighter fighters or those focused primarily on technique rather than power, the FGV18's bulk may be more than you need. The FGV15 or FGV17 will likely feel more comfortable for extended training sessions.

Fairtex MMA Gloves Size Guide

All three Fairtex MMA glove models are available in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. To find your size, measure the circumference of your dominant hand just below the knuckles with your hand flat.

If you are between sizes, size up for comfort, especially if you plan to use hand wraps underneath. Remember that like all handmade equipment, there may be slight variation between individual pairs - account for 1-3% variance when comparing to size charts.

Which Fairtex MMA Gloves Should You Choose?

Your choice comes down to how you train and what you prioritise.

Choose the FGV15 if you want a versatile all-rounder. It works well for bag work, pad drills, technical sparring and grappling integration. The open palm design gives you maximum finger dexterity, and the double wrist wrap provides excellent support. This is the best choice for Muay Thai practitioners adding MMA training or fighters who do a bit of everything.

Choose the FGV17 if sparring protection is your priority. The enclosed thumb and thicker knuckle padding make it the safest option for regular partner work. Beginners will appreciate the confidence that comes from extra protection, and experienced fighters will value keeping their training partners healthy. The boxing-glove feel makes transitioning from pure striking sports easier.

Choose the FGV18 if you hit hard or train with heavy hitters. The extra knuckle padding was designed specifically for powerful strikers, and the microfiber construction handles heavy, sweaty training with minimal maintenance. If your gym culture involves hard sparring or you are a bigger athlete, this is your glove.

Complete Your MMA Training Setup

MMA gloves are just one part of a complete training setup. For sparring that includes kicks and checks, you will also need quality shin guards. Fairtex's SP5 and SP8 series are popular choices that pair well with their MMA gloves, offering the same commitment to quality and protection.

Consider keeping multiple pairs of gloves for different training scenarios: MMA gloves for mixed work and grappling integration, plus heavier Muay Thai or boxing gloves for pure striking sessions where maximum padding matters.

Summary

Fairtex's MMA glove range offers something for every training style. The FGV15 delivers versatile all-round performance at excellent value. The FGV17 prioritises protection for sparring with its boxing-glove-style construction. The FGV18 provides the extra padding that heavy hitters need to train safely.

All three share Fairtex's commitment to quality: handmade construction, ergonomic design and durable materials that will last through years of training. As premium equipment, they represent an investment - but one that pays off in performance, safety and longevity.

Ready to find the right pair for your training? Browse our complete range of Fairtex MMA gloves and equip yourself with gear trusted by fighters worldwide.